Retail design can totally change the overall feel of your business. The environment that customers immerse themselves in can have a big impact on their behaviour in-store. Creating the right atmosphere is essential in attracting customers to your business and maintaining their loyalty.
But what is retail design? The most basic definition is that it is the interior design of a retail store, but as shops are dynamic and diverse environments, there are many factors that need to be considered. Read on as we discuss some of the most important things to consider when designing your store.
Manage Your Physical Space
One of the most important factors relating to retail design is the space available and what you choose to do with it. Customers want to feel comfortable and relaxed as they shop and the environment they are in has a huge impact on this. A cluttered shop floor is not going to make a customer want to spend a lot of time there. On the contrary, they are likely to spend the minimum amount of time possible browsing your merchandise. Although it may mean you are not able to display as many products at one time, saving space pays off in the long run as comfortable customers are willing to spend more!
That being said, lack of floor space does not mean there is no room for creative retail design in your store. Hanging things from the ceiling or displaying them on shelves above the merchandise can be just as effective as displays that take up a lot of floor space. It’s all about making the most of the space and resources available to you.
Embrace Tangible Elements
A store that appeals to a variety of the customer’s senses will keep them hooked for longer. Consider using a range of tangible elements as part of your retail design. This can be anything from interactive touch screen displays to the music you choose to play in your store. As long as it engages the customer, it is an effective element of the overall store design.
Not only do these elements keep your customers in the store for longer periods of time, but they can also be used as an additional sales pitch to persuade them to purchase something. If your customers enjoy using interactive touch screens, use them to showcase new products and entice them into investing in them!
Outstanding Design
Ensuring that your store’s retail design reflects your brand is essential. It’s easy to get carried away with the creative elements of retail design but it’s important to remember the purpose it is serving – making your merchandise look its best and encourage customers to purchase it.
Retail design also needs to be considered carefully before any action is made. It’s not about each individual display, but how all the features of the store work together to impact the overall environment. Outstanding retail design makes the customer feel something in particular. Whether it is excitement or whimsy, the feelings a customer experiences in a store can have a big effect on what they choose to buy. For this reason, it is wise to consider the products you are trying to sell at a particular time and imagine how a customer who wants to buy the product is feeling. This will give you a starting point for your retail design. Also, changing retail design frequently keeps the shopping experience exciting for the customer and encourages them to return to find out what’s new.
H Squared are an award-winning retail design agency. Is your store stuck in a rut? Get in touch with us today and see how we can help you create the store of your dreams.
