Before we begin discussing the specifics of retail store design, I feel I should warn you that I have strong opinions on the subject. Whether you have a new store project or an existing retail store in need of a rehab, the first thing we all have to keep mindful of is that the retail environment is constantly changing. Once you have completed a store design project it does not mean your store is set for life....quite the opposite. If you are considering a new retail store or a remodeling project, you must have some progressive sensibilities. These sensibilities should help you to understand that your retail store has to remain current and relevant to its customers. Understanding this will make change a permanent part of your business plan. Retailers who don't understand this are left standing still, and are relegated to spectators in the fast paced ever-changing retail world. Sorry for the diatribe, but it is important to realize that retail store design should never be viewed as completed. Therefore store design should be reviewed often. This is an important point to be made before we talk about the basic elements of store design.

The purpose of retail store design is to create a shopping environment that is unique to your store and its store type. By store type, I am not referring to a grocery store or hardware store, per-say. I am referring to the type of grocery store or hardware store. To clarify this, I'll ask a question. Is your grocery store a full service/full line store or is it a price driven store? Your store type should shape its identity and dictate the blend of store design elements that constitute its decor. Your store decor should have the correct combination of theme, color, and lighting to create a powerful design. Experienced retail designers use these elements to develop the proper environment, for the specific store type plus the customer type that the manager has identified as his target.

Remember that your colors, lighting, decor and layout are all used in the creation of your store's retail environment. These elements should be used to influence your customers shopping behavior. The goal of any successful retail store design is to make the customer feel good about their store choice and to increase the time they spend in that retail store. More time spent shopping exposes the shopper to more items. Successful retail store design will produce more sales, more profit and more repeat business.