Layout Strategy – thinking intentionally about store design.

What is your store layout strategy and what are you trying to accomplish with your store layout? If your store layout strategy goes only as far as planning to put fixtures in so that you will have a place to display your merchandise then you should talk to a retail floor plan designer. You should talk to us!

A good layout strategy is one that gives consideration to making your store look as large as possible. A couple of ways this can be done is by maximizing the lines of site within your showroom and by keeping the highest displays near the perimeter of the building. By keeping the taller displays at the perimeter of the building you are also afforded the best vision for maximum security within your store. Without a sound layout strategy these types of things are not considered.

A good layout strategy must take into account guiding shoppers and moving them into the areas that will maximize your store’s profitability and doing so in a manner that is comfortable and intuitive for them. You have some departments that are more profitable than others. That’s no secret, every store does. A good layout strategy must consider how to guide shoppers into those departments. This is done through the use of effective layout, lighting and communicative signage but all of these elements must work cohesively and therefore a layout strategy is of utmost importance.

Your layout strategy should include thought processes that take into account your ideal customer and departmental staffing requirements. The strategy must consider how to make the environment more aesthetically pleasing and how the layout will differentiate your store and therefore make it more relevant to your target consumers. If your store layout looks like your competitor’s then your shoppers may as well go there. If your store layout is more attractive and more conducive to their shopping experience however, then immediately you and your store have an advantage.  In retail you should be constantly looking for small advantages. The sum of small advantages eventually adds up to great success.

Interested in layout strategy? Then get your copy of Discovery Based Retail today!