Thursday, December 31, 2009

Important Features Of Retail Design

By Cherry Gonzales

The core objective of a retail space is to provide an environment in which the seller can effectively promote and sell products to the consumers, and where the consumers can purchase those products with convenience. Because of this objective, retail design entails taking into account several considerations of marketing, graphic design and ergonomics, in addition to the usual ones relating to architecture and interior design.

When the design for a retail space is being developed, the designer must make it according to the specific uses of that retail space. For example, an art gallery would require a completely distinct design and structure from that of a supermarket. A number of aspects have to be taken into account while developing the design, such as the type of goods being sold, the degree of involvement of shop attendants in the purchasing process, the number of products that have to be displayed, and so on. Many a times it is also necessary for customers to be able to try the products, while some other retail spaces may only require displaying the goods. Depending on such requirements, the retail design will have to be different.

Along with the utilitarian features of retail design, the attractiveness of the retail space to the customer is also highly significant. It is essential that the atmosphere of the retail shop appears friendly to the purchasers so that they are motivated to buy the items. The design of the retail environment has a big role to play in this and it should include in-store advertising to emphasize the brand so that the likelihood of a purchase increases.

Moreover, the retail area must have a long lasting impression on the mind of the customers, and should motivate them to return and make more purchases. Thus, an expert retail designer will always give due importance to the environment of the shop that would guarantee that the customers have a good and pleasant time in the shop.

In order to create a successful retail design, it is essential to have a good working knowledge of customer psychology, space planning, marketing etc. These factors should be understood both by the owner of the retail space, so that the precise needs can be communicated in an efficient manner, and by the retail designers, so that the design effectively meets those needs.

Lastly, it is not just the inside of the store that should be carefully designed. The outer decor must also be able to attract the prospective buyers and prompt them to get into the store and look at the products.

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