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How to Plan Your Store’s Holiday Merchandising Before Black Friday

Retail store interior with a Black Friday store display, for holiday retail planning.

Plan holiday merchandising by working backward from Black Friday: lock your fixture needs first, reset endcaps and tables next, finish windows and signage after that, and save the last days for restocking and a full walk-through. In 2026, Black Friday is November 27, Small Business Saturday is November 28, and Cyber Monday is November 30, so the time to order fixtures is short.

Most holiday problems are planning problems, not product problems: a display that arrives late, an aisle blocked by one fixture too many, or signage that goes up after the rush starts. The timeline and fixture guidance below keep the work in order.

What Should You Do Before Black Friday, and When?

When

Task

Why it comes first

Now to November 6

Walk the floor, list fixture gaps, and place orders

Ordering is the step with the longest wait

By November 13

Reset endcaps and gondola ends; set gift tables and dump bins

These spots get the most traffic, so they need the most testing

By November 20

Install signage, sign holders, and price tags; dress windows

Signage depends on where product ends up

November 23 to 25

Restock, clear aisles, and test the checkout line

Thanksgiving is November 26, so this is your last full work window

Which Fixtures Should You Add or Refresh for the Holidays?

Endcaps and gondola ends.

The ends of aisles are the highest-visibility spots on the floor, so reset them first with your promotional product. If you are deciding between systems, see our comparison of gondola shelving vs. slatwall, then browse our gondolas.

Gift tables and tiered displays.

Tables hold stacked bundles and gift sets at a comfortable browsing height. Our display tables include tiered, nesting, and folding styles.

Racks and dump bins.

Racks work for sweaters and outerwear, and dump bins or folding tables handle markdowns and bulk items.

Signage and sign holders.

A readable sign does more than decoration. Use sign holders to keep prices, offers, and gift guides easy to read and easy to change.

Counter-side add-ons.

Small acrylic risers and countertop racks near the register capture last-minute purchases; see our retail counters and cash wraps guide for placement.

When Should You Put Up Holiday Window Displays?

Finish window displays by Wednesday, November 25, so they are in place before Black Friday and Small Business Saturday traffic. Build the window around one theme and a few hero products instead of filling the glass. If your display uses figures, our mannequin buying guide explains which forms suit quick display changes.

How Far in Advance Should You Order Holiday Fixtures?

Order as soon as you know what is missing. Work backward from the date each fixture must be set, then add the supplier’s stated lead time and a few days for assembly and merchandising. Miami Display lists same-day in-store pickup, but availability varies by item, so call before you build a plan around a specific fixture.

How Do You Keep the Floor Workable at Peak Traffic?

  • Hold your aisle widths. Check the spacing in our retail floor plan guide before adding any fixture.
  • Keep entrance fixtures low, so shoppers can see across the store when they walk in.
  • Plan checkout space. Leave room for a line that does not spill into an aisle.
  • Limit each display to a small group of products. Crowded displays are harder to shop and harder to restock.

The most common holiday mistake we see is adding fixtures without removing any, which narrows aisles right when traffic peaks.

What You Should Know Now

Holiday merchandising works when it follows a timeline: fixtures ordered first, endcaps and tables reset next, windows and signage finished by November 25, and the last days kept for restocking and a floor walk-through. Add what solves a problem, remove what blocks an aisle, and keep the checkout ready for a line.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start holiday merchandising?

Start holiday merchandising planning at least four weeks before Black Friday. Use the first week to audit fixtures and place orders, the second to reset endcaps and tables, and the third to install signage and windows. The final days belong to restocking and a full walk-through of the floor.

Gift tables, endcaps, and signage do the most work for holiday displays. Tables hold stacked bundles and gift sets, endcaps give promotions the highest visibility on the floor, and sign holders keep prices and offers easy to read. Add dump bins or racks for markdowns, and acrylic risers near the register for last-minute add-ons.

