Creating Colour Stories in Your Retail Displays
Colour plays a huge role in how customers perceive and interact with your store. When used intentionally, it can influence buying decisions, enhance the in-store experience, and reinforce your brand identity. One of the most effective ways to do this is by creating colour stories, thoughtful palettes that connect your products and space through a cohesive visual narrative.
A well-crafted colour story draws attention, highlights your merchandise, and helps customers shop with ease. Start by choosing one hero colour and pair it with two to three accent shades. This keeps the space from feeling overwhelming and helps guide the eye through the display.
Need inspiration? Look at your product packaging, many lines already lean into a certain aesthetic. For example, wellness brands often feature calming neutrals and greens, while beauty items might include blush, gold, or rich jewel tones. Let these themes inform your colour choices.
To anchor your display, use neutral backgrounds like white walls or wood shelving. This creates breathing room and allows your colour palette to pop without visual noise.
There’s also a strategy behind colour psychology:
Green = nature, health, freshness
Blue = calm, peace, reliability
Red = energy, urgency, excitement
Yellow = optimism, warmth
Leaning into these associations can help you tell a story that resonates with your target audience—like soft pinks and yellows for springtime freshness, or moody blues and golds for a more luxurious, trusted feel.
A simple way to apply this technique is by grouping products of similar colours. For example, a table of blush-toned candles, mugs, and notebooks looks intentional, even if the items serve different purposes. Colour stories not only unify the space but also inspire customers to visualize how products can work together in their lives.
How to Create a Seasonal Colour Story
Here are five quick steps to refresh your store each season:
Choose a Seasonal Colour Theme
Use nature and trend forecasts for inspiration—think citrus tones for summer, soft greens for spring, or warm rusts for fall.
Audit Your Inventory
Identify products that naturally fit the seasonal palette and place them front and center.
Build Around One Main Colour
Choose one dominant hue and complement it with two or three accents for consistency.
Update Key Display Areas
Focus on window displays, entry tables, and feature walls. Reinforce the palette with props or signage in the same tones.
Extend Online
Carry the colour story through your website, Instagram, email headers, and packaging to keep your branding consistent.
Colour Blocking for Existing Inventory
If you’re working with a wide variety of product colours, colour blocking is your best friend. It helps create visual order and flexibility without limiting your entire store to one palette.
How to Colour Block:
Group by Colour: Dedicate specific tables or shelves to different colour families (e.g., pastels in one section, bolds in another).
Add Visual Anchors: Use display risers or props in similar hues to unify mixed product types.
Use Neutrals Strategically: Keep shelving and signage neutral so colours can shine.
Stay Flexible: Rotate groupings seasonally or as new inventory arrives.
For example, instead of sorting mugs, scarves, and candles by type, group them by colour: blush and gold on one table, navy and grey on another. This approach makes your store feel curated, even with a diverse product mix.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your store for the season or need help creating a long-term visual merchandising plan, NOLA Designs offers expert support. From one-time colour story consultations to ongoing seasonal merchandising, we can help your space feel cohesive, elevated, and ready to convert. Reach out today to get started!