If you are in the early stages of planning the layout of your store, it is important to know that if you get it right – you can increase your sales. The placement of signs, the distance from the shelves to the ceiling – all of it makes a difference. So here are some tips to make your shopfitting work for you.
1. Space
When you are working with a designer on your shop fit-out, really consider the space. If you store feels cramped, or overloaded, then people are going to be put off pretty quickly. With too many products on the shelves, people will miss a large part of your stock. Create a balance between the space in the store, and the room on the shelves. Ensure than on a walk-through that you can see every item, and that someone can walk behind your with ease.
2. Practicality
It would be best if you had your store as accessible as possible. This means you need to consider the flooring. Make sure you have something smooth like resin flooring, which is easy to clean, and hardwearing. Consider the height of your products. The elderly, wheelchair users and other disabled users shouldn’t need to bend down or reach up for the essential products.
So head out and do some research, take a walk around various stores and see what is placed where – and more importantly, why?
3. Lighting
You can use lighting to create the mood you need in the store. LEDs are typically a great choice when it comes to cost and the impact on the environment. However, if you have the ability to do so, then lights that mimic daylight will create a calm and natural atmosphere. Lighting will also change how people view the space around them.
The more light you have in store, the larger it will feel.
4. Signage
Try to make sure that you have the same signage designs through the store – but with the item image on the for differentiation. Have some of the ‘deals’ in the shop window, next to the product, and a few meters in front of it too. If you have a very large space, you are going to have to work harder to get people to where the deals are.
You can help shoppers find what they are looking for by using the ends of the aisle as ‘indicators’. This means placing relating products there. For example, an aisle that has tea, coffee and warm drink mixes might have a coffee and tea deal at the end of the aisle.
5. Materials
Make sure that the look and feel of the store match what you see. If you are trying to sell expensive jewellery, but your store looks and ‘feels’ cheap, then people won’t get the experience they are hoping for.
You can create a luxury store feel on a budget if you work with an interior designer.
When you get the shop fit-out right, you will create the perfect shopping atmosphere – and you’ll see it reflected in your bank balance.