Each year, we’re greeted with some amazing examples of visual merchandising genius, and 2013 is no different. We may only be in November, but some of the biggest players in the retail window design game have already played their hands.

And forget Santa, snowmen, and sparkly frocks; this year there are some incredible designs to feast our eyes on. Here then, are 5 of the best Christmas window display designs of 2013 so far:

1. Harrods

Always one to look to when there is a themed window display – who can forget their ‘Wizard of Oz’ Halloween window? – luxury department store Harrods have once again pulled out all the stops. The lavish display features the Harrods Express, inspired by the Great British railway.

The magical Christmas window display features glamorous mannequins making their journey beneath thousands of twinkling fairy lights.  The display took 50 people over 500 hours to complete, and includes £3.95 baubles and a breath-taking £80,000 crystal encrusted gown.

 

 

2. Selfridges Oxford Street

Another retailer we’ve come to expect great things from is Selfridges; and their 2013 Christmas window display designs do not disappoint.

This year, luxury products are the hero. Oversized Charlotte Olympia shoes and Beats by Dr. Dre headphones take centre stage in snow-covered festive scenes. These simple yet wonderfully effective displays capture customer attention, showcase products, and still spread Christmas cheer.

Selfridges have said these windows are an “extraordinary celebration of all things gifting and giving this festive season”; a message which is conveyed beautifully through these simple windows. These windows also show that the trend for simplistic design in retail is still going strong.

 

 

3. John Lewis Oxford Street

Following on from their popular Christmas advert “The Bear and The Hare”, John Lewis has continued the animal theme with their festive window displays.

With deer constructed from vacuum cleaners and penguins made from kettles; the John Lewis Christmas windows feature over 180 animals made from over 7,000 products stocked in store. The star of their advert – the bear – has been made from furniture and takes pride of place in their oxford Street flagship.

Kim Morris, Head of Retail Design at John Lewis, said: “We wanted our windows to do more than just inform, we wanted to create displays which would inspire and delight our customers over the coming months. This year we’ve gone in a new direction, whilst ensuring that products still remain the stars of the show.”

 

 

4. Fenwicks, Newcastle

Newcastle department store, Fenwick unveiled their iconic Christmas window display designs earlier in November to huge crowds.

This year, the brand has opted for a Fairy Tale Forest theme which featured appearances from a number of famous characters including Jack Frost, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Old Toymaker, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

This festive spectacular promotes the real magic of Christmas, and is sure to attract the attention of children and adults alike. The grand unveiling was attended by parents and pupils from local schools, helping to spread the festive cheer.

 

 

5. Harvey Nichols

Our final festive window takes us back to London and back to Knightsbridge. Harvey Nichols has once again pulled out all the stops on their Christmas window displays.

Their 2013 offering features glitzy and glamorous lighting displays in bold and vibrant greens, golds and blues. Coupled with snowflakes, stars, and mannequins dressed for the party season, and Harvey Nichols has unveiled a stunning Christmas window concept.

 

Via Green Room Retail