Holiday window shopping for brown Kraft paper? Or shopping for ‘krafty’ eye-catching windows?

A lot of municipalities require landlords to cover up vacant storefront windows with brown-color Kraft paper.  Some will even settle for newspapers boarding up the view from the curb, just so long as passers-by can’t see in.

            I never have understood this mentality.

            Some urban planning experts will argue that not being able to see inside a storefront window will discourage attempted break-ins by individuals looking for shelter from the elements or for a place to engage in unsavory activity.  Although if the windows are covered up, determined uninvited guests will still make their way in. Then the window cover-up becomes the cover-up that interlopers might be seeking!

            As we approach the end-of-year holiday season, a time when most retailers don’t want to move from established locations, I am faced with a double-challenge for my newest listing in the heart of the Village of Mamaroneck: timing and size.  The newly-vacant space measures only 650 sq. ft. so it won’t appeal to every retailer. But its location on the most desirable block of “the strip”, within two-blocks of both the MetroNorth train station and Boston Post Rd., plus having at least three landmark destination shops as its neighbors, makes this a great address for any merchant with a creative eye for design and store layout. The savvy, location and overhead-conscious retailer should be able to maximize the space and create an inviting environment for a comfortable shopping experience.  

            Adding to the space’s desirability is that no major renovations are required. The walls are only in need of a fresh coat of paint. The ceiling tiles are clean and fresh. High-end track lighting is in place. New floor tiling or carpeting will quickly complete the facelift. 

            Yet I felt this space needed an extra “umph” if my landlord-client was to resume getting a return on his investment sooner than later.  So in preparing the store for showings to other agents and prospective tenants, I turned to the same skills that I use in staging a residential property for lease or sale. Rather than cover up the empty store with boring brown Kraft paper, attempted to maximize its curb-appeal with some “non-denominational” holiday giftwrapping.

            The store has a triangular-shaped window seat that creates an interesting angle for draping the municipality-required paper cover-up while also providing space for displaying something that’s eye-catching.  Using alternating panels of yellow and blue swaths of paper, I installed a backdrop that is bright and cheery and which also compliments the blue and yellow Stetson Real Estate logo and sign.  I hung the draping so that it is not flush against the window and puddles on the ground.  This creates a less static, more fluid and inviting window treatment that draws, not diverts, attention from passers-by.    

            However, the most important element in this window treatment is an original piece of art that appears to “float” in an ironic heavenly sort of way.  Created by Rye resident and artist Joseph Blumstein, the acrylics on wood painting juxtaposes an abstract design and gold leaf with Psalm 60 from the Old Testament which gives thanks to God for listening to prayer and showing mercy.  Natural sunlight makes the metallic glisten in the daylight; a spotlight on a timer assumes the night watch. (On a more whimsical note, I posted a flyer that lets would-be merchants know that if they didn’t think they had a prayer of a store becoming vacant on Mamaroneck Ave. that their prayers have been just answered!) 

            How appropriate as we approach Chanukah and Christmas to have such an ecumenical holiday store window display.  Now, all that’s needed is for my landlord client to be gifted with a wonderful tenant who will prosper and remain in place for many holiday seasons to come!

Rob Seitz is a Realtor offering both residential and commercial services throughout Westchester and the Bronx. He is in the process of applying for a State of Connecticut real estate license, as well. He can be reached at rseitz@stetsonrealestate.com/914-393-6144.