In recent years, it has become increasingly common for businesses to share a retail space. Considering the growing competition of high streets, it is easy to understand why. The trend has been popularised by small businesses and start-ups looking to establish themselves with less risk and lower overheads. However, larger businesses have taken advantage of common retail space for many years, such as supermarkets hosting smaller, supporting companies inside their stores.
There are additional associated advantages, which come from businesses sharing customers, as well as offering complementary services. For instance, it is not uncommon to find restaurants or banks within large supermarkets where customers may wish to use both businesses in a single outing. Younger businesses too can help each other thrive, such as cafes and hairdressers that open within clothing shops. Customers who may be looking for a new outfit might also be inclined to get a hair cut, leading them to make use of the in-house service.
While there are many positives to sharing retail space, it is important to acknowledge the challenges too. Typically, retailers must operate in a much smaller area than they may be used to and designs and furniture must work in tandem with one another to better support the collective business. This means that it is important to give your store furniture the utmost consideration.
It is common for shared retail spaces to be open plan since it allows customers a full view of various businesses and services without restricting any single retailer from general view. As such, displaying your items on freestanding vertical space can be troublesome. Slatwall panels and modular shelving are the most obvious recommendation, transforming walls to have display and sales potential without hindering a customer’s view. They are also easily installed, fitting onto differently sized vertical surfaces without any compromise to their durability.
For those shared stores that do opt for central display items, options such as freestanding clothing rails take up little space, are dismantled simply, and can be used in a variety of ways. Adjustable shelving units are incredibly useful too, as well as central tiered units, which can be custom made to your design specifications. Once you’ve found the right furniture, you’ll also need to make sure it matches your brand’s style as well as the general aesthetic of the store. The Crown Display team are constantly expanding our range of finishes, colours, and designs so that you can choose the right shelving and furniture for your store and greater retail space.
Shared space concepts also extend to pop-up events, which typically host a variety of products or retailers in one space. To support the temporary shelving needs of such events, our Crown Display catalogue is entirely available to rent and we will deliver the products nationwide. We will even construct, dismantle, and remove all items as part of the service.
For any information regarding our products or for advice on the right furniture to suit a business within a shared space, reach out to a member of our team via our website or on 0800 587 5880.
