Fitting out a shop is about so much more than where the merchandise goes and how it’s displayed. A good store fit-out will be consistent in its image, detail, lighting and flow. It will be inviting and true to a theme but it’s also about creating a recognisable brand. With so many things to consider in this big picture approach, quality shop-fitters like Tú Projects can be worth their weight in gold, utilising their experience to take the stress out of your design and its implementation. If you’re in the process of planning your store design, here are five reasons why it pays to invest in a quality fit-out.
Image
Every shop has a distinct image whether it’s a discount store or high street boutique. The image reflects everything from the type of merchandise they produce to the price range and target market. It’s about giving the customer an experience within the store and ties together everything from shelving and lighting to the signage and window displays.
Space
Retail space is often at a premium so a good fit-out can get around limited floor area to provide a spacious feel and ample storage within a small zone. It can also provide some innovative solutions for vertical storage and displays that ensure your customers have a good view of what’s on offer with a line of sight to preferred sale items.
Lighting
You never really notice it unless it’s bad, but lighting can make or break a store. The right lighting and fixtures create a warm feel that shows the merchandise at its best. Lighting can range from feature pieces to downlights, but also involves a whole host of other aspects like style and hue. Great lighting will also extend to the change rooms to ensure customers feel comfortable with themselves and the items they’re trying on.
Flow
There’s an art to retail which involves getting the customers through the door and then throughout your store to see the items on display. A great shop fit-out will cater to the natural path customers take when navigating your store, leading them in and past the first counters.
It can also affect your staff, as a great fit-out will maximise work flow. For example, positioning your counter at the right height in suitable proximity to the store room will provide staff a vantage point of the entire shop whilst optimising accessibility.
Speed
You don’t want to be wasting rent on a shop that is undertaking a lengthy fit-out. A good fit-out should involve clear communication with the tradespeople involved and a shared vision with the shop owner so the store is up and running as quick as possible.
Setting up your store is the gateway between a vision and a running business. Your store design should reflect the type of business you wish to run and the professional approach you will continue in its operation. With attention to detail when planning your fit-out, your shop will quickly be up and running with profit as the next port of call.