Choose one theme and one or two focal displays instead of decorating every surface. Keep decorations below eye level near the entrance so sightlines stay open, limit each display to a small group of products, and keep aisles clear. In a small store, removing fixtures or products often helps more than adding decorations.

Make small changes, not a full redesign. Move promotional products to endcaps and the front third of the store, widen the main path if you can, and plan more room at checkout for lines. A full layout change right before your busiest weekend risks confusing staff and regular customers.

Order as soon as you know what is missing. Work backward from the date each fixture must be set, then add the supplier’s stated lead time and a few days for assembly and merchandising. Stock items may be available for same-day pickup at our Miami showroom, but availability varies, so call before you build a plan around it.

Need Help Getting Your Store Holiday-Ready?

Miami Display can review your space, product mix, and timeline to recommend the fixtures you need before Black Friday. For Miami-area stores, we offer on-site measurement; for other locations, we can work from your shop drawings.

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Acrylic Displays vs. Wood and Metal: What’s Right for Your Store?

Tiered clear acrylic risers displaying white decorative pumpkins

Acrylic is the best choice when you want the product to be the focus, wood suits warm and premium settings, and metal suits heavy loads and busy floors. Most stores get the best result by mixing them: metal or wood for structure, and acrylic for the pieces closest to the customer’s eyes and hands.

The right material depends on what you sell, how much weight it carries, and the look you want customers to see. This is one of the questions we hear most from retailers planning a new store or a refresh. The sections below compare the three on durability, cost, and style so you can choose by use rather than by habit.

What Makes Acrylic Different From Wood and Metal Displays?

Acrylic is a clear, rigid plastic sheet that is cut, shaped, and polished into risers, stands, shelves, and cases. Three differences matter most in a store.

Visual weight.

Wood and metal are visible in the display. Acrylic nearly disappears, so the eye goes to the product instead of the fixture. That is why it is common for small items, cosmetics, accessories, and anything where the product is the story.

Weight and handling.

Acrylic is lighter than glass and typically lighter than solid wood or steel of similar size, so it is easier to move, restock, and rearrange. That helps if you change displays often for seasons or promotions.

Fabrication.

Acrylic can be cut and bent to custom sizes, which suits odd-sized products or tight spaces. Wood and metal can be custom-made too, but lead time and cost depend on the finish and construction.

How Do Acrylic, Wood, and Metal Compare on Durability?

The table below compares the three materials on the points retailers ask about most. Ratings are general; a fixture’s exact performance depends on its grade, thickness, and construction, so confirm specifications with your supplier.

Acrylic

Wood (solid, veneer, laminate)

Metal (steel, aluminum)

Look

Clear, minimal

Warm, traditional or premium

Industrial, slim, modern

Impact resistance

Good; resists shattering better than glass

Moderate; can dent or chip

High

Scratch resistance

Lower; marks more easily

Moderate

Good, depending on finish

Moisture

Does not absorb water

Can swell or warp if unsealed

Can rust if the finish is damaged

Load capacity

Light to medium

Medium to heavy

Heavy

Upkeep

Gentle cleaning needed

Occasional refinishing

Touch-up if the finish chips

Best use

Small items, risers, close-up displays

Boutique counters, premium feel

Gondolas, heavy merchandise, high-traffic floors

Acrylic’s main weakness is surface scratches. It will not crack like glass, but it shows wear faster than metal. In our experience, most scratches on acrylic come from cleaning with the wrong cloth or spray, not from customers. Wood is forgiving in daily use, but moisture is its weak point, which matters in humid South Florida if the finish is not sealed. Metal is the workhorse for heavy loads, and its downside is that a chipped finish can lead to rust over time.

Our view: use acrylic at hand height, not as the whole store. Acrylic works best where customers look closely and handle products. Heavy loads and long wall runs belong on metal or wood.

How Do the Costs Compare?

