Event design, decor company, how to design retail space

It's the magical time of Holiday markets in the city! What have we learned about designing them?

As we have proudly been working on design projects for the Toronto Christmas Market and the One of a Kind Show, booth design is on the very top of our minds during this time of year!

What is our thinking process when designing these spaces? It really depends on whether there is an existing design or we are starting from scratch! Here are the factors we consider:

Elevating Pre-Existing Booth Design:
1. What degrades the current set-up?
2. Are there any opportunities to mask or remove any items?
3. Are there any existing great elements to bring out further?
4. What are recognizable trademarks that a customer would already associate to this space?
5. Are all the typical selling zones of a retail space there? (Welcome point, P.O.P. area, New Arrivals, "showroom" factor, marketing, etc.)
6. What other marketing material exists that can be further showcased in this set-up? (e.g. social media style)
7. How shoppable is the space?
8. What additions would make this space more enticing to explore?

Starting From Scratch:
1. What is the brand image?
2. What are current visual cues (e.g. social media style)
3. What types of products are being sold, and grouped into what categories?
4. Are there products that customers are already familiar with?
5. How will a customer understand the products through visual communication?
6. How will this booth stand out vs. its neighbouring booths?
7. What type of aesthetic will suit the particular show that it's featured in?
8. What types of interaction is needed for customers to understand and fall in love with the products?