Contrary to popular belief, brick and mortar stores aren’t dead. Although it is common nowadays for businesses to begin as physical stores and eventually expand into e-commerce, that isn’t always the case.
E-commerce giant Amazon, for instance, has been dabbling in physical retail since 2015. Amazon is the biggest online store in the world yet still sees in-store shopping as essential to the future of commerce. Other big e-commerce brands like Bonobos, Warby Parker and Casper, have also brought their virtual businesses into the physical marketplace.
The disadvantage of an e-commerce store is that it thrives in a fiercely competitive environment, says Mark Walsh of The Guardian. He says it is almost impossible for small online businesses to gain customers when there are massive retailers who have millions of dollars to spend on advertising.
A brick and mortar store, on the other hand, can easily outshine its competitors through excellent retail store design. How your store looks and functions has a tremendous effect on the overall consumer experience, leading to more sales and loyal customers.
Here are four retail design strategies that help your physical store succeed:
The entrance to your store should be your priority. To attract customers to your store, they should be immediately drawn to your store front. When designing the store front, understand first who your target market is and what exactly motivates them to spend. A flawless and well-designed store front is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also gives your customers a reason to step inside.
Some stores might say placing the popular items in front is the most effective strategy, but Anna Johansson, a business consultant, says otherwise. When a customer walks all the way to the back of a store to purchase the item they want, they are likely to buy other items when they pass by other displays in your store. Invest in high-quality retail store shelves and displays that enhance a customer’s shopping experience.
Johansson says that 60% of shoppers occasionally give in to impulse purchases. Most of these spontaneous buys come while they’re waiting in line at the checkout counter. For your store, be sure to install a display of smaller and more affordable items by the cash register. Pick products that you think customers will throw into their basket before paying for their main purchases.
Customers find way finding signs useful when shopping for things they want. Signs visually break a large store into individual sections and arrangements, making the customer’s shopping experience easier and quicker.
We are a leading provider of shop fitting equipment in New Zealand. Shelving Shop Group carries a wide range of display shelving for retail businesses. They all have commercial strength and versatility, making them the perfect option for many retail projects.
Call us now on 0800 180 280 for more enquiries.
