Retail Interior Design: Expectations vs. Reality
If you’re interested in giving your retail store a revamp, it would benefit you greatly to get the help of professional interior designers. When you consult with a team experienced with retail interior design, this will help you have an idea of what you’re getting yourself into and how the process will likely go.
That way, you can get a sense of what your expectations are, and whether they match up with reality. The team at New World Design Builders is committed to helping you do exactly that.
Expectation vs. Reality
What do you picture when you think about a retail store? Well, if you’re like most people, the first thing that comes to mind is a big open space with shelves lined up and racks with hangers, as well as, a spot at the front of the store for the cashier to help greet customers as they come in.
However, this isn’t always the case- and for some retailers, it may not be ideal. Retail stores have changed drastically over the past few years, and with changing times comes changing expectations of what a retail store should look like.
For business owners, retail interior design is crucial when it comes to making a lasting impression on their customers and attracting new ones. Yet there are often expectations that go beyond the reality of what can be accomplished with a store’s budget, time frame, and lack of in-house experience.
To avoid this scenario, store owners should work with an interior designer from the beginning to create a plan for how they want their store to look and feel so that they can be realistic about what can be done within their confines.
Consulting with retail interior designers will also help them stay within budget because designers are skilled at suggesting ways to incorporate key design elements without breaking the bank or taking away from other aspects of the design process like marketing materials or stocking inventory.
Initial Consultation
It’s best to be as specific as possible when meeting with a retail store interior designer. You’ll want to discuss with them details about the products you’re going to sell as well as what you had in mind for the store layout.
This will help the interior designer get an idea of what your expectations are and how they can work with your budget so that it fits into your overall vision for the store.
If there are any specific design elements or layouts that you have in mind, make sure to mention them! You don’t want anything left out that could be vital to your success and happiness.
At New World Design Builders, we’ll set up a time for our consultation appointment once we’ve discussed the basics and agreed on a plan of action, then our team will come out and measure the space we’ll be designing.
Space Planning
As retail store designers, we are often asked to help clients with both the design and layout of their stores. It can be very challenging because people have such strong expectations of what they want and it is not always possible to meet them all while still staying within budget.
As with any home or commercial space, there are important aspects that need to be considered in order to make the most out of your investment and protect your customers from hazardous mistakes.
Here are some tips for planning your retail interior design:
- Utilize natural light when possible
- Designate an emergency exit
- Make room for electrical outlets
- Use directional signage to direct traffic flow
- Create designated areas for break times, bathrooms, etc.
- Provide seating for customer relaxation and enjoyment
- Install mirrors to improve aesthetics
- Encourage browsing by incorporating things like merchandise displays, shelving units, or mannequins
Allow enough space so people aren’t bumping into each other while shopping or getting frustrated by walking too far without being able to see anything.
When designing how products will be laid out on shelves or racks, be mindful of aisle widths as well as the heights of furniture and product displays.
Be sure to provide adequate signage so that shoppers know where they are going, and use bold colors that stand out against walls and floors.
Aesthetics is also key here- try contrasting dark walls with bright furniture if you’re having trouble balancing the aesthetic appeal between items.
Consider Both Exterior and Interior Designs
When it comes to designing a retail store, the interior is just as important as the exterior. This is because most customers only have a few seconds to make up their minds about whether they want to enter the store or not and if they do, what they want to buy inside.
As such, retailers need to work hard on creating an atmosphere that will attract customers and make them stay longer in the store as well as encourage them to come back for more visits in the future.
Most stores are designed with one of two styles in mind: a rustic or minimalist style that reflects a traditional approach or modern design that showcases contemporary features and details such as sleek surfaces and sophisticated décor.
New World Design Builders – Exceeding Expectations in Retail Interior Design
When it comes to retail interior design, expectations and reality don’t always match up.
However, at New World Design Builders, we strive to match and exceed your expectations in every aspect of your retail store interior design including color, lighting, and materials. Contact us today to learn more about our retail store interior design services!
