Retail space planning is an important feature. It allows potential customers to easily walk through the store and interact with the products. This helps increase business profits. There are many layout options for commercial and retail stores. Each one is unique to the design of the store. It is important to fully understand all layout options available and select the best one.
What is a Retail or Commercial Store Layout?
The strategic management of space in a retail or commercial store layout can improve customer experience and influence customers’ interaction with merchandise. Retail and commercial design has a significant impact on sales, regardless of whether it is an offline or online store.
Store design and customer flow are two of the most important aspects of any retail or commercial store layout. These two elements are key to converting high sales. Customer flow is how customers move around the store. It is crucial to understand the buying habits and customer flow in order to manage a retail shop effectively.
Store design, on the other hand, refers to space management, floor plans and furniture use. The customer experience is affected by store management. It is therefore important to consult a commercial interior design firm to assist with store design.
The Importance of a Retail Store Layout
Layout is a major factor in determining the success of a retail shop. It takes a lot of work to make it look good. Professional help is also a great way to ensure customers get the most out of their time in the store. Below are some of the key elements of a well-designed retail store layout.
It prevents shoplifting and theft
Good layouts ensure that each item is stored in the correct place and is not easily stolen. This prevents theft and shoplifting. It is designed to make it difficult for thieves to steal stolen items by making the exit narrower.
It creates a positive attitude in customers
Customers will feel more at home in a store that is well-designed, and they may even purchase more than they intended, which can increase sales. Bad layouts can make customers feel uncomfortable or even lose interest in the products. The store’s design is a major factor in customers’ attitudes towards shopping.
It can predict customers’ behavior
Good store layouts predict customers’ behaviour. This helps customers to understand their needs and organize the merchandise accordingly. To make it easy for customers to view and most likely buy more items, the most popular items are located at the end.
Different Types of Retail Store Layouts
There are many store layout options. The product type and size of the store will determine which one is best. It is easy to select the right layout for your store by knowing the different design options. These are some of the most common layouts for retail stores.
Straight Layout
Small retail store owners can use the straight layout. This layout maximizes space and makes it easier for customers to navigate the store. The store layout allows customers to see products from every angle. It makes use of the corner spaces and walls to display items.
This layout is popular because it’s easy to plan and convenient. It may not be easy to display certain products in one location. Customers may sometimes move on to another product depending on how they entered.
Geometric Layout
Geometric Layout allows for products of different sizes and shapes to be displayed. This layout is especially useful for commercial stores that have special interior designs. The geometric layout not only displays products in a professional manner, but also allows for creativity.
Geometric layouts are only suitable for shops with large display areas. This layout is not the best choice for commercial stores that are dominated by older generations.
Layout with Free-flow
The free-flow Layout, as the name implies, allows customers to move freely around the store without having to follow any pre-existing traffic patterns. This layout is flexible and adaptable, which allows small retail stores to explore. It helps small stores to establish their brand identity.
The layout’s versatility can make it a little confusing and complex to understand. Sometimes it leaves little space for products to be displayed. Its flexibility allows you to design a floor plan that doesn’t attract customers to your store.
Layout with a Forcible Path
Customers will follow a specific route with the forced-path layout. This layout is great for keeping the store orderly and allows customers to see all of the products before they go. This layout allows products to be strategically placed to attract customers and promote sales.
Customers feel limited by the forced-path layout. It can be frustrating and time-consuming for some customers, especially if they are looking for a specific item and don’t have the money to purchase additional items.
Grid Layout
Grid layout is the most popular local floor plan. This layout is most commonly used in grocery and pharmacy stores. It places the most in-demand products at the end, making it mandatory for customers to browse the long aisles and see the impulse-buy items. Grid layout ensures that products are well-organized.
However, it does not create a unique user experience. Customers are used to this layout. Customers shouldn’t bump into each other. It also needs a lot of space. Grid layouts, like the forced-path layouts, can frustrate customers who are in a rush.
Layout with Angularity
An angular retail shop layout is one that uses a curved layout. This layout uses signage and store fixtures to direct customers through the merchandise. This layout is ideal for luxury shops. It displays products in a way customers will perceive as high-quality.
The main problem with the angular store layout, however, is the lack of enough space for inventory display. It is also difficult to create wall shelves with the curved design.
It is much easier to select the right layout when you are familiar with the various retail store layouts. Retail Space Planners can offer professional advice based upon the layout of your retail store and the products.