8 Retail Store Design Ideas to Boost Sales
If you own or manage a retail store, the way your physical space looks and feels can have a direct impact on your sales figures. The type of store you own and where it’s located will have an influence as well, but there are design elements that most stores can implement to increase foot traffic and boost sales over time, whether it’s through convenience or comfort for shoppers or helping you get potential customers through the door in the first place. Here are 8 retail store design ideas to increase sales.
1) Spacing
The stores we visit can leave a lasting impression on us. From layout, type of product offered, or how the staff interacts with customers, everything leaves an impression that shapes our expectations for the next store we visit. What are some considerations of in-store design that can improve your sales and customer experience? Let’s take a look at8retail store design ideas:
* Offer plenty of space in the front and back of the store. Make sure you have enough room in your cashier area so it doesn’t get too congested and no one is waiting in long lines just to check out their purchase. It also helps to have space on either side of your registers for potential theft if necessary as well as extra shelves for merchandising purposes.
2) Flooring
Purchasing the right flooring can boost your retail store design and sales. In fact, experts say that one of the most effective ways to keep customers walking in is with a great flooring system. Below are 8 top reasons why retailers should invest in great floors.
1) Flooring provides visual stimulation to shoppers, driving impulse purchases and reducing boredom while they shop.
2) The wrong type of flooring can hinder your customer experience by absorbing dirt, causing slips, and making hard-to-reach products difficult for shoppers with physical disabilities.
3) A little effort put into choosing the perfect flooring for your retail store design can mean the difference between retaining an existing customer or losing them to another store down the street.
3) Lighting
There are numerous factors that go into the design of a retail store. Some companies will choose to highlight the company’s branding while others may focus on the products they sell. Regardless of your retail store design goals, there are some basic elements that every space should contain. Below, we outline 7 lighting-related tips for improving your store layout and boosting sales.
First, pay attention to how light is already used in your building and try not to compete with it by adding more lighting fixtures. In most cases, two fixtures per 100 square feet are sufficient.
4) Ways of Displaying Products
Displaying products in an organized way will not only make your store look better, but it can increase sales. Products should be grouped into categories such as tops and pants. Clear and concise signage will let customers know what’s where, and how much everything costs. An open floor plan that allows shoppers to roam freely also prevents them from feeling overwhelmed by all the options they have. Many times they’ll turn their carts around and buy something that they wouldn’t have before because they became more knowledgeable about your product assortment.
5) The Entrance – Set Expectations
The entrance can set expectations for the rest of the store. If it’s inviting, shoppers may feel more comfortable browsing through the aisles and taking their time. There are many things that you can do to make an entrance more inviting: place plants or flowers near the door, install dimmed lights in order to create a sense of mystery, hang brightly-colored banners (instead of heavy drapes) near your doorway, incorporate patterns and textures that blend well with all types of furniture or add ikat, African-inspired designs with geometric shapes.
6) Wayfinding & Signs
Good wayfinding is the foundation of a successful retail store design. There are three categories of ways we identify our surroundings: landmarks, arrows, and maps. Signs should be placed strategically throughout your store so customers can easily find their way around. The type of signage you use will depend on how much direction customers need as they explore your shop or department. Effective wayfinding and directional signage also boost sales because visitors are more likely to wander around the store for longer periods of time, making it easier for them to spend money on impulse purchases and fully engage with your brand. Customers who don’t know where they’re going are less likely to buy anything when they arrive at the checkout.
7) To-Go Packaging
One way that stores can increase sales is by providing a to-go option for consumers. To-go packaging is useful for many reasons, including convenience for both the customer and the store. In most cases, this type of packaging does not need refrigeration. Plus, it can help protect against any harmful substances from entering the packaging which in turn protects your products from being contaminated with those substances as well. This is an important step because it can help prevent cases of food poisoning that come from the consumption of contaminated products. To learn more about incorporating this design choice into your store’s layout, check out our 8retail store design ideas to increase sales posts!
8) Aisles
Aisles can be lined with features like products on end caps, wider aisles for groceries, and displays in the aisles. Aisles should never be blocked by shelving or displays. Bring in natural light with windows or skylights and add art pieces that are friendly for families or individuals browsing for gifts. Install clear vinyl for creating delineated lanes between aisles to allow easier navigation and flow through your store. Displaying your back-of-store products at the front of your store also offers an opportunity to connect your front and back sides of the business. Other design considerations include making sure all walkways are ADA-compliant and areas are fully ventilated
