You can’t be an excellent store manager without a great location design. Ever wonder why some stores are always full of customers while others with similar products remain empty? It’s not pure luck. It’s likely thanks to a smart design and branding strategy based on customer behavior.
Once you understand how your customers think, you can create remarkable interiors to elevate their shopping experience. Smart store design affects sales from the minute a customer enters your shop to the time they reach checkout.
Retail Design Tips to Consider
These tips will shed light on how you can positively impact the buying decisions of your clientele and increase sales.
Make your storefront visually appealing
The more attractive your storefront, the more customers it will attract to your store. Your storefront is your first shot at making an impression. Make sure it’s a positive one. Maintaining the same style for graphics like wall decals and advertising displays like retractable banners will create a harmonious environment in your store.
Branding design options like big 3D solutions that spell out your retail name in vibrant typography are a must. Matching window graphics promoting sales will wrap up the look. Lastly, don’t forget to make your storefront visible after sunset. Use illuminated features for your name and logo or get box displays to greet passersby during evening hours.
Step up to the threshold
Once your storefront has pulled people in, be sure to keep up the positive vibe throughout the store. An inviting interior design for your shopping center is not only beautiful but also makes people want to make a purchase.
Avoid the urge to bombard your clients with overwhelming decorations. A delicate welcoming note, mild illumination features and a calm atmosphere will have a better effect. Also don’t forget to install wayfinding solutions to facilitate navigation through your store.
Then, move to the right
Did you know that there’s a pattern to how shoppers move once they enter a store? Most consumers take steps to the right after entering a shop. You can leverage this behavior to your advantage. For instance, you know that the first thing they’ll see after taking a right is the wall in front of them. With a smart branding strategy, you can turn that wall into a powerful marketing tool. Use it to display new or seasonal products, advertise sales with high-quality wall graphics or mount illuminated signage with your logo on it. Do it with whatever’s most worthy of being at the center of attention.
Keep the flow
Make sure your customers are going around your store in a smooth flow. Offer wide aisles for them to stop and shop while others pass. Create a focal point in the back wall with product images or illuminated design elements. This will show what’s to come and encourage customers to continue shopping. Streamline navigation with wayfinding solutions that guide them to special offers. Whether it’s a marketplace or a clothing store layout, the style will determine how much time consumers will spend inside.
But, create breaks
Don’t let people pass by your products without noticing them. Visual breaks are one effective method retailers use to solve this problem. Signage can slow customers down and direct their attention. It can serve any purpose from advertising to sharing special offers. Keep in mind that the best place to create speed bumps is near the end or in between aisles.
Lastly, check them out
If customer flow starts from the right and revolves around the store, it’s logical to put the checkout desks on the left side near the exit. If you’re short on staff, design the layout in a way that allows you to keep customers in sight from the checkout desk. This way, you can ensure loss prevention and answer any questions they may have. Create comfort by providing enough space for shoppers to put personal belongings on the checkout counter. Finally, don’t forget about the wall behind the desk. Use it to showcase striking signage that highlights your brand in a memorable way.
Important Aspects of Retail Stores
Now that you know strategies for retail store interior design, it’s time to learn about factors that affect the retail industry.
Make an intelligent color choice
Choose colors wisely by considering their effect and deeper meaning. For instance, if you decide on a vibrant palette, try not to overuse it. Bright colors can be tiring on the eyes. If you sell clothes for men, choose dark shades such as black or navy blue to exude authority and elegance. If you want to stimulate shoppers and get them to make impulse purchases, use red. It calls for attention and urges customers to take action. Lighter shades of blue are known to inspire trust. This is why many financial institutions such as banks choose this color.
Create a calming atmosphere with lighting
Among the powerful ways to keep your customers in comfort, illumination has great significance. Lighting is an important element for retail store design. Your hard work can be lost in the shadows if you don’t light up your store properly. It can highlight specific products, create a pleasant mood and illuminate dark areas. Natural lighting is another great way to display your products. If your store doesn’t get a good amount of sunlight, there are lightbulbs that imitate the qualities of natural lighting.
Provide comfort to your shoppers
If you’re the owner of a big store, take advantage of the space and keep your customers comfortable. Shoppers and especially those simply accompanying one won’t mind sitting down to rest for a while. Arrange comfy furniture and design your seating area to face your products. This way, the waiting customers will see your products and may be encouraged to shop after all.
