By Reno Macri
If there is one thing true about the retail industry, it’s constantly changing on a massive scale. Giant corporations, online vendors, and independent businesses are all vying for that coveted sales target.
More than ever before, how that family-run corner shop or local outfitter appeals to the consumer eye is essential. So whether you're renovating an existing space or starting anew, here are a few key tips to keep in mind when designing your retail space.
Do your research
Unless you’re really trying to stand out by being quirky, customers have an idea of what a particular store should look like. Look at leading retailers and get inspiration from the latest designs to structure your retail space. Think about what will grab your customer’s attention -- consider colors, shelving, racking, traffic space, displays, counters, and more.
Using design software to play around with ideas is a great way to put your research into action. It can help you more vividly convey the concepts at hand, as well as visualize your measurements and what you have to work with.
For some store owners, a retail shop can also function as a “community” where locals gather and a loyal clientele is established – in this case, you’ll want to keep your design personal and welcoming, versus a more detached, corporate atmosphere.
Think of functionality
Choose a layout that not only enables accessibility and ease of maintenance, but that also enables you to showcase certain features of your products. Having a dynamic store with different “stages” allows each collection of products to have its own feature display, without interrupting traffic. When the time comes to restock, a functional layout will also allow for greater adaptability.
An interior designer can offer assistance understanding the technicalities of space as well as the psychology behind it – such as how certain consumers' minds work, what they will naturally be drawn to, etc.
Appeal to the aesthetic
Whether it’s color, style, or space, appearance is everything. This includes how you lay out your shop, which colors you choose (calm and relaxed, deep and edgy, or bright and eager), and what kind of “teasers” you put in place. From samples to interactive demos, which will engage a consumer’s interest, the more “involved” you appear with your clientele the better.
Always keep samples of new products safely displayed outside of their boxes to capture attention, and don’t be afraid to market products outside the store as well, whether it’s through retail signage advertising attractive discounts or social media.
Cleanliness and maintenance is paramount; especially for a food store, you want to look fully-stocked all the time and as pristine as possible to reflect the practices and policies of your company.
You also will want to find the right balance between spacious and comfortable, which will vary between stores. Too much space can feel intimidating, while a crowded area conveys an impression of unkemptness, and people will be more hesitant to buy.
It's a complete package
The perfect retail design aims to do one thing—encourage customers to purchase your product. An easy to navigate, well-managed store with an attractive design that projects a positive mood are the three golden rules to boosting that sales target.
