{"id":5789,"date":"2026-11-06T04:06:05","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T04:06:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/holiday-window-display-planning-timeline\/"},"modified":"2026-11-06T04:15:09","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T04:15:09","slug":"holiday-window-display-planning-timeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/insights\/retail-display-trends\/holiday-window-display-planning-timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"Weihnachtliche Schaufensterdekorationen: Ein Planungszeitplan f\u00fcr Einzelhandelsteams"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>A strong holiday window is planned backwards from the installation date: concept, mannequin and prop orders, lighting tests and a rehearsal install all need time before opening night.<\/strong> Teams that start early can order and test properly; teams that start late tend to reuse whatever is in storage and hope it fits the story.<\/p>\n<p>This timeline breaks the season into phases. Adjust the timing to your own lead times, store count and installation windows. If you are reading this mid-season, use it to plan your refresh and January changeover, and to set up next year&#8217;s program.<\/p>\n<div class=\"key-takeaways\" style=\"border-left:4px solid #b08d57;background:#f7f4ef;padding:16px 20px;margin:24px 0;\">\n<p><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Plan backwards from the installation date, allowing for approval, production, shipping and mock-up.<\/li>\n<li>Audit and refurbish existing mannequins and props before placing new orders.<\/li>\n<li>Mock up the window and test it at night with the real lighting.<\/li>\n<li>Send stores an installation pack and collect photos to check consistency.<\/li>\n<li>Schedule a mid-season refresh and a January strike with inspection and storage.<\/li>\n<li>XINTU reference: MOQ 10 pcs per style; samples typically 1\u20133 weeks before bulk production and sea freight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>1. Set the story and the commercial goal<\/h2>\n<p>Begin with what the window needs to achieve: drive gifting, launch a capsule, introduce a partywear edit or build brand image. One clear goal shapes every later decision, from mannequin count to lighting.<\/p>\n<p>The commercial stakes are significant. The National Retail Federation forecasts that US retail sales in November and December 2026 will grow 4.2% over 2025 to about $1.013 trillion, and defines the holiday season as 1 November to 31 December (<a href=\"https:\/\/nrf.com\/media-center\/press-releases\/nrf-forecasts-2026-holiday-sales-growth-as-consumers-remain-resilient\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NRF 2026 holiday forecast<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Agree on a single story a passer-by can understand in a few seconds. Then define how you will judge success, such as footfall, sales of featured products or social mentions. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/retail-display-trends\/measure-window-display-performance\/\">window performance test plan<\/a> shows how to set this up before installation.<\/p>\n<h2>2. Audit what you already own<\/h2>\n<p>Before ordering, check storage. List mannequins by type, pose, finish and condition; check arms, bases and fittings; and note props that can be reused or refinished. Look for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Forms that need repair or new covers. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/craft-materials\/mannequin-repair-and-refurbishment\/\">repair and refurbishment guide<\/a> explains the options.<\/li>\n<li>Gaps in poses or sizes the story requires.<\/li>\n<li>Bases or fittings that do not suit the window floor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The audit often shows that a smaller new order, combined with refurbished stock, covers the concept.<\/p>\n<h2>3. Specify and order mannequins and props<\/h2>\n<p>Holiday stories often call for movement and grouping: figures in conversation, a seated figure beside a tree, a family scene. Choose poses that support the story, and confirm quantities, including spares for the busiest stores. Useful references:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/mannequin-guides\/window-display-mannequins-guide\/\">Window display mannequins<\/a> for choosing forms that work behind glass.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/mannequin-guides\/mannequin-poses-and-postures-guide\/\">Mannequin poses and postures<\/a> for building movement into the scene.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/mannequin-guides\/seated-mannequins-seat-display-planning\/\">Seated mannequins<\/a> if the scene includes a seated figure.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/buying-display-guides\/planning-mannequin-quantities-for-seasonal-retail-displays\/\">Seasonal mannequin quantities<\/a> for multi-store planning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Holiday palettes lean on rich color. A statement cover such as deep green or burgundy velvet can carry the theme with simple styling; see our <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/mannequin-guides\/velvet-mannequins-retail-guide\/\">velvet mannequin guide<\/a>. For gifting stories built around jewelry and watches, pair the figures with <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/buying-display-guides\/hand-display-stands-jewelry-guide\/\">hand display stands<\/a> at the front of the window. Confirm production and shipping times early; our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/buying-display-guides\/custom-mannequin-manufacturing-moq-samples-lead-times\/\">MOQ, samples and lead times<\/a> explains what affects them.