The layout of your retail store has a bigger effect on consumer behaviours, and ultimately sales, than most shop owners want to accept. Read on for some tips which could massively increase the footfall and sales made at your retail premises.
Smaller counters
Large or tall counters can intimidate customers and potentially put them off buying at all. Aim to have a small counter and don’t over staff it. If the shop is quiet, put staff out in the store stacking shelves or even posing as customers rather than sitting at counters watching shoppers.
Keep decompression zone clear
The ‘decompression’ zone is the bit of the shop that customers first walk into and according to psychologists, it takes shoppers a few seconds to mentally acclimatise to the store as they pass through this zone. Not getting the decompression zone right is a mistake many retailers make time and again. Too much clutter in this area can mean two things. Firstly, customers don’t even register items here, and secondly, it’s a visual overload and they simply walk back out again. Another way to help customers acclimatise is by placing some products outside the door.
Good visibility
Make sure that every product can be seen and accessed. This means avoiding high shelves or aisles tucked away in strange, dark corners of the shop. Keep things as open, simple, light and rational as possible.
Great windows
Windows have a massive effect on whether shoppers enter a shop. The key to window dressing is to not clutter the space and to show off the best of what you have. Spacious, but not empty, windows are key here. Consider using additional tools, such as in store media from a company like https://moodmedia.co.uk/in-store-media/ which can help draw customers in.
Reflecting your business
It’s really important that your layout reflects your business. If you are selling exclusive, expensive items, then plenty of space will add to this effect, but an empty grocery store would look terrible! Lighting and music should also reflect your business activity. A toy store should be playful, and a bookstore should be relaxing.
Following these simple tips on store layout can have a tremendous effect on the amount of people that enter your store, stay there for longer and ultimately buy your products.