The Art of Candy Displays: How to Attract More Customers

If you own a candy store, or are thinking about opening one up, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll encounter concerns how your candy will be displayed to your customers. Bright, colorful and eye-catching candy displays can make your business shine and really attract customers. If you do it right, you’ll be able to turn casual browsers into loyal buyers.

Almost every candy store I have visited has a timeless appeal that spans multiple generations. Some stores go with a vintage aesthetic, showcasing the old timey allure that brings back the childhood nostalgia that’s often synonymous with the candy industry. Many stores are modern, and sleek, often incorporating bright vibrant colors that give off a playground, amusement park, or Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory vibes.

If you’re thinking of opening up your very own confectionary business, or considering remodeling your existing candy shop, know that there are virtually endless ways to attract more customers with an alluring décor and vibrantly fun candy displays. We’ll be sharing some helpful tips to keep in mind when creating your shop’s candy ambiance!

From overall décor considerations to bulk candy display racks, wall shelves, counter tops, and display stands, there are an infinite number of creative ways to set the right tone for your store.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when designing your candy store displays:

1. Set the Scene with Color: Create a Playful Atmosphere

When it comes to designing your candy store, color is your best friend. A vibrant and playful atmosphere can make your store feel like a wonderland of all things sweet. Think about using bold, bright colors that reflect the fun and excitement of the candy world. Giant lollipops, or larger than life gummy bears can create a lot of excitement for everyone who walks through your doors.

However, it's important to strike a balance here. Too many colors can lead to sensory overload, which might overwhelm customers, and this can actually negatively affect their purchasing intent on a subconscious level. This is why it’s usually better to use a solid neutral color background for all of your walls, shelves, and floors to really help the candy itself stand out.

You should consider utilizing this “less is more” approach by using neutral tones like white or light pastels on the walls, allowing the colorful candy to truly be the star of the show. Your shelves and candy dispensers can provide the perfect pop of color to grab your customer’s attention. Plus, the overall décor of the store doesn’t steal any of the spotlight from the candy itself. This important contrast will not only highlight your products, but it will also make your store feel more open and inviting.

2. Function Meets Fun: Designing Effective Candy Displays

Your candy displays serve a dual purpose—they're both functional and they also act as crucial advertising tools. A well-designed candy display not only showcases your products but also entices customers to make a purchase.

Think of your displays as silent salespeople. They should be as eye-catching as they are accessible. You can utilize tiered shelving to create a visual cascade of colorful candies, and place popular or seasonal items towards the front of the store at eye level to maximize their appeal. Interactive displays, such as candy dispensers or sample stations, can also engage customers and encourage them to explore your offerings.

3. Organize for Easy Browsing: Grouping by Type and Size

A well-organized store not only looks more appealing but also makes it easier for customers to find what they're looking for. Grouping similar types of candy together, such as chocolates in one section and gummies in another is a recipe for success!

This logical organization helps create a more comfortable shopping experience, reducing the time customers spend searching and increasing their likelihood of making a purchase. Additionally, displaying different sizes of the same product together provides a sense of order and can encourage customers to opt for larger quantities.

4. Bulk Candy Bins: A Feast for the Eyes

Bulk candy bins are a staple in any candy store, offering customers the freedom to mix and match their favorite treats. To make the most of this display, ensure that the bins are easily accessible and clearly labeled. Consider placing a scale centrally in the bulk candy section, or closer to the cash register, so customers can easily weigh their selections.

The visual appeal of rows upon rows of colorful candies in transparent bins is hard to resist, and the interactive experience of scooping and bagging their own candy can be a nostalgic draw in the customer journey for many shoppers.

A helpful tip is to ensure that the bins and displays always look full and inviting. Consider ordering two bundles of each product—one for the sales floor and one for backstock. This way, you can easily replenish the display, keeping it consistently stocked and visually appealing to customers. Just make sure to rotate your stock so your customers are always getting the freshest product!

5. Promote Impulse Buying with Strategic Placement of Display Stands

Impulse buys are a great way to increase candy sales, and strategically placed display stands can make all the difference influencing your customer’s purchasing decisions. Rotating display stands near the checkout line are perfect for showcasing new or seasonal products. These stands should be stocked with small, eye-catching items that are easy for customers to grab as they wait in line.

Limited time offers or exclusive products can also create a sense of urgency in their thought process, prompting your customers to make that one extra last-minute purchase!

6. Prioritize Cleanliness and Organization

In the bustling environment of a candy store, it's easy for things to get a little messy. However, maintaining cleanliness and organization is crucial for creating an inviting shopping experience. A well-kept store not only reflects positively on your brand but also makes the candy displays more appealing and accessible to customers.

In grocery stores, the practice of "front and face" ensures that products are neatly stacked, with the labels faced to the front and the shelves fully stocked, giving the appearance of abundance and order. Applying this technique to your candy shop means regularly straightening displays, wiping down surfaces, and ensuring that everything is in its proper place. This attention to detail can make a significant difference in how customers perceive your store and how likely they are to make a purchase.

7. Highlight Your Favorites with Small Signs

Small signs strategically placed throughout your candy store can make a big impact on customer engagement and sales. Highlighting favorites with signs like: "Manager’s Favorite," "A Taste of Your Childhood," or "Popular on TikTok," can draw attention to specific products and create a more personalized shopping experience. These signs not only serve as effective marketing strategies, but they can also enhance your visual merchandising by adding an element of storytelling to your candy displays.

For example, in the candy aisle or on a countertop, a sign that reads "As Seen on Social Media" can immediately catch the eye of a customer who’s looking for the latest trends. This subtle nudge can turn a casual browser into a buyer, as people often trust recommendations or are intrigued by popular items they’ve seen when scrolling online. Effective use of these signs can also improve customer service, as they guide shoppers through your store, making it easier for them to find and try new products.

Small signs are a simple yet powerful tool in your visual merchandising toolkit, helping you to highlight key items and create a more engaging shopping environment that resonates with your customers.

8. Create a Theme: Tie It All Together with a Cohesive Look

A cohesive overall theme can make your candy store stand out and create a memorable shopping experience. Whether you choose a vintage soda shop vibe, a magical fairy tale theme, or a sleek modern design, make sure every element of your store – from the wall décor to the candy displays supports that theme. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps reinforce your brand identity, making your store an ideal destination for candy lovers from all walks of life!

At Redstone Foods, we realize that your candy store’s success is directly tied to our success as a business, and we believe that a well-designed candy store is the key to creating sweet memories for your customers. We hope this article has helped shine some light onto some of the best practices for your candy shop to engage in, attracting new customers and retaining your existing ones. Candy is such a visual experience, and the right candy displays at your store can really set you apart from your competition.

Remember, candy is supposed to be fun, and these design ideas will help your sweet shop maintain a vibrant, exciting and joyful experience for all who enter! For more information, please keep an eye on our blog. We regularly post helpful articles on the latest trends in the candy, soda and snack business, highlighting new and exciting products and ideas to help generate more success for our clients in the candy industry.

Our customer service representatives are here to help you every step along the way! With over 6,000 unique products to choose from, including over 500 glass bottle craft sodas, your candy shop will be the talk of the town!

Ready to transform your store? Sign up for an account online or give us a call today! You’ll see why Redstone Foods is America’s favorite candy distributor!

1-800-444-3520