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\" style=\"max-width:420px;margin:24px auto;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/product\/red-velvet-female-seated-mannequin-with-white-arms\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-red-velvet-seated-female-01-front-768x1024.webp\" alt=\"Red velvet seated female mannequin with white arms\" class=\"wp-image-4260\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-red-velvet-seated-female-01-front-768x1024.webp 768w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-red-velvet-seated-female-01-front-100x133.webp 100w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-red-velvet-seated-female-01-front-600x800.webp 600w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-red-velvet-seated-female-01-front-300x400.webp 300w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-red-velvet-seated-female-01-front-225x300.webp 225w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-red-velvet-seated-female-01-front-113x150.webp 113w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-red-velvet-seated-female-01-front-1152x1536.webp 1152w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-red-velvet-seated-female-01-front-9x12.webp 9w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-red-velvet-seated-female-01-front.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>A seated red velvet figure can anchor a holiday scene at a lower height.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As a planning reference, our standard female mannequins are 180 cm tall with 85 \/ 64.5 \/ 91 cm bust, waist and hip (male half-body forms 100 \/ 80 \/ 97 cm), and all sizes can be customized. The MOQ is 10 pcs per style and pre-production samples typically take 1\u20133 weeks, so build sample approval, bulk production and sea freight into the timeline before your installation date.<\/p>\n<h2>4. Mock up the composition<\/h2>\n<p>Build a full-size or scaled mock-up before rollout. Place the hero mannequin first, then supporting figures, props and signage. Check the hierarchy from the pavement, at night as well as during the day.<\/p>\n<p>Holiday windows easily become crowded. Protect negative space so the featured products stay readable. Our guides to <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/buying-display-guides\/how-to-create-a-strong-visual-hierarchy-in-a-window-display\/\">visual hierarchy in window displays<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/buying-display-guides\/mannequin-grouping-and-composition\/\">mannequin grouping<\/a> provide a framework, and <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/retail-display-trends\/retail-display-props-and-risers\/\">props and risers<\/a> help you build height without clutter.<\/p>\n<h2>5. Test lighting for long evenings<\/h2>\n<p>In many markets, holiday windows are seen mostly after dark, so lighting does much of the work. Test the mock-up with the actual fixtures:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Key light on the hero outfit and featured products.<\/li>\n<li>Color temperature that suits the palette without distorting garment colors.<\/li>\n<li>Glare and reflections on the glass from the customer&#8217;s viewpoint.<\/li>\n<li>Timers that keep the window lit while footfall is high.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Long hours of window lighting and daylight also fade garments and mannequin covers. The Canadian Conservation Institute identifies UV in daylight as a major cause of textile dye fading (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/conservation-institute\/services\/conservation-preservation-publications\/canadian-conservation-institute-notes\/textiles-environment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CCI Note 13\/1<\/a>), so rotate sensitive pieces and consider UV-filtering glazing or film.<\/p>\n<p>Decorative lights add atmosphere but can wash out garments. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/retail-display-trends\/retail-display-lighting\/\">retail display lighting guide<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/retail-display-trends\/color-in-visual-merchandising\/\">color in visual merchandising<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\" style=\"max-width:420px;margin:24px auto;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/product\/linen-female-full-body-mannequin-with-painted-arms\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-linen-full-body-female-painted-arms-01-front-768x1024.webp\" alt=\"Linen full-body female mannequin with painted arms\" class=\"wp-image-4281\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-linen-full-body-female-painted-arms-01-front-768x1024.webp 768w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-linen-full-body-female-painted-arms-01-front-100x133.webp 100w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-linen-full-body-female-painted-arms-01-front-600x800.webp 600w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-linen-full-body-female-painted-arms-01-front-300x400.webp 300w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-linen-full-body-female-painted-arms-01-front-225x300.webp 225w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-linen-full-body-female-painted-arms-01-front-113x150.webp 113w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-linen-full-body-female-painted-arms-01-front-1152x1536.webp 1152w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-linen-full-body-female-painted-arms-01-front-9x12.webp 9w, https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/xintu-linen-full-body-female-painted-arms-01-front.