The country’s retail sector is feeling somewhat positive as demand for certain products, such as school uniforms and computing equipment, prompts a rise in sales, helping to abate some concerns of the health crisis’ effect upon local businesses.
Most customers, however, including those who are eager to return to brick and mortar stores, are likely to remain cautious about their shopping habits, especially when considering their proximity to others, as they begin shopping again. As such, it is important for retailers to adapt their store designs accordingly, helping customers to feel as comfortable as possible when browsing, not only for the satisfaction of a shopping experience but also to ensure sales are unaffected.
There are a number of ways to accomplish this and it can be achieved without the need for invasive or distracting barriers and directions. In fact, with the right retail furniture, an adaptable spacious shop floor, one that allows for free-moving and efficient customer flow can easily be achieved, even by relatively small shops.
Raising Stock
Vertical merchandising is an effective way to preserve horizontal space within a store and, as a result, it is often a recommendation given to smaller store spaces. The advantages, however, can be embraced by stores of any size, especially during a culture of social distancing.
There are a few essential precautions to consider, notably how vertical shop shelving might potentially impede customer navigation. For example, if you raise your stock upward in the centre of your shop floor, customer navigation will be adversely affected. Instead, it is recommended that vertical merchandising takes place across walls and essential vertical plains, such as counter spaces. This inclination toward an open plan space allows customers not only to enjoy a more spacious shopping environment but gives them greater foresight to maintain a comfortable space with other shoppers.
Making A Move
We have often talked about the numerous advantages of modular retail shelving, such as how it helps to create a continuously fresh space, adapting to new stock and keeping customers intrigued. However, it can now play an even more important role.
Having retail furniture and shelving that can be adjusted or removed during periods of greater customer traffic is a significant advantage to retailers looking to encourage social distancing. With modular and adjustable shelving, a retailer’s weekend shop floor design can be adjusted quickly to allow for more space as a greater footfall will likely occur. Shelving and displays can also be adapted to changing stock levels, allowing for the extension or contraction of shelves and rails as they become more fully stocked or depleted.
Customised Furniture
By commissioning retail furniture that’s designed for your shopping space, you can avoid the compromises that occasionally occur when buying widely produced shelving products. No longer will your shop spaces need to accommodate ill-fitting shelves or be limited to problematic furniture designs. Additionally, by seeking out custom designs, you can also enjoy retail furniture that echoes your brand’s aesthetic, which, while not necessarily advantageous for social distancing, is a nonetheless appealing benefit!
Contact
For more information on our services, as well as to enquire what shop shelving would benefit your retail space, please contact sales@crowndisplay.co.uk or call 0800 587 5880.
