Why install a window screen in your store?
Your window is the first point of contact with your potential customers, available 24/7. A well-positioned window screen allows you to:
- Increase store traffic by 50% for some establishments
- Increase sales by 33% on average vs traditional display
- Improving memorization : 83% compared to 44% for paper displays
- Generate impulse purchases : 1 out of 5 people buy after watching dynamic content
The concrete advantages:
- Maximum visibility thanks to high brightness and animated content
- Total flexibility : change your messages in a few clicks according to promotions, seasons, schedules or weather
- Modernized image that reinforces the positive perception of your brand
- Contextual communication adapted in real time
- Profitability with an ROI between 12 and 18 months
The essential criteria for choosing your window screen
1. Brightness, the number one criterion
Measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m²), it determines visibility in full sun:
- Minimum 2,000 cd/m² : windows with low exposure
- 3,000 to 4,000 cd/m² : recommended standard
- 5,000 to 6,000 cd/m² : windows in full sun
Professional displays include a sensor that automatically adjusts the intensity according to the ambient light.
2. The size of the screen
Recommendations by format:
- 32 to 43 inches : small shops or narrow windows
- 49 to 55 inches : standard for the majority of businesses
- 65 to 75 inches : large windows, flagship stores
3. Resolution and image quality
Opt for at least Full HD (1920x1080). For screens 65 inches and over, choose 4K Ultra HD for optimal sharpness at close range.
4. Operating time
Choose professional models that are designed to work 24/7, with advanced cooling systems and reinforced components, unlike consumer televisions.
5. Portrait or landscape orientation
- Portrait (vertical) : ideal for narrow windows, fashion, beauty salons
- Landscape (horizontal) : perfect for large windows, video content
The different technologies of window screens
High brightness LCD screens : The most common solution with exceptional brightness (3,000-4,000 cd/m²), optimal quality-price ratio. Ideal for the majority of businesses.
LED screens : Maximum brightness (6,000 cd/m²), modularity and custom formats, spectacular impact. Ideal for flagship stores, shopping centers, luxury brands.
Transparent LED screens : Allow you to see through the tile, allow natural light to pass through, guaranteed “wow” effect. Ideal for luxury shops, jewelry stores, concept stores.
Interactive and touch screens : Active engagement, 24/7 catalog consultation, lead generation. Ideal for real estate agencies, car dealerships, furniture stores.
Installation and configuration
Strategic positioning
- At eye level (1.50-1.70 m from the ground)
- Perpendicular to the flow of passers-by
- Visible from 10 to 20 meters away
Fastening solutions
- Floor mount : sturdy stand for large windows
- Wall mount : saving floor space
- Ceiling mount : modern “floating” effect
- Double sided screens : visible from the street and inside
Hook-up
Simple plug & play installation: 220V socket + Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Initial setup in a few minutes, no special technical skills required.
Content management and management
Management systems (CMS)
Modern SaaS platforms offer:
- Intuitive interface for quick handling
- Customizable template library
- Intelligent planning according to schedules, days, weather
- Multi-screen management for multi-site retailers
- Performance monitoring and statistics
Monthly subscription : €30 to €100 per screen including platform, updates, technical support and cloud storage.
French players such as Cenareo offer solutions adapted to networks with “glocal” management (national/local content mix).
Effective content creation
Golden rules
Optimal duration:
- 8-12 seconds in the window
- 30-45 seconds in the indoor waiting area
Visual principles:
- Clear messages: one idea per image
- Bright and contrasting colors
- Short texts: maximum 5-7 words
- Minimum Full HD videos
- Visible call to action
Content types: Promotions, new products, lifestyle scenarios, testimonies, events, brand values, user content.
Intelligent contextualization: Automatically adapt according to weather, schedules, stocks, and local events.
Uses by sector of activity
Retail and fashion : Fashion shows, lookbooks, new collections, sales (ex: Jennyfer and Celio Champs-Élysées)
Catering : Daily menus, special offers, gourmet visuals, schedules and services
Agencies and services : Catalog, 24-hour information, testimonials, lead generation
Beauty salons : Services, before and after, products, availability
Pharmacies and opticians : Prevention, services, new collections, health advice
Budget and business models
Cost of a professional screen
- 32-43 inches : €1,200 to €2,000
- 49-55 inches : €2,000 to €3,500
- 65-75 inches : €3,500 to €6,000
- Installation : €300 to €800
- Software : €30 to €100/month
Rental and leasing
Advantages:
- No initial investment
- Maintenance included
- Flexibility and scalability
- Rents deductible from expenses
- Monthly cost for 55 inches: €100 to €150
ROI - Average store example
- Initial investment: €3,000
- Software subscription: €600/year
- Increase in turnover: +15% = 7,500 €/year
- Printing savings: €1,000/year
- ROI: 12 to 18 months
Multi-screen strategies and monetization
“Glocal” approach for retailers
Mix 70% national content (brand consistency) and 30% local content (territorial relevance). From in-store to out-of-store, create a coherent customer journey: window → entrance → department → cash register.
Retail media - Additional revenue
Internal management : Sell spaces to your suppliers (supermarkets, DIY, cosmetics)
External management : Entrust management to a specialized agency
Potential earnings : €500 to €3,000 per screen/month depending on traffic and location.
Maintenance and support
Key points
- Remote monitoring and automatic fault detection
- Fast intervention (less than 24 hours)
- Immediate replacement with ready stock
- Multi-channel support
“as-a-service” model
All-inclusive subscription including: hardware rental, software, preventive/curative maintenance, free replacement, updates, unlimited support. Example: Boulanger has reduced its total cost in its 182 stores by 30% with this model.
Regulation and best practices
Legal aspects
Check: condominium regulations, PLU, protected areas, light pollution, PMR accessibility for interactive screens.
Environment
- Light sensor to adjust the intensity
- Extinguishing during closure
- Energy Star certified screens
- Durable professional equipment (5-10 years)
Trends and innovations
Artificial intelligence : Flow analysis, adaptation according to spectators, automatic recommendations, performance prediction
Augmented reality : Virtual tryout, 3D visualization, gamification
5G and edge computing : Real-time 4K/8K content, multi-screen synchronization
Flexible screens : Fully covered windows, curved formats, ultra-thin screens
Conclusion: Make your window a strategic asset
The window screen has become an essential marketing tool for all businesses.
Key points:
- 83% more attention than on paper
- +33% in sales, ROI in 12-18 months
- Full flexibility 24 hours a day
- Modernized image and differentiation
- Additional revenue via retail media
The three pillars of success:
- The right equipment (adapted high brightness)
- Powerful software (intuitive platform)
- Impactful content (short, visual, contextualized)
Modern solutions (leasing, subscription) allow you to start without massive investments. French players like Cenareo support major retailers (Boulanger, AXA, Triumph) with platforms designed for simplicity and efficiency.
Transform your storefront into a dynamic medium that works 24/7. The question is no longer “should a window screen be installed?” but “how to exploit it to the maximum of its potential?” Analyze your window, define your goals, compare solutions, and get started. Your window of tomorrow starts today!
