This year has prompted a widespread change among retailers, one that challenges the way brick and mortar stores operate within communities. There has been an acceleration in the adoption of contactless checkout strategies, understandably encouraged by health concerns, with some companies aiming to eliminate the need for shop counters altogether, as seen in the upcoming Amazon Go supermarket design. Additionally, many businesses have sought to migrate their product sales and services online, which allows them to operate within national lockdown restrictions, simultaneously reach a greater number of customers too.
High street demand, despite these challenges, remains as resilient as ever and, perhaps surprisingly, consumers have demonstrated that they are also eager to return to physical stores. Retailers are adapting accordingly, readying themselves and their businesses for crowds, with many having used the periods of lockdown closure to refresh and redesign their stores. As a result, we have seen new trends taking place within the high-quality retail furniture and shelving products departments of our Crown Display catalogue.
Modular Shelving Options
As retailers look to welcome customers back into their stores, they are looking to offer as much physical space as possible so as to ensure shoppers are comfortable. Whereas previously, a retailer’s focus has been on merchandise, with many stores looking to maximise the amount of showcasing space items have on their shop floor, they are now putting more effort in building vertical wall displays instead.
We have seen a greater demand for adjustable and custom design shelving, as these products allow customers to relieve their shop floor of products and display them, alternatively, on walls, supporting customer social distancing.
Standoffs are also rising in popularity, partly because of regular demand for businesses to mount signs in a professional manner, but also because of more widespread signage and display requirements, seeking to guide and inform customers of safety procedures.
Home Redesigns
Interestingly, as both various lockdowns and the housing bubble have triggered a surge in home renovations, a number of homeowners and those within the building industry are seeking retail furniture for their interior design.
We have seen, for example, a growing popularity of slatwall panels being adopted by homeowners who are looking for creative and low-cost storage solutions. However, we are now also seeing other items being requested by those outside of the retail industry. Retail stands offs, again, are seeing demand for their quality display utility, alongside other retail sign fitting options, using them for their own interior designs.
Organic Aesthetics
Many more retailers have sought retail furniture and shelving items made from high-quality wood or items that are finished with organic material designs. Many of our products, such as slatwall panels, for example, come in a number of different designs and colours, such as granite, concrete, and mirrored. Now, however, we are seeing more requests for softer finishes, such as light oak, cherry, and maple.
Typically, such designs have always been relatively common among small businesses and start-ups. This year, their demand has been more broadly spread across sectors and companies, influencing the designs of larger, national retailers too.
Contact Us
If you’d like to discuss your retail furniture and shelving needs with our team, or inquire about specific and custom-made products, we’re ready to help. To speak to a member of our team, simply call 0800 587 5880 or, alternatively, email sales@crowndisplay.co.uk