Price rankings vary with thickness, size, finish, and quantity, so compare quotes for the same dimensions rather than relying on a general rule. Look at three costs beyond the price tag.

Upfront price.

Basic laminate or particleboard fixtures often cost the least. Custom hardwood and fabricated metal can cost more, and acrylic usually sits somewhere in that range, depending on thickness and fabrication.

Maintenance and replacement.

A scratched acrylic riser may need replacing sooner than a metal one. A wood fixture may need refinishing. Add the cost of upkeep over a few years, not just the first invoice.

Shipping and handling.

Lighter fixtures are easier and cheaper to ship and set up. Acrylic needs careful packing to avoid scuffs in transit, so check how your supplier ships it.

Why Is the Minimalist, Clear-Sightline Look Shaping Retail Display?

Many retailers are moving toward cleaner stores where fixtures support the merchandise instead of competing with it. Acrylic fits that approach for a few practical reasons.

1. It keeps attention on the product.

When the fixture is clear, color, texture, and packaging do the selling. This is especially useful in crowded categories where products look alike.

2. It keeps sightlines open.

Clear risers and shelves let customers see across a fixture and let staff see the floor. That helps in small stores, where bulky fixtures make the space feel tight.

3. It adapts easily.

Clear fixtures take on the style of the store around them, so they work with any wall color, flooring, or brand palette. When you refresh the store, the acrylic usually still fits.

A question we often hear is whether acrylic looks cheap. Thicker sheets with polished edges read as premium; thin, unfinished ones do not. Ask to see the edge finish and thickness before you order.

For how fixtures work with the wider floor, see our guide on designing a retail floor plan that increases sales.

How Should You Care for Acrylic Displays?

Acrylic lasts longest with gentle care. Wipe it with a soft microfiber cloth and mild soapy water, and dry it gently. Avoid paper towels, abrasive pads, and ammonia-based glass cleaners, which can scratch or cloud the surface. Brush off dust before wiping so grit does not scratch the surface. Ask your supplier for any cleaner they recommend for the specific product.

Which Material Fits Which Part of Your Store?

Match the material to the job instead of choosing one for the whole store.

Small items near the counter.

Our acrylic displays include countertop and free-standing units and multi-tier displays that keep small products visible and tidy beside the register. For jewelry, see our acrylic jewelry displays, and for high-value pieces, our guide to jewelry display cases.

Heavy or bulky merchandise.

Metal fixtures such as gondolas and racks carry heavy loads and handle busy aisles. Use them for the main floor and let acrylic add detail at the front. For a closer look at wall systems, see gondola shelving vs. slatwall.

Premium or boutique settings.

Wood-finish fixtures give counters and feature displays a warmer feel. Our counters come in maple and walnut finishes, among others, which suit places where the look matters as much as the load.

Mixed layouts.

A common approach is metal or wood for structure and acrylic for the product-facing pieces. A pattern we see often is a store that starts with one material throughout and later adds acrylic at the counter to lift key products. Keep to two or three materials so the store looks planned. Our store design service can help you plan the mix, and the project gallery shows how other retailers have combined materials.

What You Should Know Now

Acrylic keeps the focus on your product, wood adds warmth, and metal carries the load. Choose each by use, then mix them so that structure comes from metal or wood and the product-facing pieces come from acrylic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acrylic more durable than wood or metal for store displays?

Acrylic resists moisture better than wood and shattering better than glass, but metal is usually stronger for heavy loads. Acrylic also scratches more easily than metal. Choose metal for weight-bearing fixtures, and acrylic for lighter items customers view up close, such as accessories, cosmetics, and small gifts.

Not always. Acrylic can cost less than custom hardwood or fabricated metal but more than basic laminate or particleboard, depending on thickness, size, and finish. Compare quotes for the same dimensions and include upkeep and replacement in the total, since a cheaper fixture that needs refinishing or replacing sooner can cost more over time.

