Image by Zahid H Javali from Pixabay

By Tracie Johnson

Bricks and mortar stores are still a major part of the retail world, but they have to be designed to keep up with the digital age. What makes brick-and-mortar stores worth visiting besides being physically present. Often it’s their design the way everything looks together on display. If you’re starting in a brick and mortar store, or if your existing one needs an update. We will discuss 5 ways that you can design your store so it is not only profitable for your business, but also beautiful and inviting for consumers.

– Use high-quality materials.

While you might think the cost of something like marble or granite is too expensive. However, it’s a small investment for how much your store will be worth to customers. It also makes shoppers feel more comfortable and can help increase profits. The reason being they are not leaving with an empty wallet and shopping bag. Consider what kind of atmosphere you want in your store as well: modern? Rustic chic? Clean lines? Think about people who come into your establishment, do they tend to buy things that match their personality type. For example, if many students visit, consider using reclaimed wood.

– Create an environment for customers.

Design an environment where customers can feel comfortable exploring items. For example reading labels, tasting samples, and such things. Without feeling pressured by other shoppers or workers. If this is not possible then make sure there is plenty of space for people so no one feels overwhelmed while shopping with you.

Avoid clutter at all costs, as this will make customers feel claustrophobic when they enter. When putting items on display try to group them by type instead of placing everything together. This will help create balance within the layout and highlight different categories that might otherwise be difficult for shoppers to find.

– Make your space feel welcoming.

This is one of the most important aspects to consider when designing a store as it will make or break consumer satisfaction.

Put out some comfortable furniture so people can lounge. Use natural lighting from windows and mirrors. Create an inviting color scheme with light tones that are not too harsh on the eyes. Include greenery like plants for freshness and oxygenation. All these simple things contribute to making someone’s experience more enjoyable.

– Show off your product.

One thing that makes brick-and-mortar stores worth visiting is the way displays are set up to show every angle of a product on display. If you have an open layout, make sure all products can be seen from any point in your store. This means using things like lighting fixtures that illuminate different areas. Or adding steps for customers who want to see what’s above eye level by climbing onto a platform. You can even install shelves so they can reach higher items without having to strain their neck. With large products like furniture pieces, consider taking them out of their packaging before displaying them to give people more room to explore. Create custom displays in higher traffic areas so there always seems to be new products coming out on display.

– Use good lighting

Use bright colors in the interior design and in displays. The use of an led lightbox to promote a product using a printed poster can not only draw attention but also provide contrast so shoppers can find what they’re looking for. Good lighting will make your store seem welcoming and open. Plus it’s an important factor in catching passersby’s eye. Use brightly colored or lit signage with clear directions on how to shop at your store if you want people shopping at your brick-and-mortar location.

Conclusion

Designing a store is a lot of work and requires an eye for detail, but it’s worth the time. The success of your business depends on how customers who come into your establishment feel when they leave. Everything from the materials used to create displays down to furniture can be carefully chosen. Since it can make people want to stay longer or even shop more often. Some things you should remember are: high-quality materials show off products well and make shoppers happy. Design spaces so that no matter where someone looks there will always be something new coming out on display. Use consistent colors throughout the store. Offer comfortable seating and other amenities like natural lighting. Bricks and mortar retail still has its place in society today.

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Tracie Johnson is a New Jersey native and an alum of Penn State University. She is passionate about writing, reading, and living a healthy lifestyle. She feels happiest when around a campfire surrounded by friends, family, and her Dachshund named Rufus.