8 Retail Store Design Ideas to Help You Sell More
Retail store design matters—a lot. Your store’s design can have an immediate effect on your sales, so it’s crucial to get this aspect of your business right from the start. Here are eight store design ideas that will help you sell more products to more customers and improve your bottom line, no matter what type of retail business you’re running
1) Make your space easy to navigate
You want your space to feel easy for your customers to navigate. Some ways you can do this are through signage and visual displays. Placing large signs at the entrance of each area should be one of the first things you think about when making a layout plan. Create space with large windows, window displays, and attractive visuals. Make sure there is ample room between individual displays so that customers don’t feel like they’re going into a maze but rather just another room in the store they may have been walking past already. Add textures and colors that compliment your line of products. Adding extra touches like music that suits your product offering will also make it more inviting for customers who come in looking for something specific or on the hunt for a great find that day
2) Have eye-catching displays
Make sure your customers know exactly what you’re selling. Draw attention to these displays by using eye-catching displays and techniques like lightboxes (putting a bright light in front of a glass or acrylic sheet). This attracts shoppers and increases the likelihood they’ll choose your products over those on other store shelves. If you have more than one item, display them side by side so shoppers can compare them before making a decision. Put high-profit items on shelves near eye level where they’ll be easily seen and purchased. Place less popular items up high or near the back of the store where they won’t get noticed as easily.
Also, it’s important that you keep your displays updated so customers are always seeing something new and exciting when they come into your store.
3) Showcase your products
If you’ve ever walked into a crowded store, you know it can be hard to find items amidst the noise and clutter. Hanging items low and keeping shelves simple will make it easier for your customers to find what they’re looking for. Plus, nothing is more frustrating than spending 15 minutes trying to find the right dress before giving up and leaving without buying anything. Clear shelving and signage should also be used in checkout lines so shoppers can see how much time is left in their visit. Another way to showcase products? Use props! A mannequin or two that are wearing clothing from a certain season, or merchandise lined up on the sales floor will catch customers’ eyes and bring them over for a closer look.
4) Create distinct customer paths
The old idea of one continuous aisle that goes from the front door all the way to the back of the store is outdated. Nowadays, stores are creating distinct paths for different customers who come in with different intentions. Those seeking a quick fix will be directed along a shorter, more convenient path stocked with only those products that cater to their needs and budget. Those looking for something more involved will be led through a series of distractions while they’re led along an increasingly costly and exclusive trail ending at what they’ve been seeking all along. By understanding who your shoppers are and what they need, you can make sure they get exactly what they want when they come into your store–and leave as happy customers.
5) Incorporate high-quality materials
- High-quality lighting: Lighting can make or break a customer’s experience. Lighting should highlight the product and create an inviting atmosphere.
- . Contemporary, ergonomic shelving: An easy-to-browse merchandising system will attract more customers and ultimately improve your sales.
- . Eye-catching art: A graphic feature wall with appealing artwork is sure to capture a customer’s attention and entice them to browse the store for longer periods of time.
- Green living plants and flowers: Adding flora is one of the best ways you can humanize your store and decrease tension among shoppers by giving off positive vibes that are calming for anyone who walks in the door, so go ahead, get some plants!
- Eye-catching signage: Your logo and signage need to be eye-catching but also functional. Your sign needs to be noticeable from far away, which means it needs to have high visibility.
- Quality seating: Create comfortable seating for your customers to sit down while they wait on their purchases or look around at what other items you have in stock.
- Familiar music: Certain genres of music are proven mood setters, so if you want happy customers then upbeat music is the way to go!
6) Have clear price tags on everything
Price tags help customers compare items, but too often the price tags in stores are hard to read. Price tags that are blurry or unreadable or that aren’t on the product in a visible spot can be confusing and make shopping difficult. Making sure that every price tag is easily readable and in a prominent place on the store shelves will go a long way toward helping your sales. Make sure you label any sale items so they’re easy for customers to find – such as sale with an arrow pointing at the sign, or some other indicator. Clear pricing makes it easy for everyone!
7) Try technology when possible
Investing in new technology can often save money and make your processes more efficient. Using cutting-edge point of sale (POS) systems will not only save you money but increase customer satisfaction. When technology is incorporated into a design, it can be highly noticeable without being gaudy or tacky. However, any technological upgrades shouldn’t come at the expense of aesthetics. Keep these 7 tips in mind for creating an unforgettable retail store design that inspires customers:
1. An open floor plan puts customers at ease and is conducive to shopping
2. Create as much white space as possible so items have plenty of room for display
3. Coordinate colors with branding so everything has the same theme
4. Maintain visibility with high ceilings and natural light
5. Add warmth with color, textures, and other soft elements
6. Ensure everything is easy to reach
7. Maximize walking paths so shoppers don’t feel confined.
8) Keep an open floor plan
One of the easiest ways to sell more stuff is with an open floor plan. Open layouts allow customers to see what you have and are easy for customers to move through. Planning your retail store correctly is essential for generating foot traffic and making the most of this well-known trend. Below, we’ve rounded up eight retail store design ideas that will help increase sales in your shop! Bait & Hook: When shopping for a new store location, think about how many doors there are from outside to inside. The fewer the doors, the easier it is for customers to find your products or come into your store.
