Retail Store Design Changes We’re Seeing Overseas

When the time comes to start considering retail building renovations through leading design and build companies like Zoosh Studio, it’s always a good idea to consider how you could take your business to a new level.

Renovations can be about more than updating fixtures, fittings, and materials that have experienced wear and tear over the years. They can also be about enhancing your image and brand and taking advantage of trends to benefit your bottom line.

Alongside relying on the design and build experts for help and advice, you might also like to consider some of the most common design changes and trends we’re seeing overseas.

Storytelling

Retail stores are about more than selling products; they’re about showing off a brand and telling a story. When you’re undertaking extensive renovations, incorporate your brand values and weave in facts and emotions reflective of your brand.

Share the story of your brand, why it exists, and why it matters. You can then connect with customers on a level far beyond just providing the products and services they need. For example, an environmentally aware business might use nature imagery and earthy tones that show what they value and stand for.

However, don’t underestimate the importance of using different methods and platforms to tell your story since technology has reduced our attention span. Try a combination of in-store design elements, social media stories, videos, podcasts, and merchandise to appeal to a broad range of shoppers.

The Incorporation of Technology

Many businesses with physical locations are starting to offer online shopping to keep up with their competition. While this can be essential for keeping up your sales numbers, it also doesn’t hurt to incorporate similar technology into your physical location.

Use QR codes for customers to capture discount codes and to help them enter competitions. You might also provide screens to order products online if you don’t currently stock what customers are looking for in your physical location.

If you offer a click-and-collect service on your website, consider creating a dedicated order collection area in your new store design alongside a space for technology demonstrations if you offer technological goods in-store.

Social Distancing

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we interact with other people. We want more space while shopping with people we don’t know, and we want the option to avoid heavily congested parts of a business.

Retro-fitting a shop with social distancing measures is challenging, but when you’re undertaking extensive renovations to transform your business, it makes sense to incorporate social distancing into the design.

You might consider many different options, such as wider aisles for accessibility and social distancing, plexiglass barriers at checkouts for employee safety, removing bottleneck designs and installing a curbside collection area and self-checkouts.

Sophistication

Studies have shown that customers don’t like feeling like they’re crammed into a busy shop, nor do they like over-loaded shelves that make the decision-making process too hard.

The year 2023 is about a sophisticated shopping experience with angular floor plans, curves, and angles. Curves and angles reduce display space but give you plenty of room for your most popular lines. To make up for the lack of in-store stock, you can also list more items on your website and encourage online shopping.

Social Media Engagement

Social media engagement can be crucial when your store is targeted toward the younger generation. If you’re about to undertake renovations, think about the ways you can incorporate social media into your shop design for brand growth. There are many different options at your disposal, such as providing backdrops so people can take photos in front of them, post them on social media, and tag your business.

Home-Like Environments

Sterility in a business is vital for cleanliness, but it’s entirely possible to achieve cleanliness and a comfortable home environment for customer comfort. Look at your options surrounding easy-wipe furniture, such as leather and faux leather, and incorporate a range of home-like features to make your customers more comfortable while browsing and shopping. Lounge setups, floor rugs, natural lighting, and warm colours are a few of the many options to consider with the help of design and build service providers.

Customers want more than a building in which to purchase goods. They want a memorable shopping experience where they feel comfortable and relaxed. Such environments might help you secure repeat business.

Let Zoosh Studio Help With Your Retail Building Renovation

Renovating your retail building can be daunting, especially when you’re not sure how to transform your business to suit current and future customers. If you need a helping hand, let Zoosh Studio help. We offer turnkey design and build services and can handle your upcoming renovation project from start to finish.

FAQs

What social distancing measures can be incorporated into retail store design?

Social distancing measures that can be incorporated into retail store design include wider aisles, plexiglass barriers at checkouts, curbside collection areas, and self-checkouts to enhance customer safety and minimise crowding.

What is the importance of storytelling in retail store design changes?

Storytelling in retail store design is important as it helps to create a connection between the brand and customers by showcasing the brand's values, purpose, and unique identity, allowing customers to engage on a deeper level and fostering a memorable shopping experience.