Top 10 holiday tips

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Christmas Countdown: What You Should Be Thinking About Now It's never to early to start planning your shopping center's decor program for the upcoming holiday season.

Whether you need a brand new custom designed holiday decor program or want to update your existing one with a fresh new twist, you’ll need to determine how to make the season sparkle brighter than ever this year. With so much to consider, we put together a list of things to think about as you head into the most important selling season of the year. #1 Choose the locations for your holiday decor that will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Consider the major site lines and perspectives from where the decor will be seen. Think about best places for both large and small scale decor along with overhead elements.

#2 Look at your shopping center with fresh eyes.

Just because the Santa set has always been in the same location doesn’t mean it needs to stay there. Determine if another location would be more generate more traffic and revenue or just be more dynamic and exciting.

#3 Decide which architectural elements you want to enhance and which ones you want to mask.

Is there an architectural feature that calls for amazing décor and would really stand out if decked in sparkling LED lights? Are you trying to avoid drawing attention to temporary construction?

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#4 What theme concept would appeal to your target market?

Is it fashion forward and contemporary, indulgent and luxurious, traditional and classic? Think out of the box and work with custom decor designers to choose a theme that sets you apart from the competition. #5 Place your holiday decor orders as early as possible.

Extended lead time allows you to take advantage of better pricing. Last minute orders cost more due to rush shipping of dĂŠcor elements.

#6 Does your seasonal decor program need some TLC? Now is the time to start addressing refurbishments including repairing any imperfections, touch up painting and ordering replacement lights and ornamentation.

#7 Seek out sponsors!

Your seasonal decor becomes the perfect platform to provide valuable exposure to your sponsors and puts them directly in touch with their target audience. Work with seasonal decor designers to customize decor elements that will boost your sponsor’s brand.

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#8 Let your shoppers be a part of the holiday decor experience.

For example, this new interactive tree lets your shoppers upload their own selfies to oversized ornaments adorning this holiday tree. Shoppers can then share their super fun pics socially and via email. #9 Encourage shoppers to share your décor on social media.

Seasonal décor has already been popping up on social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram for the last 2 years. Take advantage of this with social media contests. Social media contests are a free way to monetize your décor, spread your reach and build on customer excitement.

#10 Schedule installation and removal ahead of time.

Your decor installer’s calendar is most likely filling up quickly.

Booking these tasks in advance allows you to obtain the optimal date of installation and removal for your mall. Avoid negative comments by shoppers about installing decor “too early” or taking it down “too late” by determining dates in advance with your decor installer.

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