The design of your retail space is essential to your success as a business. It can make or break how customers view your store and whether they return.
Did you know that in the last year, 47% of consumers were more likely to purchase from a brand due to its local presence; thus retail space design largely matters. In this blog post, we will describe what a retail space design is and we will also share some tips on how to create an effective retail space.
What is Retail Space Design?
Retail space design is the process of creating a retail environment that is both visually appealing and functional. It takes into account all aspects of the retail space, from the layout to the fixtures to the signage.
This floor plan involves positioning shelves or racks in straight lines to create an organized flow of traffic. It’s one of the most economical store layouts and is mostly used in large retail spaces, supermarkets, and in stores that primarily use shelving to showcase their merchandise.
Importance of Retail Space Design
Retailers are under constant pressure to create unique and memorable experiences that will lure customers away from their competition. One way to stand out from the crowd is to invest in an eye-catching and functional retail space design. A well-designed retail space can make a lasting impression on customers, reflect the brand’s identity, and increase sales.
This layout encourage customers to “loop” your store. You position your fixtures and merchandise in such a way that you create a path to guide that guides shoppers around your shop.
An effective retail space design starts with a clear understanding of the target customer. Retailers must consider the customer’s needs, wants, and demographics when planning the layout and décor of the store.
A well-designed retail space can have a significant impact on a business’s bottom line. Studies have shown that an appealing store design can increase sales by up to 20%. Retailers who invest in an eye-catching and functional retail space design are more likely to see a positive return on their investment.
5 Tips to Create an Effective Retail Space Design
Creating an effective retail space design is essential for attracting customers and driving sales. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Tip # 1. Know your target audience
The first step in creating an effective retail space design is to know your target audience. What type of customer are you trying to attract? What are their needs and wants? Once you have a good understanding of your target audience, you can start to create a design that will appeal to them.
Tip # 2. Keep it simple
When it comes to retail space design, less is often more. A cluttered and busy store can be overwhelming for customers, so it’s important to keep things clean and simple. Stick to a limited color palette and use clean lines and minimal decoration.
Tip # 3. Make use of lighting
Lighting can be a powerful tool in retail space design. The right lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere or a cool and modern one. It can also be used to highlight certain products or areas of the store.
You want to avoid the butt-brush effect, which according to Underhill, is a phenomenon where shoppers would abandon a display or product they were looking at when they were bumped once or twice from behind.
Your store layout can be a powerful tool to increase sales. With the right merchandising, you could put key items in the radars of your customers and drive impulse purchases.
Tip # 4. Use furniture and fixtures wisely
Furniture and fixtures play an important role in retail space design. They should be chosen carefully to match the style of the store and the products being sold. For example, a high-end jewelry store would likely have different furniture than a discount store. You can hire the services of a retail general contractor to help you furnish your retail space effectively.
A free flow layout affords you the most creativity. You’re not limited to floor patterns or shelves that have to be placed at certain angles. And unlike the other layouts, you’re not prodding people to use a path around your store; instead, shoppers are encourage to browse and go in any direction.
Tip # 5. Pay attention to the detail
The details are what will make your retail space design truly stand out. From the hardware on your doors to the way your shelves are stocked, every detail matters. Paying attention to the small things will give your store a polished and professional look that customers will appreciate.
The geometric floor plan utilizes racks and fixtures to create a unique store feel and design. Go with this layout if you’re showcasing trendy products.
The pattern of movement in the supermarket is counterclockwise in the United States, but PathTracker studies in the UK, Australia, and Japan show a much greater tendency for shoppers to move in a clockwise pattern there… traffic patterns in the store may also be affected by vehicle traffic patterns outside. In these small studies, we noted that in countries with right-hand driving, where traffic circles move in a clockwise pattern, shoppers in stores may be more comfortable moving in the same direction.
What’s interesting, though, is while Walmart’s sales declined during that time period, customer satisfaction increased. In other words, customers were happier, but they weren’t buying as much.
Having too much product on the sales can lead to a decline in brand perception, especially if you’re trying to position yourself as a boutique or high-end retailer.
Also take into account the amount (and nature) of traffic that you’re getting in your store or shopping center. Do you get a lot of the same shoppers walking by? Are you on a busy street corner that’s on the way to people’s work locations? If so, then you’ll need to change up your displays more frequently in order to grab people’s attention on a consistent basis. While the majority of a location’s design is made up of visual components, other factors—including scent, touch, sound, and taste—can also make an impact on a store’s look and feel.