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>A neutral linen form keeps the focus on festive garments and props.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>6. Write the installation pack<\/h2>\n<p>For multi-store rollouts, send stores a clear pack: a photo of the approved window, a floor plan with mannequin positions, styling notes for each figure, prop and lighting placement, and an installation sequence. Include safe handling instructions for mannequins and heavy props, and a contact for questions on the day.<\/p>\n<p>Ask each store to return a photo after installation so the visual team can check consistency and correct issues early. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/buying-display-guides\/how-to-dress-a-mannequin\/\">mannequin dressing guide<\/a> is a useful attachment for store teams.<\/p>\n<h2>7. Plan the mid-season refresh<\/h2>\n<p>The holiday period has distinct phases: early gifting, peak party season and the final days before the holiday. A planned refresh keeps the window relevant without a full rebuild. Swap featured products, restyle one or two figures or change accessories, while keeping the core set and lighting in place.<\/p>\n<h2>8. Strike, store and review in January<\/h2>\n<p>When the season ends, the strike is the start of next year&#8217;s planning. Clean and inspect mannequins before storage, record damaged parts and photograph each window for reference. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/craft-materials\/mannequin-storage-and-handling-guide\/\">storage and handling guide<\/a> covers packing between seasons, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/insights\/buying-display-guides\/mannequin-asset-register-parts-tracking\/\">mannequin asset register<\/a> keeps track of parts and repairs.<\/p>\n<p>Review results against the goals you set and note what worked. Those notes, together with an updated inventory, make next year&#8217;s concept and order much faster.<\/p>\n<h2>A holiday window checklist<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Story and commercial goal agreed.<\/li>\n<li>Inventory audit completed and repairs booked.<\/li>\n<li>Mannequins, props and spares ordered with confirmed delivery dates.<\/li>\n<li>Mock-up reviewed by day and by night.<\/li>\n<li>Lighting tested and timers set.<\/li>\n<li>Installation pack sent and store photos returned.<\/li>\n<li>Refresh plan and January strike scheduled.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>When should we start planning holiday windows?<\/h3>\n<p>As early as your lead times require. Work backwards from installation, allowing for concept approval, production, shipping, mock-up and rollout. Custom mannequins and props need the most time.<\/p>\n<h3>Can we reuse mannequins from last year?<\/h3>\n<p>Usually, if they are in good condition and suit the story. Refurbishing covers, arms or bases can refresh existing forms at a lower cost than a new order.<\/p>\n<h3>How many mannequins should a holiday window use?<\/h3>\n<p>Enough to tell the story clearly, and no more. A focused group with one hero figure is usually easier to read than a crowded scene.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the minimum order for holiday window mannequins?<\/h3>\n<p>At XINTU the MOQ is 10 pcs per style, with samples typically ready in 1\u20133 weeks. Allow additional time for bulk production and sea freight before installation.<\/p>\n<h2>Plan your next holiday window with XINTU<\/h2>\n<p>Share your concept, window dimensions and store count, and we can help you specify mannequins, finishes and bases that suit the story and arrive on time. Explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/custom\/\">custom mannequin service<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/contact\/\">contact our team<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When should we start planning holiday windows?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"As early as your lead times require. Work backwards from installation, allowing for concept approval, production, shipping, mock-up and rollout. Custom mannequins and props need the most time.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can we reuse mannequins from last year?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Usually, if they are in good condition and suit the story. 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Allow additional time for bulk production and sea freight before installation.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Planen Sie die Schaufensterdekoration f\u00fcr die Weihnachtszeit mithilfe eines strukturierten Zeitplans: Konzeptentwicklung, Bestandsaufnahme, Bestellung von Schaufensterpuppen und Dekorationsobjekten, Lichttests, Aufbau, Auffrischung sowie die Neujahrsaktion.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5591,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[316],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-retail-display-trends"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5789","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5789"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5789\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5799,"href":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5789\/revisions\/5799"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5591"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5789"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5789"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xintudisplay.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5789"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}