Perhaps one of the hottest topics when it comes to retail stores is how to get customers into your shop in the first place. Have you ever compared your business to your competitors and noticed that there are more people stopping by and streaming into their shop instead of yours? Or maybe you’ve strolled down the streets of a shopping district and seen stores that just seem to catch your attention easily, while others don’t seem to catch your eye. If you’re experiencing similar problems, then you might need a major upgrade in regards to the layout or design of your store.
These problems can partly be attributed to interior design. Some retail store owners are wise to invest in clever interior design tips and tricks to attract these customers and entice them to buy their products. In the retail store game, interior design matters way more than you think– much, much more.
How interior design affects retail establishments
That’s why you need a reliable interior designer who you can trust to give good results, as this will directly affect the success of your store. A badly designed store can ward off many prospective customers without them even looking at your products. This is because how your store is designed and arranged is believed to be a reflection of the store owner’s professionalism and the quality of services and products they provide.
As a retail store owner, you should be aware of the impact that good store design brings. Don’t think of store remodelling or renovation as an expense, but as an investment. Looking to transform your retail space into a tool that can attract customers? Here are the three considerations you have to make when designing any retail space:
- Functionality. How easily it can accommodate your employees while they are working, and how your space facilitates smoother transactions and perusal for customers.
- Company or brand theme. Strictly speaking, all types of retail or commercial establishments should have interiors modelled according to their brand values and aesthetics. This will make your establishment recognisable at first glance and people will connect the design back to your business.
- Aesthetics. Last but not least, your store shouldn’t be an eyesore for customers. Think of your target audience and what kind of environment they would prefer when making their purchases. Cater to their expectations. For example, if you’re going for a cosy coffee shop, then considering a more lounge-type feel for your design might be a great idea.
The best retail design tips for surprising your customers
Aside from building your design out of these three considerations, what else are some great interior and renovation design ideas and tips that are guaranteed to wow prospective customers? Check out below for some of the best tips for your retail stores:
- Mind the store layout. Ordinary shoppers may be unaware of it, but the layout of a retail store can heavily impact their shopping experience. Even the positioning of shelves and other furniture may affect how much they buy and what items they view. Some store layouts work better with some types of retail establishments than others. For example, a loop type layout is great for letting you browse a whole variety of products at once, while grid type store layouts are better at showcasing different types of products next to each other.
- Window displays are everything. It is said that shoppers can make value judgements about your store in less than ten seconds. That’s not a lot of time to make an impression! Use your storefront as a way to capture your customers’ attention, and don’t be afraid to be bold. Create a window display and don’t be afraid to market your products in a very visible location!
- Add some creativity to your signs. Studies have shown that displays with eye-catching designs perform far better than those without signs. Figuring out why store signs work is a no-brainer– they cause you to pause and read the displays of your product and gives you more information about what you’re buying. Signs are essential to your store.
- Find ways to entertain your customers. Want your customers to stay for much longer? It’s important that they feel welcome in your establishment. Add some mood music or invest in quality seating, install TVs or other entertainment devices to capture their attention, and don’t skip out on amenities like bathrooms and other things. Keep in mind that your additions should be appropriate to your target consumers and your brand theme.
Breathe life into designs for small condos, large houses, offices, retail stores, and more with Fineline, an interior design firm in Singapore!
