Window Display Program Guidelines

Dynamic store windows are an important sign of a vital community and almost all unplanned buying is the result of touching, hearing, tasting, or smelling something on the premises of a store. A strong window gets the passerby to stop, come in and, in many cases, purchase. In light of the recent recession, local businesses need to take advantage of every opportunity to draw customers into their stores, boosting sales, helping the economy and therefore the community. Allston Village Main Streets and local display designer Jennifer Burkin are launching a pilot program that will provide visual-merchandising services to Allston Village merchants, through a matching grant program, similar to the Facade Improvement Program. The matching grants (one merchant dollar for every Main Streets dollar) will be for up to $500 toward design services and implementation. The following outlines the process:

Application:

• Storeowner/manager requests services by contacting AVMS at least one month prior to desired installation.
  
  
• Owner/manager completes a questionnaire regarding window dimensions, materials and merchandise/ideas s/he would like featured.
  
  
• Owner/manager receives general instructions regarding cleaning and preparing for installation to expedite process.

• Two-week process begins by designer meeting with owner/manager at store to assess needs, discuss options and strategize.
  
  
• 'Before' pictures are taken for documentation by designer.
  
  
• Designer submits proposal to owner/manager and AVMS for approval.
  
  
• An estimate of labor and materials is included and all parties sign off. (Although the matching grants are for up to $500, owner/manager can determine the budget at a lower level. Not all projects will require large budgets.)
  
  
• A deposit of one half of the fee is paid to the designer.

• Designer purchases necessary materials, such as props, lettering, signage, display systems, etc. (up to agreed-on amount to be reimbursed). Permanent materials (such as display systems) must be substantial, with the ability to be used for a number of years.
  
  
• Designer installs display and gives owner/manager any additional follow-up suggestions in writing.
  
  
• Owner/manager must be available to work with designer during installation.
  
  
• It is expected that displays be maintained (though they can and should be updated) for at least six months.
  
  
• ‘After’ pictures are taken for documentation by designer.

• Designer bills store directly, final payment being due at the end of installation.
  
  
• Owner/manager may submit paid invoice to AVMS for reimbursement using matching grants up to $500.

• Designer gives AVMS before and after pictures and any other documentation.
  
  
• AVMS bills city using Physical Improvement Funds and reimburses storeowner.
  
  
• AVMS gives owner/manager evaluation form to assess the economic results of the improvement as well as the service/program.

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