Creating a Retail Design Concept

In school, we were all taught how to put theory into application, particularly in science. However,most of the things you learn at school go down the drain depending on today's trends and and people's preferences. In the case of retail stores, design is as important as customer service and the quality of merchandise.

Depending on the design, customers may either be put off or enticed. After all, the aesthetics give the first impression: you wouldn't want to step inside a horribly designed store, right?

Let's skim the basics and look at the basic concepts you need to keep in mind when designing a retail store.

Photos from READYFIT

Step 1: Use Compelling Signage

In retail, signs and banners have different uses, namely:

• To direct customers and help with their shopping.

• To inform customers about the latest offers and discounts.

• To persuade customers to purchase from you.

• To give them information, like your store's operating hours.

Other than putting up "SALE" and "20% DISCOUNT" signs, try to use signage creatively. Though playing with words is quite difficult, here's are a few reminders:

• Appeal to their unconscious. The color red dishes out a sense of urgency which is why the "SALE" signs are of this color.

• Be sure that the text is clear and easy to read. Make it contrast the background (like black and white) and use block letters, not curvy and fancy fonts.

• Talk to your customers. People love it if they are in the spotlight so make it as though you're talking to them. To do so, simply use the word "you" and its derivatives.

• Less words, the better. The saying "too many cooks spoil the broth" applies to this. Limit it to a short sentence or a phrase!

• Tell your customers why they need to purchase from you. Like telling them they need a new pair of cufflinks or a tuxedo to the prom.

Step 2: Organize Your Merchandise

Organizing your merchandise doesn't only involve placing or stacking them neatly along rows and columns, but it should always come with a hint of persuasion.

Before placing your wares on the shelves, here are some tips you should consider:

• Draw out a floor plan. Trust me, this will make the work easier.

• Transition. Create a path - for example, from the shampoo section, create a clear cut path to the conditioners.

• Change it up. Let's say you're creating a design for a clothing apparel store. Make it a habit to put the items at the back of the store in front. Dynamic and changing appearances make a huge impact: and it gives the illusion that you have new items every week!

Step 3: Give Out More Information

If you're a seller, you need to learn more about your product than your customers. This is why you need to educate and remind yourself and your sales associates about the origins and specifications of your product!

In the case of retail stores selling electronic devices, put cards containing the specifications of each product. For example, a certain phone has a 3.5-inch screen, dual core processor and an internal storage capacity of four GB. As for clothing and beauty stores, it always helps to go beyond the label. Tell customers about where the product is from, its effectiveness and capabilities.

Remember, sales talk is 25% persuasion and 75% education!

Step 4: Lighting and Illumination

First off, look at the picture: that is the perfect example of outstanding aesthetic design while making perfect use of lighting.

Not only does it make the whole place look larger, it adds a bit of flair, making it look more appealing to anyone. Be sure to illuminate every inch of space!