Tips for Store Design and Layout

• The signage displaying the name and logo of the store must be installed at a place where it is visible to all, even from a distance. Don’t add too much information.

• The store must offer a positive ambience to the customers. The customers must leave the store with a smile.

• Make sure the mannequins are according to the target market and display the latest trends. The clothes should look fitted on the dummies without using unnecessary pins. The position of the dummies must be changed from time to time to avoid monotony.

• The trial rooms should have mirrors and must be kept clean. Do not dump unnecessary boxes or hangers in the dressing room.

• The retailer must choose the right colour for the walls to set the mood of the customers. Prefer light and subtle shades.

• The fixtures or furniture should not act as an object of obstacle. Don’t unnecessary add too many types of furniture at your store.

• The merchandise should be well arranged and organized on the racks assigned for them. The shelves must carry necessary labels for the customers to easily locate the products they need. Make sure the products do not fall off the shelves.

• Never play loud music at the store.

• The store should be adequately lit so that the products are easily visible to the customers. Replace burned out lights immediately.

• The floor tiles, ceilings, carpet and the racks should be kept clean and stain free.

• There should be no bad odor at the store as it irritates the customers.

• Do not stock anything at the entrance or exit of the store to block the way of the customers. The customers should be able to move freely in the store.

• The retailer must plan his store in a way which minimizes theft or shop lifting.

1. Merchandise should never be displayed at the entrance or exit of the store.
2. Expensive products like watches, jewelry, precious stones, mobile handsets and so on must be kept in locked cabinets.
3. Install cameras, CCTVs to have a closed look on the customers.
4. Instruct the store manager or the sales representatives to try and assist all the customers who come for shopping.
5. Ask the customers to deposit their carry bags at the entrance itself.

Store Design and Layout - Different Floor Plans And Layouts

Location

Make sure your store is in a prime location and is easily accessible to the end-users. Do not open a store at a secluded place.

Floor Plan

The retailer must plan out each and everything well, the location of the shelves or racks to display the merchandise, the position of the mannequins or the cash counter and so on.

1. Straight Floor Plan

The straight floor plan makes optimum use of the walls, and utilizes the space in the most judicious manner. The straight floor plan creates spaces within the retail store for the customers to move and shop freely. It is one of the commonly implemented store designs.

2. Diagonal Floor Plan

According to the diagonal floor plan, the shelves or racks are kept diagonal to each other for the owner or the store manager to have a watch on the customers. Diagonal floor plan works well in stores where customers have the liberty to walk in and pick up merchandise on their own.

3. Angular Floor Plan

The fixtures and walls are given a curved look to add to the style of the store. Angular floor plan gives a more sophisticated look to the store. Such layouts are often seen in high end stores.

4. Geometric Floor Plan

The racks and fixtures are given a geometric shape in such a floor plan. The geometric floor plan gives a trendy and unique look to the store.

5. Mixed Floor Plan

The mixed floor plan takes into consideration angular, diagonal and straight layout to give rise to the most functional store lay out.

Types Of Retailers

There are 7 main types of retailers which can be defined by the size of their business and the way they in which they sell their products.

The 7 main types of retailers are;

1. Department Store – This type of retailer is often the most complex offering a wide range of products and can appear as a collection of smaller retail stores managed by one company. The department store retailers offer products at various pricing levels. This type of retailer   adds high levels of customer service by adding convenience enabling a large variety of products to be purchased from one retailer.
   
   
2. Supermarkets – Generally this type of retailer concentrates in supplying a range of food and beverage products. However many have now diversified and supply products from the home, fashion and electrical products markets too. Supermarkets have significant buying power and therefore often retail goods at low prices.
   
   
3. Warehouse retailers – This type of retailer is usually situated in retail or Business Park and where premises rents are lower. This enables this type of retailer to stock, display and retail a large variety of good at very competitive prices.
   
   
4. Speciality Retailers – Specialising in specific industries or products, this type of retailer is able to offer the customer expert knowledge and a high level of service. They also add value by offering accessories and additional related products at the same outlet.
   
   
5. E-tailer – This type of retailer enables customers to shop on-line via the internet and buy products which are then delivered. This type of retailer is highly convenient and is able to supply a wider geographic customer base. E-tailers often have lower rent and overheads so offer very competitive pricing.
   
   
6. Convenience Retailer – Usually located in residential areas this type of retailer offers a limited range of products at premium prices due to the added value of convenience.
   
   
7. Discount Retailer – This type of retailer offers a variety of discounted products. They offer low prices on less fashionable branded products from a range of suppliers by reselling end of line and returned goods at discounted prices.

What Is The Retail Management???

A process of promoting greater sales and customer satisfaction by gaining a better understanding of the consumers of goods and services produced by a company. A typical retail management strategy for a manufacturing business might research the retail process that distributes the finished products created by the business to consumers to determine and satisfy what buyers want and require.