Retail shop fit out design is crucial if you want your small shop to start racking up sales. And, let’s face it, what shop owner doesn’t want that.
There is, of course, a whole bunch of psychology behind the layout of a store. And not just where you put those shelves, the counters and your all-important products, but also how you light them.
We’ve all been in that cute little village hardware store where we could spend hours poking about the shelves and finding objects we’ve never set eyes on before. But, these days, unless you’re on holiday, who has hours to spare rummaging around in a shop – much as we’d love to?
And that’s why having an organised shop layout that makes sense to shoppers is important for starters. It’s why the newspapers and sandwiches are at the front of food stores – so folk can grab them during their morning rush to work or at lunch time. Having to dodge past staff loading vegetable crates or fight your way through the till queues just takes up too much valuable time that frankly you don’t have.
Different types of shop layouts
Delving in deeper, there are various types of layout to choose for your Retail shop fit out. They differ in terms of shape and size. Here are some of the main layouts right here:
Grid layout
You will find most grocery stores and newsagents use this particular grid layout. Why? And what is it? Well, in its basic sense a Grid Layout is – as it suggests – a design where everything is in straight lines in long aisles, with the back counters are up against the wall to provide as much room as possible.
It’s a predictable layout with all similar grocery items grouped together. It’s even easier to work out when there are display signs above aisles informing shoppers what’s in them. Not only is the grid layout predictable for shoppers, it also allows the store to predict how their customers are going to shop.
So, what’s the selling psychology behind it all? Well, take a look next time you’re in a small grocery store or supermarket and you’ll find all the impulse buys are at the front of the row. Particular promotions will be on the front of the aisle (but that’s another strategy).
No, with the strategy we’re talking about you’ll find the staples, such as cereal, bread and milk down at the bottom after you’ve walked past the chocolate biscuits, crisps etc. The store knows that you’ll pass the impulse buys because you’ll always need the staples. It’s a dead cert. Now they just have to get you to pick them up… and that’s where bright packaging or promotional displays come in.
The downside of this type of retail fit out is that some customers can’t be bothered to walk down a long aisle to get what they’re looking for. As a result, they may just turn around and head to another store.
Loop layout
Also known as the racetrack layout, this is a favourite layout for big stores such as furniture shops or big brand clothes stores. Flat pack homes store IKEA is a huge advocate of this layout which involves customers circling around the store so that they get an opportunity to view every product.
The promotional products are usually displayed brightly and attractively, proving a legitimate ‘stopping off point’ for customers. The opportunity for impulse buying here is huge.
The downside is – as many who have ventured into IKEA are aware – that it can take ages to get from entering to leaving the store. This isn’t great if you’re in a hurry and just wanted a couple of items. If that’s the case the temptation to go elsewhere can be huge.
Herringbone layout
And you thought Herringbone was just a type of tweed… The Herringbone layout in a retail shop fit out works best for the likes of bookstores or yes, hardware stores. That’s because these stores tend to be long and narrow in layout. In other words, they don’t have the space for the Grid or Racetrack layout.
Having said that, the Herringbone layout uses the Grid’s use of side space to promote (ie at the front of the aisle) while it’s possible – and necessary – to split up the incessant long rows with promotional displays similar to the Circle layout. This prevents it looking and feeling cluttered.
The downside to this layout is, of course, the fact it’s easier for customers to collide with one another. It’s also difficult to keep a watch out for theft and is why many bookshops etc have corner mirrors or security cameras.
Free flow layout
As the name suggests, this is the type of layout for your retail shop fit out where the customer can browse willy-nilly – without suspecting that actually they are being directed in some ways. Unlike the straight lines of the Grid and Herringbone layouts, you’ll find shelves placed at angles to make browsing easier.
Upmarket boutiques use the Free Flow layout as a means of maximising a customer’s experience when they’re in the store. They may, for instance, display an outfit and place jewellery or shoes nearby, encouraging the purchase of not just the original outfit but also the matching accessories.
Using lighting to illuminate products
So, what about lighting then? As you’d imagine lighting can be used to great effect to emphasise certain products in your store. But what type of lighting is best? Well, here are a few ideas:
LED strips
Tape these behind, above or below shelves to highlight a particular area and products. Make sure too that you add a dimmer switch to the lights and can control shelves individually. This way you can change the light depending on the time of day or if you have a particular promotion on.
Not only does this type of retail lighting have a ‘task’ benefit, but it also adds a sense of luxury to your store. And, if the customer feels they are buying a luxurious product, they won’t mind spending a bit more for it.
Ground level lighting
Well, it’s not quite on the ground, but lighting on lower shelves can help small stores get floor-bound products noticed. It just highlights the space, drawing the customers eye downwards and reminding them that there are shelves and products way down there too.
Get in touch!
Now that lockdown is coming to an end you will no doubt be keen to get your shop or boutique store up-and-running again in time for spring.
But, if you feel your current retail layout is in need of a facelift or you want to change the look entirely, they do get in touch with the team here at Steampunk. We have decades of experience in the fit out industry and are all fully-trained craftsmen, with interior designers on board.
We offer a free consultation on your premises and are happy to consult and design for clients throughout the UK. Take a look at our website www.steampunkfitout.co.uk today where you can see some of our recent and past projects. You can call us on: 0800 197 2922 or write to us via our website Contact Us page.