Make It Merry: How to Refresh Your Shop for the Holidays

The holidays bring out the best in quilting — the color, the creativity, and that unmistakable sense of cozy community. This is your chance to make your shop sparkle, inspire your customers, and turn those festive feelings into your best sales season yet.

Whether you’re hosting classes, rearranging displays, or just looking to add a little twinkle to your shop, a well-planned holiday refresh keeps your space inviting, organized, and full of reasons to shop.

Refresh Your Layout for the Season

Start with your entryway — that’s your first impression moment. When customers walk in, they should immediately feel the season: think cheerful decor, colorful quilts, and themed projects that draw them in.

Rearrange your layout to create natural flow. Giftable items should be near the register, while larger project displays and class samples can anchor your main floor. Add soft touches like twinkle lights, fabric-wrapped garlands, or mini trees tucked between bolts to create that festive charm without clutter.

• Get started today: Walk through your shop as if you’re a new customer. Where does your eye land first? That’s your prime holiday display spot.

Highlight Holiday Fabrics and Bundles

Now’s the time to bring out all your seasonal fabrics — from Halloween to Christmas and everything in between. Group them together so customers can easily find what they need, and create themed bundles or quick kits for easy, grab-and-go shopping.

Since it’s crunch time for Halloween, focus on quick pick-up items — precut bundles, fat quarters, or small decor projects that customers can finish fast. For Thanksgiving, offer medium-difficulty projects like table runners, placemats, or wall hangings that can still be completed before the holiday. And for Christmas, put your big projects front and center — quilts, tree skirts, stockings — the ones customers want to start now and enjoy all season long.

• Get started today: Create one “holiday quick pick” display and one “Christmas showstopper” display to balance instant gratification with long-term inspiration.

Schedule Seasonal Classes and Challenges

Nothing boosts engagement (and sales!) like a good seasonal event. Host a cozy weekend workshop or short weekday class featuring festive projects — think mug rugs, stockings, or giftable mini quilts.

You can also run a holiday sewing challenge, like a “12 Days of Sewing” or “Finish It for the Holidays” event to help customers wrap up those WIPs before year’s end. The goal is to make participation easy, fun, and doable in a busy season.

• Get started today: Pick one class or challenge and add it to your calendar — then promote it across your newsletter and social channels to fill those spots early.

Make It Uniquely You

The most memorable holiday shops have personality. Maybe it’s your signature playlist, customer wish lists, or a cozy photo booth with quilts as a backdrop. Those small touches make your shop feel like the place to be this season.

Encourage customers to tag your shop on social media when they share their projects or purchases — those real-life posts create organic buzz and keep your shop top of mind through the holidays.

• Get started today: Add one signature detail that feels authentically you — something your customers can’t help but talk about.

A festive, well-planned shop layout can make all the difference in turning holiday browsers into loyal customers. When your space feels merry, organized, and full of creative possibility, you’re not just decorating — you’re setting the stage for your shop’s most joyful (and profitable!) season yet.

Industry Insight

Gary Rurup: VP of Sales

The best holiday displays aren’t just about decor — they’re about delight. When your customers walk in and immediately feel inspired, they’re not just shopping; they’re part of your story.

I’ve seen shops completely transform their sales during the holidays simply by rethinking their layout or offering a few themed bundles. It’s not about having the biggest decorations — it’s about creating an experience that feels warm, welcoming, and creative. The lights, the music, the displays — it all sets the tone for connection.

And don’t underestimate the emotional side of it. The holidays are when your customers crave comfort and creativity the most. When they see your shop looking festive and full of ideas, they feel that spark to make something meaningful. That’s the kind of magic that keeps them coming back — season after season.