Retail stores and their layout define how customers will interact with the products and items present in the store. It is no secret that good quality products at competitive prices attract customers but the layout of the retail store also plays an important role in turning regular customers into loyal ones. So, if you intend to carry out a retail remodel, you should consider several tips that will help add convenience. Remember, customers are always first and you should go out all day to ensure they have the best shopping experience. So, here is what to do.
Implement An Easy Layout
Retail stores can easily become busy places during the weekdays and weekends especially when the discounts are on. This makes it difficult for customers to navigate through the store without having to bump into each other. Plus, it might also be difficult for the customers to find the products they want due to human traffic slowing down the process.
In such a case, the customers will either choose a different store or simply won’t return. That said, when it comes to remodeling a retail store, you should always consider the layout. You should define different sections for different products so that the customers can directly walk up the section without having to spend time and effort.
Designing a convenient layout can be an issue if you do not have enough space. In this case, you will be needing a professional’s help. Sometimes, you are not able to envision or determine how to properly utilize a space until an expert steps in.
You might be thinking of adding some space by removing some items but it might be that you need to organize some things to make up space and decongest the store. So, if you have clutter in some areas, you will need to remove them. Believe it or not, such minor factors go a long way in terms of helping the customers shop without any disturbance.
Create A Power Wall To The Right
You might have observed that some customers tend to turn to the right upon entering the store. It’s just a psychological factor. Customers will like to turn right even if there is nothing to display or sell. While it may sound strange, you should use it to your advantage.
You should keep a close eye on the direction of the customers as they enter the store. Even if it’s on the left, it means you should shift and display your most important products in that area. This will attract customers even if they didn’t intend to buy the items displayed in the first place.
This is a well-known concept called ‘power wall’ in the retail industry. For instance, if you have a retail store that sells beauty products, you will need to display the most selling products on that power wall to attract as many customers as possible. If you fail to understand what your customers want and can’t benefit from this opportunity, your competitors are sure to take the lead.
Offer Maximum Exposure
Once the customers have entered the store, the store should offer them maximum exposure via shelves, tables, racks, and other implements. This means that you will need to come up with a path that helps the customers feel in control. There are still many retail stores out there with long straight aisles causing customers discomfort.
If customers are not able to find something, they do not need to walk the entire distance to enter the next aisle. Instead, they should find something worthwhile in between that allows them to focus while they search for their desired products and items.
In simple words, the process of exploring the store should be natural. It should not appear as if the customers are forced to go through the aisles before they can get their hands on the products needed. And, while customers walk through the entire store, they will also take short breaks to relieve themselves.
Do not expect the customers to walk until they become tired and bored quickly. This will ruin your customer base as they will find it a lot more trouble to shop at your store. So, during commercial remodeling McLean, the design and layout must be customer-friendly.
Allow Customers To Continue Shopping During Checkout
When renovating your retail store, you should keep in mind that it is the small efforts and factors that make the biggest difference. For instance, you should come up with a layout that allows the customers to continue shopping during checkout.
You might have observed some customers suddenly shifting their attention towards particular items and products just when they are checking out. While the checkout process should be quick and seamless, a longer wait can provide customers with the opportunity to make additional purchases.
You can try placing gums, biscuits, and other items in the section that are hard for the customers to resist. You can also place some items behind the cashier for the customers to easily see the items on display.
Ensure Proper Lighting
The majority of the customers visiting retail stores tend to be attracted by the bright lights. This is yet again another psychological factor that triggers customers into walking towards retail stores. A retail store with bright lights is going to appear unique and special.
From the customer’s point of view, the retail store is going to have things a lot more special to offer than the others. This is why you should implement a welcoming vibe by installing a proper lighting system. Each section of the retail store should be properly lit up for the items to be visible.
It might be that some areas are dull and have items not visible to the customers. This will eventually result in a loss as the customers won’t be able to notice the products. That said, it does not mean that you spend excessively on bulbs and other lighting options.
It simply means that you need to be smart with the placement. You should choose angles that cover the most area with as minimum bulbs as possible.
Eye Level Is Buy Level
This strategy is important for retail stores when it comes to selling their best products. Customers will always focus and most probably purchase products that are at eye level. You will hardly notice people reaching out above or bending to focus on products at ground level.
They are most likely to be interested in the products that are easier to pick up and go through. There will be competition for these spots. As a retail store, you should display your best-selling items at eye level for the customers to easily reach out.
Make sure that you do not display a particular item for too long as that might become boring. You will have to replace the products so that the customers know what’s new on display.
Conclusion
Remodeling and designing a retail store involve a lot of smart thinking and patience. Every design or layout is different based on the dimensions of the space. Although the above-mentioned tips will help, you should seek help from retail store contractors DC as well. You wouldn’t want to waste money by spending on a design that will hardly engage the customers.