Holiday Decoration Checklist for Commercial Facilities with High Foot Traffic

A commercial Christmas decoration display is designed to attract foot traffic- yet foot traffic can be its biggest threat. High traffic in a decorated retail environment puts decor at risk. It can break or fall, leading to injuries, replacement expenses, and other unwanted outcomes. 

However, with the right approach, you can hang decorations safely, ensuring they remain in place, even during your biggest shopping days. This holiday decoration checklist will serve as a guide, helping you complete a successful season with minimal incidents. 

Although large-scale holiday displays can create issues in high-traffic areas, they are necessary for promoting your brand, ensuring you attract crowds, and setting you apart from the competition. Here are some reasons businesses can’t be without them when the season rolls around.

No holiday season would be complete without commercial Christmas decor. It’s expected in most shopping locations. Without it, your business would disappoint customers and be outshone by competitors.

Although any decor is better than no decor, brands should go that extra mile to create an appealing aesthetic that represents their brand and appeals to their target audience.

Statistics show that window displays can increase foot traffic by 23% , so consider what a full-blown holiday display can do. It will drive people to your business during the holiday season, increasing the chances that they will make a purchase.

Your displays will be even more successful if you include a sense of engagement. You can achieve this goal with interactive lights, selfie stations , and other decor that allows customers to get involved. Engagement supports a more memorable experience, increasing the chances that customers will recommend your brand to friends and choose you when they require your products and services. 

With so many stores decorating during the holiday season, standing out requires extra effort. Still, it can be easily achieved by adding custom outdoor lighting displays and ornaments that feature your brand name and colors, and represent your products and services. In addition to making your brand more memorable, branded elements can be captured in photographs posted on social media to increase your marketing efforts. 

Beyond that, decorations enhance the customer experience. Lights elevate mood while decor helps conjure positive memories associated with the holiday season. Displays create a festive welcoming atmosphere that makes shopping more enjoyable. 

Statistics show that shoppers spend  30% more time in shopping centers with attractive holiday displays. The more time they spend in your shop, the more likely they will buy. The increased dwell time will help them notice items they may not have seen, and they may want to buy something to thank shop owners for the experience.

Decor also supports shopping intent. It reminds shoppers that now is the time to start crossing items off their checklist. Advertising specific items as gifts can further drive sales. 

Planning early ensures you have time to decorate before the season gets very busy. It also eliminates the risk of being unable to access the products and services you need due to items being sold out and professional holiday decorators being unavailable. Smart business owners will begin planning in the second or third quarter and may even look for deals year-round.

Your timeline involves more than determining when to start shopping for and hanging indoor-outdoor commercial holiday decor. You should plan out a step-by-step timeline that includes: 

• Determining this year’s display theme
• Mapping out your display
• Going through last year’s decorations to determine which can be recycled, which need repairs, and which to discard
• Shopping for new decorations
• Installing your display

Various stakeholders may be involved in the planning stages. These include:

• Investors and Executives: Consult with these higher-ups to determine your budget and a theme that aligns with your brand.
• Marketing Teams: Marketing teams will advise you on how best to express your brand identity through decorating efforts.
• Employees: Store employees can provide valuable insights on which decorations are most pleasing to customers. They will also enjoy getting involved in the decorating process.
• Customers: Consider getting customers involved. Ask them what type of decorations they want to see this holiday season. This approach will boost engagement, increase brand identity, and attract foot traffic.

Next, you must identify key decorating zones. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Exterior Spaces are a Must: Exterior decorations are most effective in attracting foot traffic, and these spaces should not be ignored. Consider installing weatherproof outdoor LED holiday lights and ornaments in exterior environments to bring in a crowd during Christmas.
• Entranceways: Decorate entranceways to create high-impact visual displays. They will set the tone for the shopping experience, ensuring positive outcomes.
• Consider Possible Hazards: When installing decorations, stay clear of walkways to prevent tripping hazards. ADA-compliant holiday decorating ideas will ensure all your customers stay safe.
• Think About Your Products: Ensure your decorations don’t interfere with your product displays. Instead, they should enhance them, making your products look more appealing. 

