Designing and producing a brick-and-mortar store requires taking into account the specific needs of the industry in which our client operates. Each industry has different customer expectations, different types of products, and different ways of presenting them. Here are some tips for preparing stores for various sectors, using clothing, electronics, and grocery stores as examples.
Clothing stores
Most of the projects in our portfolio are stores for clients in the clothing industry. We have worked for brands such as Levi’s, Dockers, Reserved, Sinsay, More & More, Wrangler/Lee, Etam, and many others. Here are three aspects we believe are important when preparing brick-and-mortar stores for this industry:
- Aesthetics and Decor: To fully reflect the character of the brand, it’s worth investing in high-quality finishes and eye-catching, attractive storefronts. Appropriate lighting is also crucial, as it can significantly impact the customer’s experience.
- Space and Traffic Flow: Customers should have easy access to all sections of the store. Wide aisles, well-placed mirrors, and thoughtfully arranged furniture and shelves facilitate comfortable movement. Open spaces with clearly defined thematic zones (e.g., new collections, sales) aid in effective navigation.
- Fitting Rooms: Fitting rooms should be spacious, well-lit, and equipped with mirrors so customers can thoroughly examine the selected products. Privacy and user comfort are also essential.
Electronics stores
Electronics and home appliance stores are a completely different type of store, presenting unique production challenges. Here are their specific requirements:
- Interactivity: Electronics stores should allow customers to interact with the products. This can be achieved through demonstration stations where customers can test the devices. Thoughtful placement of these stations increases customer engagement and trust in the store.
- Access to information: Customers seek detailed information about electronic products. Clear and readable labels, interactive screens with additional information, and trained staff who can advise and answer questions are crucial elements.
- Security: Electronics are not the cheapest products, so it is important to secure them against theft. Glass display cases, alarm systems, and monitoring are necessary security measures. At the same time, products should be easily accessible for customers to test, to avoid the feeling of a “fortress.”
Grocery stores
Producing a grocery store (food) involves no less challenging tasks than specialty stores:
- Freshness and hygiene: Bright lighting, clean shelves, and regularly restocked inventory influence customer perceptions of the store. It’s also important to ensure proper ventilation and temperature control.
- Clear Layout: Products should be arranged logically and intuitively. Sections with similar products, clear signage, and wide aisles enable quick and convenient shopping. It’s also important to have visible cash registers and promotional areas.
- Special Zones: Grocery stores can enhance their appeal with special zones such as bakeries, delis, or organic sections. These areas attract customers looking for unique products and can increase interest in new product categories.
Adapting a store’s design to the specific needs of the industry is crucial for its business success. Aesthetics, interactivity, layout, and security should be individually tailored to the type of products sold and customer expectations. By investing in a well-designed space, customer loyalty to the brand can be increased.
Photo: Pexels, Google, own matarials