Wipe acrylic with a soft microfiber cloth and mild soapy water, then dry gently. Avoid paper towels, abrasive pads, and ammonia-based glass cleaners, which can scratch or cloud the surface. Brush off loose dust first so grit doesn’t drag across the acrylic, and use any cleaner your supplier recommends.

Yes, it handles humidity because acrylic doesn’t absorb moisture the way wood can. Strong direct sunlight is the bigger concern, since some grades can yellow or warp over time near hot windows. Keep clear fixtures out of direct sun where possible, and ask your supplier about UV-stable options.

Yes, and many stores do. A common approach uses metal or wood for structure, such as gondolas, shelving, and counters, and acrylic for risers, shelf toppers, and small-item displays. Limit the finishes to two or three materials so the store looks planned instead of patched together.

Not Sure Which Materials Fit Your Store?

Miami Display can review your space, products, and budget to recommend the right mix of acrylic, wood, and metal fixtures. For Miami-area locations, we offer on-site measurement; for other locations, we can work from your shop drawings.

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Jewelry Display Cases: Balancing Security and Sales

Locking glass jewelry display case with rings and necklaces on a retail store counter

The best way to secure jewelry without hurting sales is to combine three things: a lock on the staff side, glazing matched to your risk level, and a layout that keeps every case in staff view. Glass or laminated glass suits most counters, polycarbonate suits high-risk spots, and a mix of locked and open displays keeps browsing easy.

A jewelry display case has two jobs that pull in opposite directions. It must keep high-value pieces out of reach, and it must let customers see, compare, and ask to try them. A case that is too closed makes people hesitate. A case that is too open invites loss. The sections below cover each decision so you can protect your stock without slowing down sales.

What Types of Locking Display Cases Work for Jewelry?

Most jewelry showcases use one of four access styles. The right one depends on how often staff open the case and how valuable the stock is.

Rear sliding doors.

The most common choice for counter cases. Staff open the case from behind the counter, so the lock and the track stay on the staff side, away from customers. This also keeps the customer-facing glass uninterrupted, so the display looks clean.

Hinged front or rear doors.

These suit taller showcases and cases where staff need wider access to larger pieces. Check that the hinges are inside or concealed, so customers can’t tamper with them.

Lift-off or hinged tops.

Common on low countertop cases and trays. They give easy access for restocking and work well for mid-value merchandise that sits beside the register.

Keyless or electronic locks.

Keypad and card-based locks remove the need to track physical keys and make it easier to change access when staff change. They add cost, so they make the most sense for stores with high-value stock or several people opening cases during a shift.

Whichever style you pick, place the lock on the staff side. Customers should never face a keyhole, and a lock they can reach is a lock they can test.

Glass vs. Polycarbonate: Which Glazing Protects Jewelry Better?

Glazing is where security and presentation trade off most directly. The table below compares the common options.

Glazing

Clarity

Impact resistance

Scratch resistance

Best use

Tempered glass

Excellent

Good; breaks into small pieces

High

Standard interior counters

Laminated glass

Excellent

Higher; layers hold together when struck

High

Fine jewelry and watch cases

Polycarbonate

Very good

Highest of the group

Lower; scratches more easily

High-risk locations

Glass gives the clearest view and keeps its look for years, which matters when light is doing the selling. Laminated glass adds a bonded layer that holds the pane together when struck, so it resists a break-in better than a single pane. Polycarbonate is the toughest against impact and lighter than glass, but it marks more easily and can show wear over time.

For most stores, glass or laminated glass is the right default. Consider polycarbonate where impact or a smash-and-grab attempt is the main concern, such as an entrance-adjacent case or a location with heavy foot traffic. Performance varies by product, so ask your supplier for the exact specifications of any case you are considering.

What Should You Check Before Choosing a Jewelry Showcase?

Three checks narrow the choice quickly.

Value of the stock.

Fine jewelry and watches justify laminated glass or polycarbonate and a stronger lock. Fashion and costume pieces rarely do, and they sell better when customers can handle them.

