Guidelines for Retail Displays

Outdoor Displays

Curb appeal can account for up to 70% of the first time sales and includes everything from signage, beautification, cleanliness and outdoor retail displays. Outdoor retail displays can be a successful sales tool helping to lure customers inside your shops and restaurants. Having the proper type of display is not only valuable for the business but for the look and feel of the downtown core. Please read the following which outlines how you may display your product on the sidewalk. 

Guidelines for Retail Displays

∙ Your display can include either one table that MUST be skirted that is no more than 6ft long or one rolling rack which is no more than 6ft long for merchandise. 

∙ Displays must appear neat and tidy at all times and the use of cardboard boxes to hold merchandise is not acceptable. 

∙ A minimum of 5 feet of unobstructed pedestrian clearance is required on the sidewalk from your display to the curb. Cannot be more than a maximum depth of 0.6 m (2’), it must be against your building and for safety cannot exceed 1.83m (6’) in height. 

∙ Items must not in interfere with curb ramps, access to the building, fire hydrants, driveways or access to any fire escapes.

∙ They must be portable and be removed each night when you are closed. 

∙ Items shall not be anchored to the sidewalk or affixed to any tree, post, sign or other structure, other than the face of the business building.

∙ They are not permitted in the winter months due to snow removal.

∙ Planters must have a diameter of not less 12 inches and not more than 24 inches. They should either be substantially weighted to ensure the planter will not easily tip over in inclement weather or conversely by light enough to be moved into the business at the close of business each day.

∙ Window Boxes should be constructed of wood or other durable materials and be no less than 12 inches deep and no wider than 90% of the width of the window which it is under.

∙ Furniture, including benches bistro tables and chairs, should be constructed of safe, sturdy and durable materials such as wood, steel, plastic or wrought iron. All furniture should be commercial grade and manufactured for outdoor commercial use. Bistro tables should have no more than 2 chairs. Benches, tables and chairs must be no deeper than 24 inches.

NOTE: Those wishing to incorporate Muskoka Chairs in their display must ensure there is a minimum of 5 feet of unobstructed pedestrian clearance.