Safety is crucial in a retail setting. If decorations are not installed with care, accidents can occur. They can lead to considerable liabilities, including damage to the store, the business reputation, and shopper injuries. In severe cases, the store may never recover.

The following tips will prevent incidents: 

The following features are typically standard for commercial-grade, fire-resistant holiday decorations:

• Durable: These decorations are typically constructed with durable materials that won’t break easily and cause injuries.
• Safety Features: Commercial-grade holiday lights and other decor may have safety features like non-flammable materials and secure wiring.
• Enhanced aesthetics: Commercial property holiday decor features advanced manufacturing, which can contribute to enhanced aesthetics.
• Weather Resistance: Durable outdoor Christmas lights will withstand various weather events without breaking or catching fire.
• Longevity: These decorations will withstand the test of time, reducing the need for expensive repairs and replacements. They are also typically resistant to UV fading. 

Keeping walkways clear and accessible will reduce the risk of tripping hazards. While keeping decorations out of walkways may seem obvious, businesses must also consider that wiring can create injury risks, even if it runs under carpeting. Companies should secure loose wiring and all decorations to prevent them from falling into walking areas.

Local safety codes vary by jurisdiction, but here are some common ones to consider:

• Decorations should not block emergency exits
• Ornaments should not interfere with sprinkler systems, exit signs, and fire signs
• Secure installation is necessary to avoid injuries
• Follow electrical recommendations- avoid overloading outlets and using non-approved lighting and equipment.
• Choose decorations made of non-flammable materials. 

Businesses should invest in maintenance-free holiday decor that withstands the test of time. This approach reduces the need for replacement and repairs and ensures businesses don’t spend a lot of time maintaining ornaments. Here are some tips to keep in mind. 

Commercial-grade products are recommended because they are more durable and damage-resistant than non-commercial Christmas decorations. They may require a bigger initial investment, but they will withstand the test of time, providing more value for your money. 

The environmental trend is not going anywhere, and customers appreciate stores that use natural elements in their holiday design. However, these components typically last through one holiday season before requiring replacement, leading to unnecessary expenses. Natural pine needles also shed, leading to excessive cleanup.

That’s not to say businesses should not incorporate any natural elements into their decor. However, they should be sensible about their environmental efforts. For example, a real  garland  may be more effective than an entire tree. 

A major cleanup can also contribute to holiday expenses. Businesses that choose a DIY approach will need to spend a lot of time cleaning, reducing the time they typically dedicate to improving profitability. A professional cleaning service also adds to costs.

You can ensure an easy cleanup by:

• Choosing ornaments with simple construction: This approach reduces the need to disassemble ornaments each year.
• Avoiding natural decor: While beautiful, sustainable, natural decor can shed and track dirt, increasing cleanup time and expenses.
• Clean as You Go: By cleaning throughout the season, you can avoid one big cleanup. Vacuum up dirt and dust off ornaments as you notice issues.
• Choose Easy to Clean Materials: Metal, plastic, and fabric are easy to clean, making them low-maintenance decor materials.
• Use Protective Covers: If possible, place protective covers over the floor or on items that could get dirty. You can lift these covers at the season's end to remove dirt. 

Electrical and lighting safety are imperative in preventing potentially disastrous fires. Here are some helpful outdoor lighting installation tips to ensure safe outdoor holiday lights. 

Circuit overload can be avoided by:

• Distributing loads across multiple circuits- you should especially avoid overloading circuits with high-power appliances
• Using circuit breakers to prevent power surges
• Unplugging devices that are not in use

Lighting should be inspected before, during, and after the holiday season. Look out for the following signs, which could lead to a potentially dangerous situation:

• Discoloration
• Flickering
• Cracks
• Dimming

Indoor and outdoor lighting automation systems are a safe choice for the following reasons:

• Smart outdoor holiday lights typically use energy-efficient LED holiday lighting, which doesn’t run as hot as incandescent bulbs, reducing fire risk.
• Automated systems turn off at a specific time each night, reducing the strain on your electrical system.
• Reduces Energy Use: Though not related to safety, programmable Christmas lights only turn on when needed, making them an energy-efficient choice. 

