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With the rising number of online stores, you may think that the old brick-and-mortar stores are becoming irrelevant or slowly fading away. However, that’s not always the case. No doubt, a large percentage of shoppers still value walking into an actual retail space to do their shopping.
Creating the Perfect Retail Space
Aside from creating a unique and striking window display or storefront to invite customers inside your store, the interiors are equally important. In this article, we’ll explore the essentials that can help you create a space that is both functional and appealing to your customers while maintaining your brand.
Good Layout
When designing your retail space, the consumers’ shopping habits, space available, your target sales goals, and products for sale should be considered. In terms of layout, you’d want your retail space to be organized and easy to navigate. This can go a long way towards enhancing customers’ experience while exploring your store. In addition, display your products and items strategically to catch customers’ attention and entice them to make a purchase.
Some of the layouts you can consider include:
- Angular: An angular store layout can generally take up a lot of space, but the advantage is that they use up every curved or corner space and help create a highly visible display. They also feature a unique layout, elevating your customers’ in-store experience.
- Forced path: This layout leads customers on a predetermined route, so they can view specific products in a particular order as they move along. It promotes a lot of impulse buying, but the downside is that it takes up a lot of space and is unsuitable for high traffic. Another disadvantage of this layout is that it may not be suited for consumers who already know what they came for.
- Grids: Grids involve many aisles designed to run side by side and along the walls. Most stores are set up this way. They are great for high-traffic shopping and for stores that offer a variety of products but do not give much room for creativity.
- Free Flow: This store layout suits tiny spaces, corner shops, or boutiques. They’re warm and welcoming, but you must ensure that any breakable displays are kept out of the customer’s way.
If you are not sure what design works best for your retail space, consider going through your surveillance footage. This can give you an insight into your customers’ buying and browsing patterns, such as what part of your store attracts more traffic and where your customers spend more time sampling.
On the other hand, you can also consult store design professionals such as Dimension Shop Design to help you achieve your dream interiors for your retail store.
Accessibility
Make your space easily accessible and simple to shop around. Ensure there is ample space between the aisles that can accommodate shoppers with strollers or wheelchairs. While at it, get rid of any clutter or idle stuff that can make a customer trip.
Moreover, the shelves should also be of an appropriate height, not too low, not too high for easier picking of products. You can also add easy-to-read clear signage and firmly fix any display items that can fall over.
Design and Aesthetics
Design and aesthetics play a huge role in the overall appeal of your retail store. This is essential since a dull store is less likely to attract customers compared to one that has a more polished interior. Ideally, every area in the store should be striking and functional, including the decompression area or the entrance zone separating the outside from your store’s interior.
Aside from working and beautifying your retail storefront, give your interiors some love, too. Depending on your brand, you can splash some paint color, invest in quality furniture and shelves, and install flooring that matches your store’s design. But the key here is to be mindful not to over-decorate or over-cramp the space with unnecessary items.
Lighting
How you envision your store can guide you in choosing the most suitable lighting for your retail space. But whether you’re planning on having decorative, natural, or simple lighting, be sure to keep all areas of the store well-lit.
You may also want to consider lighting dimmers, track lighting, or spotlights to create focal points in your retail outlet, depending on the different functions of the space.
Cross-Merchandising
Cross merchandising seeks to fill a client’s need that they did not even know existed or had not thought about. It is the perfect way to sell slow-moving goods. Some of the ideas you can apply to your retail store includes:
- Displaying scissors next to gift wrappers.
- Dressing mannequins in matched outfits complete with accessories.
- Placing birthday hats and candles right next to cake mixes.
Conclusion
When it comes to brick-and-mortar stores, a striking and well-decorated interior can go a long way in drawing customers inside to browse your products and make a purchase. Considering the essential elements above can be a good start in achieving the perfect retail space. And if you’re not sure of your style, you can always ask a professional for help.
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How to Create Clothing Stores online: 4 Essential Tips
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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown
