Discover Haverford Upcoming Workshop

In this session, we're going to explore two essential elements of retail success: storefront window displays and interior merchandise displays. These are more than just visual elements—they're strategic tools that communicate your brand, draw in customers, and ultimately influence buying behavior.

We’ll start by looking at how storefront windows serve as the first impression—your silent salesperson to the street. Then we’ll move inside the store to examine how thoughtful interior displays can guide customer flow, highlight key products, and create a memorable shopping experience.

Whether you're aiming to refresh an existing space or design something new, this presentation will offer both inspiration and practical strategies to make your displays work harder for your business. 

About the Presenter:

Kristen Ainscoe serves as an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at the Community College of Philadelphia. Her courses focus on core principles and disciplines in retail and are deeply informed by her 20 years of industry experience, which includes roles as a visual merchandiser, buyer, trainer, brand specialist, merchandiser, and product developer.

Prior to her current role, Ms. Ainscoe was an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Design & Merchandising Program at Drexel University. Her industry background includes positions as a Visual Merchandising Manager for Fashion Bug and Movado Group and as a Buyer for Electronics Boutique and FAO, Inc. Her career later transitioned to entrepreneurship, where she began consulting with small business owners on window displays, store layouts, fixture planning, social media strategy, and ecommerce development. She approaches each business with a focus on storytelling—aligning brand identity, customer needs, and product presentation into a cohesive retail experience.

Ms. Ainscoe’s teaching philosophy is rooted in experiential learning, bringing real-world application into the classroom through community partnerships that bridge academic theory with professional practice. She is committed to creating an inclusive, active, and socially engaged learning environment where students are empowered to explore global perspectives and solve contemporary marketing and merchandising challenges with confidence and creativity.