The Timeless Art of Window Shopping
A stunning display at Bergdorf Goodman in NYC.
There’s something magical (or should be) about stopping in front of a shop window. The way light spills across a display, how colors and textures play against each other, and the quiet moment of imagination it invites. Window shopping has always been more than looking at things we might buy—it’s about dreaming, wondering, and connecting with beauty.
Where It All Began
The idea of window shopping goes back further than many realize. In the 18th and 19th centuries, cities like Paris, London, and New York began to change. Streets filled with people, factories made goods more available, and new technologies like plate glass gave shopkeepers something powerful: the ability to create big, clear windows.
Paris in particular was where the art took hold. Imagine strolling the covered arcades or passing the grand department stores, where windows weren’t just about showing products—they told stories. Le Bon Marché, one of the first great department stores, turned its windows into scenes that felt like theater. In London, Selfridges carried that tradition forward, transforming retail into an experience to marvel at, not just a place to buy.
Window shopping became entertainment, a way for everyone—no matter their budget—to step into a world of elegance and imagination.
Why We Love to Look
Part of the allure of window shopping lies in psychology. There’s joy in anticipation. When we see something we love, even if we don’t buy it, our brains reward us with a small rush of pleasure. It feels good simply to imagine.
But it’s deeper than that. A beautiful display doesn’t just show an object; it tells a story. A window can suggest who we might become if we step inside and take that bag home, wear that dress, or light that candle. It connects us with possibility.
And let’s not forget the social side. In earlier times, friends would stroll boulevards together, stopping to admire windows, commenting, laughing, pointing things out. Today, we see echoes of this on Instagram or Pinterest—still admiring, still dreaming, but through digital windows.
A New York Moment
Recently, there has been so much focus and conversation about getting out into nature, and feeding our circadian rhythm, grounding ourselves, and just taking a breath – which I love because I couldn’t agree more. But as I was walking down 5th Avenue in NYC recently, I found myself getting pleasantly lost in all of the dramatic architecture. captivating window displays and the incredible sunsets peeking between the tall buildings. Like a little kid in a candy store! Pure Joy. Awe. Wonder. Possibility. Remember those feelings?
Witnessing that creativity and beauty was incredibly inspiring and defining to me.
Creativity is quietly one of the most important forces in our lives – whether we notice it or not. It’s not just about painting, music, or design. It’s the way we solve problems, imagine possibilities, and bring meaning to everyday experiences.
Why It Still Matters
Even in a digital world, physical windows have not lost their magic. In fact, they may matter even more. They offer a pause in our hurried days, a chance to stop and be caught by wonder.
For me, window shopping is not just about the purchase —it’s about connection. To beauty. To craft. To the stories objects carry with them. As someone who loves, lives and breathes luxury retail, I believe the best displays aren’t about overwhelming us with choice, but about drawing us into a feeling.
When done thoughtfully, a shop window or display becomes a gift. It whispers, “come closer, imagine with me.”
That’s the art of window shopping. And it’s as timeless as the dreamer standing on the sidewalk, eyes bright, heart caught for just a moment by what might be.
