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.

 

How to renovate your office for the new normal?

Offices across the country are starting to re-open. Many companies are focusing on the different options to make their space safe and healthy for employees and clients to return. As the threat of COVID-19 continues to exist, companies need a vigilant, careful, and ongoing plan to ensure that their workplace is the safest it can be. With professional assistance from commercial contractors, business owners can do much more than placing hand sanitizers everywhere. 

Here are 4 office updates we recommend to support a healthy return to work:

1.     Use the reception area effectively

Give the reception area a new look. Let employees sanitize hands, have their temperatures checked, and take safety equipment such as sanitizing wipes and face masks. The reception area should give employees a physical reminder of the ‘new normal’ with prominent signs that give directions and instructions on how employees need to follow precautionary measures. 

2.     Segregate areas for visitors and deliveries

If you dedicate distinct spaces for packages and deliveries, chances of employees being in direct contact with outsiders are less. Similarly, you can create a separate room for visitors and restrict the interaction of employees with people coming into the office. 

3.     Upgrade HVAC systems

It is essential to have upgraded and fully-functional HVAC systems. These units must be able to carefully filter air and limit the spread and circulation of the disease. Make sure this is done before you reopen the premises. 

4.       Reduce touch-shared surfaces

Some of the most touched surfaces in an office include door handles and elevator buttons. Install automatic doors activated by ID badges or key cards. Employees don’t need to touch door handles, and the number of risky surfaces is reduced.

Companies looking for low-risk, affordable, and high-quality office renovation ideas should partner with professional and reliable contractors. Expert architects and general contractors can advise on minor face-lifts as well as significant structural updates. 

 

 

 

How does an office renovation improve productivity and boost morale?

 

Your workplace reflects your company’s personality. It impacts employee motivation and builds positive impressions for clients who visit your office. Therefore, having an office that is well-maintained, equipped, and upgraded is essential. Office renovations help to improve your bottom line. It makes your premises more inviting, improves workplace morale, and sets a vibrant tone. If you invest in regular upgrades, you can rest assured about the long-term growth of your employees and business. 

Here are the different ways in which renovating your office can boost productivity and strengthen employee morale:

1.    Introduces Open Layout: With newer additions, you can promote camaraderie and cooperation among employees. Commercial contractors can build communal working areas, open layouts with simple walkways, and collaborative workstations. Employees can work together in these areas and spend more time knowing each other.

 

2.    Overcomes Wear and Tear: All commercial properties and offices go through the usual wear and tear. You notice peeling paint and scratches on desks and chairs. These scars don’t appeal to potential clients and employees. Cornerstone ensures that your office is always attractive and presentable. With proper maintenance and care, you have a safer working environment that keeps employees healthy and in high spirits. 

 

3.    Increases Employee Engagement: Employees confined to workstations and congested cabins don’t have space to move around and talk to other teams. As you renovate, you create more open space that allows employees to unwind and interact with others. Such interactions boost creativity. Employees engage in ideas and discover how they can do their jobs better. 

 

4.    Upgrades Equipment: An essential aspect of renovating is upgrading office equipment. Upgrades include everything you use to complete smooth operations. When employees have the right equipment like printers, good lighting, and good furniture like tables, chairs, they are likely to be more productive. 

Scheduling periodic upgrades and renovations help to keep productivity and morale high. Renovating isn’t just about looks, you are also working on the workflow, lighting, layout, and effective utilization of space. Always discuss with the professionals at Cornerstone for professional and reliable contracting services. 

 

6 Tips For Estimating And Controlling Commercial Renovation Costs

Every store or property undergoes renovation at some point in time. Whether you do it to upgrade systems or update fixtures, the most difficult part is planning the store renovation cost. There is no simple formula and you need to look at several factors before you can arrive at an estimate. 

A commercial contractor spends time understanding various elements to determine the cost. These include location, building use, building codes, historic district compliance, number of disciplines required, as well as current market factors. 

While outside factors help you determine the cost of renovation, there are ways by which owners can better manage the budgets. Here are 6 tips to help you control commercial renovation costs:

1.     Plan Ahead

Many owners plan renovations when the space develops critical needs. This is not a good idea. Waiting instead of advance planning can lead to the difference between just a re-paint job or replacing walls completely.  Planning ahead can make a big difference.

2.      Avoid Surprises

No building owner enjoys an unpleasant surprise after the renovation has begun. While there are some unavoidable surprises, most can be prevented with proper planning and due diligence. If you carefully assess the property’s condition, you can avoid overshooting the budget.

3.      Obtain Accurate Requirements

It is important to establish project needs in detail right from the beginning. Knowing how the special layout is going to change and keeping in mind its current and potential uses will lead to an accurate cost estimate. 

4.       Choose the Right Materials

Renovation expenses are just a part of the entire project. Sometimes, the right materials cost a lot more but result in long-term savings depending on use. Conversely, sometimes you can easily avoid the use of expensive material.

5.         Consider the Life Cycle of Building Systems

Electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems have a natural life cycle. Take into account the Expected Useful Life of these devices to determine the replacements you need to include in your renovation project. 

6.           Partner with the Right Renovation Expert

A good renovation partner is critical. Cornerstone has deep expertise in renovation and can offer an accurate estimate for renovation costs.