Location in the store.

A case beside the entrance or in a high-traffic aisle faces more risk than one behind the register. Match the glazing to the location, not just to the product.

How many people open the case.

One owner with one key needs a simple lock. A team working several shifts benefits from a lock that is easy to rekey or a keyless option that makes access changes simple.

How Should You Lay Out a Jewelry Counter to Stay Secure?

Layout does as much security work as the lock. The goal is a setup where staff can see every case from where they naturally stand.

Keep sightlines open.

Use low-profile cases along the main sales path and keep tall fixtures and signage off the sightline between the staff position and the cases.

Put the highest-value pieces closest to staff.

Place fine jewelry and watches near the register or service point, and use the outer cases for lower-value or more durable items.

Limit what is out at once.

A one-tray-at-a-time rule lets staff stay in control and helps customers focus on a small set of pieces, which often makes decisions easier.

Avoid dead corners.

A case in a corner or alcove that staff cannot see is hard to protect. Reposition it or add a mirror if it cannot move.

Use light on purpose.

Good lighting inside the case makes stones and metals stand out. Lighting that reflects off the glazing hides the product, so angle fixtures to avoid glare.

For the wider floor around your cases, see our guide on designing a retail floor plan that increases sales. Our store design services cover counter and floor planning, and the project gallery shows how different retailers have arranged their displays.

How Do You Keep Security From Hurting the Browsing Experience?

Obvious security makes customers feel watched, and it slows browsing. The better approach is security that reads as service.

Greet every customer and offer to bring pieces out. Attentive staff are a strong deterrent, and the offer feels helpful rather than defensive. Keep locks and tracks out of the customer’s view, and choose cases with clear glazing and slim frames so the jewelry stays the focus.

A hybrid setup often works best. Keep fine jewelry in locked showcases behind your counters, and put lower-value or fashion pieces on open-access jewelry displays such as trays and stands so customers can handle them freely. Browsing stays easy where the risk is low, and protection stays strong where the value is high.

What You Should Know Now

A secure jewelry display is built from three choices working together: a lock on the staff side, glazing matched to your risk level, and a layout that keeps every case in staff view. Mixing locked showcases with open displays protects your high-value stock without slowing down browsing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most secure type of jewelry display case?

The most secure jewelry display case pairs laminated or polycarbonate glazing with a high-quality lock on the staff-side doors. No single feature does the job alone: a strong lock on weak glazing, or strong glazing on a basic lock, leaves a gap. Pair both, then place the case where staff can see it from their working position.

Neither wins in every situation. Glass, especially laminated glass, offers better clarity and scratch resistance, so pieces look their best. Polycarbonate resists impact better and weighs less, but it scratches more easily. Choose glass for most interior counters, and consider polycarbonate where impact or a smash-and-grab attempt is the bigger concern.

Place the lock on the staff side of the case so customers never face a keyhole and it stays out of their reach. Rear sliding doors are the most common arrangement for counter cases. Keep keys with authorized staff only, and re-key the case if keys are lost or an employee with access leaves.

Rely on layout and service rather than obvious surveillance. Open sightlines from the staff position, low-profile cases, and a one-tray-at-a-time rule let you keep control quietly. Greeting every customer and offering to bring pieces out is both good service and good security, because attentive staff strongly deter theft.

Usually not. Low-cost costume pieces can sit on open-access fixtures such as countertop trays, bust forms, or racks so customers can handle them freely. Reserve locking cases for fine jewelry, watches, and any item where a loss would hurt. Many stores use both: a locked case for high-value stock beside an open display for impulse purchases.

Not Sure Which Jewelry Displays Fit Your Store?

Miami Display can review your space, inventory, and budget to recommend the right mix of showcases, counters, and open jewelry displays. For Miami-area locations, we offer on-site measurement; for other locations, we can work from your shop drawings.

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