Shop Fitting Guide: Planning Shop Design and Layout
The design and layout of a store can have a big impact and customers and, ultimately, the store’s bottom line. A store with a great design and layout creates positive customer experiences. Customers tend to keep going back to stores that look great and are well-designed. A shop that has a great design and layout is also a breeze to navigate, which is another positive customer experience. Thinking about making a shop fitting? Planning shop design and layout in NSW and Perth, Western Australia? Read on to learn more from our Shop Fitting Guide: Planning Shop Design and Layout.
Flow
The space inside the shop should flow. Customers should move from one area to the next with ease. If customers have to constantly double back on themselves, they can get annoyed and choose to visit other stores instead.
It’s important that the elements inside the shop are arranged in a practical way. People should be able to easily find what they need. The design and layout should also encourage them to browse products and even purchase other items.
To begin visualizing flow, think about the path that people take when they enter the shop. Can they easily find their way through the store? Is it easy to find products? Are they arranged in a way that makes sense (by section, promotions, etc.)? The better visualise the space, draw a floorplan.
Store Layout
Floorplan
A floor plan can help you visualise what items you can fit into the space and how you can create a great shopping experience.
Customers should feel comfortable walking around the shop, they should be able to find the items they need, while navigating a well-planned and aesthetically pleasing space.
So aside from the items to add, you should also consider the space between the items and sections. Aisles, for example, should have enough space to allow the free flow of customers, including those that are carrying huge shopping bags and shopping carts. There should be additional space around the register area for shoppers to queue.
To have a good idea on which items can fit into the space, measure the entire store area. After that, make a list of the fixed items that need to be included in planning the design. Fixed items include:
- windows
- doorways
- ceiling height
- fire alarms
- fire extinguishers
Planning Shop Design and Layout
Planning is half the battle. It allows you to resolve important issues such as materials and methodologies right away. It saves money, time and unnecessary stress. Here are some important items to consider when store design and layout:
Customers
Who are your target customers? What do they need? What would be attractive or appealing for them?
Think about your store’s current offers, promotions or ”specials” and the locations in the store that can produce the best results.
Design
After you decide that the goal is to design a space that looks, for example, industrial, you can then start listing the items that can help achieve this look. From this list, you can start narrowing down to the items that are cost effective and the must-haves. A space with an industrial design would typically have bare brick walls, wooden pallets and metal or copper pipes; you can then add items or find alternatives.
Branding
Brand identity helps you stand out from the competitors. Make it clear and consistent across all properties and assets, including the store.
Style
Are there styles or themes that should be included in the design?
Lighting
Lighting should meet functional requirements such as providing enough illumination so that customers can be comfortable in the store and also easily see the signages and products. Beyond the functional, lighting can be used to create an ambience for the entire store and highlight specific displays or products.
Signage
Signages can be hanging signs, neon signs, acrylic stands and more. Choose the signage that is consistent with the branding and the works with the overall design of the space.
Planning Shop Design and Layout
Thinking about making a shop fitting guide? Planning shop design and layout in NSW and Perth, Western Australia? Focus Shopfit can help.
Focus has been managing and executing commercial and retail shopfitting projects for decades.
We are confident that with our experience, we can help you bring your plan to the best possible outcome, saving you time and cost.
To learn more about planning shop design and layout visit our services page or contact us today!