Ensure your commercial holiday decorating ideas are inclusive and reflect your brand identity by integrating the following commercial Christmas decoration tips:

You can incorporate your brand identity into your decor by:

• Choosing Decor That Represents Your Brand Colors: Modern designers are stepping outside the box with colors that go beyond the traditional red and green. Choose design colors that align with your brand to make your identity shine.
• Customized Decorations: Order decorations customized with your logo and brand mascot. These could include ornaments, selfie stations, and tree toppers .
• Include Your Products and Services in Your Display: You can increase customer awareness of your products and services by including them in your display. For example, a software company may develop a display based on a robot theme and include ornaments shaped like computers and microchips. 

Not all customers celebrate Christmas; some feel left out by shops that don’t recognize other cultures and religions. You can cater to these customers by:

• Creating Non-Denominational Decorations: Rather than showcase decorations that specifically celebrate Christmas, create a winter theme with snowflakes , crystals, and winter villages. Avoid anything that mentions Santa or religion.
• Recognize All Holidays: Ensure your decor recognizes all cultures by including decorations for Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, etc. 

Companies should focus on high-impact visual zones when installing decorations. These include:

• Entryways and Hallways: Decorations in these areas will create an eye-catching first impression, preparing shoppers for a pleasant experience.
• Exteriors: Exteriors should be brightly decorated to attract foot traffic and make your brand stand out.
• Focal Points: Look around your commercial spaces to determine which areas catch the eye. They may include corners, transition spaces, or ceilings. 

Mid-season maintenance is essential. It ensures decorations look their best and can identify hazards and signs of damage before they escalate into bigger issues. The following tips will ensure your decor is well-maintained throughout the holiday.

Assign employees to double as decoration monitors during the holiday season. They can:

• Look out for damaged elements and recommend removal or replacement
• Clean and dust ornaments to prevent dirt buildup
• Secure ornaments that may be loose to prevent them from falling

Cleaning and dusting are essential to maintenance, but these tasks must be handled carefully to avoid damage and potential injuries. Here are some tips to consider:

• Use Soft Cleaning Instruments: Harsh cleaning chemicals and rough surfaces can damage some materials. To prevent damage, use feather dusters, soft-bristled brushes, microfiber cloths, and mild soap.
• Disassemble if Necessary: Some decoration components may need to be disassembled to clean them well and safely. This step should be conducted when no customers are in the store to avoid safety issues and disruptions.
• Special Considerations: Ornaments made of delicate materials may require specialized cleaning, which should be considered during maintenance. 

Although natural components can cause a mess and lead to additional expenses, businesses can be eco-friendly in other ways, impressing customers and saving money on holiday decor. Here are some recommended solutions.

• LED Lighting: LEDs are a preferred choice because they use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last close to 25 times longer.
• Go Recyclable: Buy recycled decorations and choose ornaments from recycled materials to reduce waste.
• Choose decorations made of biodegradable materials , such as wood, paper, and certain fabrics.
• Automate lighting that will turn off at a specific time each day to reduce energy use. 

Commercial Christmas decorations are ideal for high-traffic areas but also present risks. Ornaments can fall, cause fire hazards, and lead to other incidents. A professional decorating service, like Dekra-Lite, can help. 

We have years of experience with large-scale holiday displays. Our team ensures every component is installed safely and securely, and looks its best. We can save businesses time and money during the hectic holiday season. 

Contact us to ensure your decorating efforts go off without a hitch. 

Commercial-grade decorations are ideal for high-traffic areas. They withstand the test of time and don’t break easily, reducing the risk of injury. These decorations also look great, making a favorable impression on customers. 

Fire safety requirements vary by jurisdiction. However, most localities require businesses not to block fire safety equipment and exits and to take measures to avoid fires. 

Yes, technically decorations can be used year after year. However, you may switch things up if your decorations get damaged or you want to change your design theme. 

Most commercial spaces start decorating after Halloween or gradually switch things up during the Halloween season. However, planning should start earlier in the year, ideally in the second or third quarter. 

Trends in commercial holiday decor come and go. Currently, businesses are favoring eco-friendly materials, bold-colored, themed decor, and vintage and retro aesthetics.