While many people think that big box stores have wrecked the retail environment, small stores are actually making somewhat of a comeback. Many people are looking for a way to reconnect with their communities, and they are seeking out shopping opportunities that are fun and engaging instead of cold and sterile.
That trend toward smaller stores and more direct shopping experiences is good news for entrepreneurs who want to participate. Many of the most successful retail businesses started small and built up over time, and there is no reason you cannot do the same. Whether you order modular furniture and related items from TableLegsOnline.com or choose a prefab design to save money, there are plenty of ways to create an in store design that puts the needs of the shopper first.
Think Like a Customer
In fact, thinking like a shopper is one of the smartest things any store owner can do. Whether you are building a tiny gift shop in the local airport or designing an interactive space to sell movies and entertainment project, choosing the right design can make all the difference in the world.
Make Your Guests Feel Welcome
The entrance to your business should be a welcoming space, not a cold and sterile one. Many business owners make a serious mistake when designing their space – they look at the function of the entrance but not its aesthetic qualities.
If you want to design a more inviting entrance, think about what you like when you go shopping. From brightly lit entranceways to attractive commercial awnings and merchandise displays, there are plenty of ways to design a store space where shoppers will want to spend time.
Set a Logical Flow
It is important to set a logical flow as you lay out your display space. If you have ever been to a department store, you have already seen this strategy in action.
The best department stores will dedicate one section to men’s clothes, another to women’s apparel and other sections to shoes, toys and fashion accessories. This creates a logical flow through the store and makes it easy for busy shoppers to find exactly what they need.
You can use that same strategy as you lay out your own retail store. You may not have as much space to work with, but you can make the most of what you have by making sure there is a logical flow from entrance to sales floor to checkout.
Showcase Your Finest Products
No matter what your store sells, if your floor space is limited you need to make some hard choices. If your retail space includes plenty of great products but limited display space, make the room you do have count.
Use the floor space you have available to showcase your best products. These do not necessarily have to be your most expensive products – just the products your customers are likely to find most interesting and engaging.
Be Your Own Mystery Shopper
Mystery shopping companies send undercover shoppers into retail establishments to test the knowledge of the sales staff, evaluate the store displays and gather vital information. The problem is, those shopping services can be prohibitively expensive for retailers.
Fortunately, you do not have to spend a dime to get the advantages of a mystery shopper. When things are slow, take a few minutes to walk through your store and evaluate the layout and the merchandise. Is this a place you would like to shop? Is the merchandise easy to find? If not, you have the power to change things and make your retail space more shopper-friendly.
Stephanie Sherell has plenty of retail design experience and enjoys the challenge of creating something successful from a blank canvas. She likes to share her ideas online and is a regular writer for a number of industry-orientated websites.
