While it may seem somewhat unbelievable, there is actually an extensive amount of research behind retail store layouts. Motivated by improving customer satisfaction and experience, as well as, importantly but not separately, sales figures, retailers have long spent energy and time learning about the science behind their store floorplan, displays, and shop shelving. The breadth of understanding also goes on to investigate the psychology of customers too.
The results of these studies have proven to be enlightening if, overall, circumstantial. For example, there are shop layouts, such as a grid or loop, that work marvellously for certain brands and products but would fail for others. Some retailers have even challenged accepted rules of retail design to carve out a unique experience that benefits their business. Regardless of its applicability, however, there is a substantial benefit in taking the time to familiarise oneself with the discussion of modern retail store layout design.
Loop
A retail loop, or circular layout, is becoming increasingly uncommon among retailers because of its divisive qualities. However, despite this, some brands, notably IKEA, continue to celebrate and find ongoing success in a looped retail design, making it an essential part of their shopping experience.
Looped layouts ensure maximum product exposure, forcing customers to pass by each product. While this predictable shopping experience can be advantageous for brand narratives and in-store advertisements, it can also deter more efficient shoppers who wish to procure their items more quickly.
Grid
Alternatively, one of the most widely adopted store layouts is the grid design, recognisable across the high street. This store layout combines central and regimented vertical shelving units with wall displays and shop shelving, such as slatwall panels. As a design, it enables a huge amount of versatility for merchandising and can encourage customers to explore with their own navigation.
While grid layouts remain popular, they do have a few caveats that must be taken into consideration. For example, without appropriate signage, that is clearly displayed direction mounted onto appropriate, high-quality shop stand offs, customers can be prone to departure, unable to discern product groupings.
Directional
Direction-led retail layouts, such as straight and diagonal, tend not to prioritise an efficacious customer flow but can, with clever displays and retail furniture, work to target specific customers, drawing them to the essential areas of the store that work for them.
Clothing stores, for example, benefit from separating custom into demographics so as not to cause unnecessary congestion in different departments. Key merchandising and services can also be tactically placed in certain areas to draw shoppers around the store, leading their interest while still retaining a sense of independence that alternative layouts, such as loop, do not offer.
Custom Design
Your store’s layout may not fit into these categories, whether as the result of choice or necessity. However, it is likely that the effects of these layouts echo the customer flow of your own retail space, being able to support its potentially improved design.
If you haven’t reconsidered your store’s layout in some time, it may be worth revisiting the task now, especially as post-pandemic shopping culture motivates customers to be more aware of enclosed spaces and their comfort within retail environments. And, if you’d like to talk to a member of our Crown Display team about sourcing the right retail furniture and shop shelving for your store space, you can reach us by calling 0800 5875880 or, alternatively, by emailing sales@crowndisplay.co.uk
