The Fundamentals Of Retail Store Design and Planning

 

Every retail store is different, but their goal is common - to influence the customers purchase decision. Retailers try various tactics like playing music, filling the stores with alluring scents, and using innovative displays and more to get it right. However, not all have been able to explore the real art of attracting customers with the retail store design. 

Commercial renovation experts can help you achieve award-winning interior designs that can transform any retail environment. As you start planning the renovation, keep in mind that understanding the customer is crucial at every stage, be it the implementation, execution, or delivery. 

Let’s take a look at the three fundamentals of retail store design and planning:

1.     Attractive Visual Merchandising

The retail window design has tremendous power, and you must not underestimate its value and power of attraction.. Always remember, the first point of visual contact for the customer with the store is the window displays. It plays a crucial role in encouraging the customer to enter and see the entire collection. 

Use shop windows as the eyes of a retail store. Let them share a story that pulls the customer into the physical space. Try out unique creative ideas with the product acting as the center of attention of the display. 

2.               Create the Path You Want Customers to Take

Every retailer knows how they want customers to see the different products in their store. They have a clear idea of which product should lead where and how to make the customers reach the billing counter. Stores must help shoppers flow through the store to make this a smooth journey. 

A commercial contractor can use his expertise to strategically plan store layouts in a manner that leads customers on a path that increases dwell time and leverages sales. 

3.               Be Bold

The number of shoppers choosing e-commerce instead of the physical store is increasing. This shift makes it all the more important for retail store owners to be bold and creative with their spaces so that the experience of visiting the store is more stimulating and attractive. 

Adapting your building plans for the new normal

 

COVID-19 has changed the way people browse and buy, especially in the space of physical retail. It is time for stores to adapt to the behaviour and expectations of the shoppers. For every brick and mortar store, a retail store renovation should be the number one priority. Prepare a layout and create a retail experience that is safe as well as delightful for the customer. 

Here’s a look at some of the ways you can adapt your building plans for the next normal:

1.     Make space for social distancing and safety equipment.

Every retail store now needs to prepare a layout that can accommodate products as well as health and safety equipment. Moreover, you need to leave room for social distancing so that the customer can feel safe and healthy when they are shopping. Plexiglass over the registers, spacing decals on the floor and single direction flow of customers are ideas that can build a physical barrier between the shoppers and retail members. 

2.               Add vertical shelves to maximize space

In smaller stores, it is vital to plan out product placement. If you want to give people enough space, you need to either remove certain products or use the right equipment and shelves. A useful arrangement idea is placing products vertically. As products are at different heights, you can enjoy an inviting minimalist look. 

3.               Decorate the outside of your shop

With the changing times, you will have to restrict the number of people you let into your store. Discuss with a commercial contractor on how you can create an experience for pedestrians and customers waiting to step into the store. 

You can display large posters to showcase products to the customers outside. Besides, you can creatively decorate your window displays to keep them entertained. Don’t forget to notify customers about the precautions you are taking to care for their health and safety. 

Today’s demanding times require that you understand the shopping journey of the customer. Follow the above-mentioned tips to successfully plan out your retail store, and be prepared for the coming months. 

How to Take Your Retail Spaces to a Sustainable Level?

 

In today’s era, every brand must play a vital role in sustainable practices. It helps to get the preference of the public and specific target groups. Moreover, it helps to deepen customer relationships. 

When considering a store renovation project to accommodate sustainability, here are a few tips that can help you go green: 

1.     Choose Natural Elements

The interiors of your store are crucial. It is a good idea to have plants inside your store. They create a fresh and homely environment. Besides, they boost positive emotions and perceptions of the customer. 

2.               Use Natural Lighting

Not every room in your store requires bright lighting. The sources of natural lighting help to create a pleasant and enchanting vibe in your store. It can keep your employees energetic. Natural lighting also helps to save on a lot of energy costs. 

3.               Design Windows with Recyclable Material

They say eyes are the windows to the soul. Similarly, window displays reveal the essence of a store. When you use recyclable material to design your windows, you make a sustainable statement within your window display. A commercial contractor will be able to help you with creative ideas to go green and create attractive window displays. 

4.               Use Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems

You don’t need heating and cooling systems throughout the year. These systems consume a lot of energy. Alternatively, a programmable thermostat can help you maintain optimum temperature as per requirements. For instance, storage rooms have minimal traffic and don’t need the continuous effects of heating and cooling systems. Another essential thing to keep in mind is the maintenance of the air filter. If you think the air filter is dirty, change it as soon as possible. 

5.               Go Paperless

Wherever possible, choose email receipts. This eco-friendly technique releases the load on your customers’ wallets by getting rid of all the paper receipts and bills. 

Finally, remember to share your sustainability efforts. Discuss them on your website and spread the word via social media. Such communication is an effective marketing strategy and helps to gain customer confidence. 

 

Why should you hire a general contractor instead of trying to do it yourself?

 

The number of tasks you need to supervise and complete during a construction project is manifold. There are many decisions to take, and one must know that the knowledge and experience of a professional general contractor is valuable. 

So, if you’re planning a commercial renovation, you should always look at hiring an expert general contractor for the many benefits they have to offer. 

1.     Professional Designers

As you start renovating, you have a plethora of ideas. You know how you want the renovated area to look, but you don’t know what you have to do to achieve the same. Reputed contracting companies offer professional interior design services. They help you re-work layouts and select fixtures and features that suit your requirements. These designers create a plan considering your ideas and also suggest how you can make the space more productive for your employees. 

2.               Knowledge and Experience

Cornerstone is an experienced commercial contractor. The expertise and knowledge it brings is not something you can acquire by watching DIY videos on YouTube. Professional contractors know how to remodel an office space and the sequence of construction tasks that are necessary to complete your renovation efficiently. They ensure that your work does not suffer, and employees are not disturbed during the renovation project. 

3.               Project Manager Efficiency

A general contractor serves as a project manager throughout the renovation process. They have a network of sub-contractors and qualified sub-trades, using which they ensure the efficiency of the entire job. Apart from hiring these subcontractors, they schedule their services at the right time of the project. Besides, they supervise tasks and ensure that the work the subcontractors perform is high-quality. 

If you try to renovate a commercial property on your own, the chances of making expensive mistakes are high, as you won’t really understand all the details and intricacies. As a result, you’ll waste time, effort, and money. Hiring a general contractor right from the beginning ensures that you don’t make any such errors and have your renovation jobs completed at the right time and at the right cost.