Experience Downtown Blog

Walking in a Window Wonderland

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Available Storefronts Dressed in their Holiday Best

There's nothing quite like the nostalgia of seeing window displays downtown during the holidays. It's a cherished tradition dating back to the days of Gimbel's and Marshall Field's department stores, reimaged for a new retail experience. While supporting downtown retailers and restaurants this holiday season, stroll past four decorated storefronts featuring the likenesses of 15 recognizable locals. Ranging from Tracy Johnson of CARW to Judge Derek Mosley to our CEO, Beth Weirick! 

Designed by Retailworks, Inc., of Milwaukee, these dazzling displays transformed dark and empty storefronts into highly-visible spaces for new retail ventures. Retailworks also designed window displays featuring merchandise from local e-commerce businesses during the 2017 Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and provide design services for Kessler's, at Jefferson and Mason Street. The project dubbed "Wish List MKE" even received an article on Main Street America.

"An empty storefront is a perfect stage to not only creatively promote the space, but showcase downtown’s brand, feature local celebs, and even highlight historic buildings," says Lyn Falk, president of Retailworks, Inc. and LMF Group. "Clever window displays should tell a story, educate, and always entertain! If the displays can be mobile, then they can be moved to another vacant storefront when the space is leased. These types of displays are a win-win-win for property owners, passersby, and downtown as a whole."

These decorated storefronts can be found on Milwaukee Street in East Town, between Mason Street and Wisconsin Avenue, at 733 - 737 N. Milwaukee Street, 400 E. Wisconsin Avenue, and 324 E. Wisconsin Avenue. Additional window displays are located next to Penzeys Spices at the Iron Block Building at 205 - 233 E. Wisconsin Avenue. 

Watch for seasonal rotations in each storefront in the upcoming months.