THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STORE LAYOUTS IN RETAIL SPACE DESIGN

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STORE LAYOUTS IN RETAIL SPACE DESIGN

Bells and whistles.

This phrase usually refers to special features or additional decorative elements that are added to products to attract buyers. Often used in a disparaging tone, bells and whistles, in the retail world, would mean overdone window displays and other gimmicry whose only purpose is to attract buyers in. Of course, for us, window displays are a lot more than just gimmicks – they are a literal window into what the brand stands for, its ethos, its emotions.

But what happens once these silent salesmen have done their duties? What contributes to the customers’ entire experience of the store, and the brand?

The store layout.

Retail store layout is critical to customer experience. A well-designed store layout is an invisible map, one that navigates shoppers through the store, enhances product visibility, and eventually, increases sales. It enhances brand image and in-store interactions. Remember those movie scenes where the protagonists are stealing glances at each other across aisles, attraction growing between each passing cereal box? An optimised layout facilitates optimal customer flow, highlights high-margin products, focuses attention and improves the overall shopping experience. And who knows, maybe there’s someone glancing in your direction across the aisle.

More than fixtures and paths. A business success tool.
 

Easy customer flow. Increased conversations. More lingering time. Store layout enables all this, and reinforces brand storytelling and fosters an emotional connection with the brand. There are many factors that influence store layout decisions, such as:

·    Store Size

o   Larger stores provide greater room for flexibility in layout. Small stores require effective use of minimal space.
 

·    Target Audience

o   Various shoppers have varying expectations. Quick shoppers require efficiency, whereas lifestyle shoppers require experiences.
 

·    Product Type

o   Size, variety, and frequency of purchases influence layout selection.
 

·    Shopping Behaviour

o   Regular visitors behave differently than periodic browsers.
 

Store layouts in retail management are of different types. 
 

The most common ones are:

·   Grid

o   Straight aisles arranged in a grid

o   Advantages: efficient, simple navigation, ideal for big inventory

o   Disadvantages: may be too monotonous

o   Ideal for: supermarkets, pharmacies
 

·    Free Flow

o   No fixed path; promotes discovery

o   Advantages: versatile, provides relaxed atmosphere

o   Disadvantages: less controlled flow

o   Ideal for: boutiques, speciality stores
 

·    Loop / Racetrack

o   Forms circular path throughout the store

o   Pros: places customers in contact with all areas

o   Cons: feels forced

o   Ideal for: department stores
 

·    Herringbone

o   Central aisle with angled side aisles

o   Pros: efficient use of narrow areas

o   Cons: poor visibility from entry points

o   Ideal for: small or deep stores
 

·    Straight

o   Linear design with fixtures in straight lines

o   Pros: easy, efficient use of space

o   Cons: not very captivating

o   Ideal for: convenience stores
 

·    Angular

o   Curved fixtures and walls

o   Benefits: provides a premium atmosphere

o   Challenges: takes up more space

o   Best for: high-end and luxury retail
 

·       Diagonal

o   Aisles positioned at an angle

o   Benefits: improved visibility, encourages browsing

o   Challenges: less space-efficient

o   Best for: electronics or clothing
 

·    Geometric

o   Utilizes shapes and patterns to direct movement

o   Benefits: original, artistic layout

o   Challenges: can disorient shoppers

o   Best for: Fashion-forward stores
 

·    Product-based

o   Splits the store by product categories

o   Benefits: simple product location

o   Challenges: can result in uneven traffic

o   Best for: department stores, big-box stores


·    Mixed

o   Blends features of different layouts

o   Advantages: flexible, suited to various requirements

o   Disadvantages: requires careful planning

o   Ideal for: large multi-category stores


·    Forced path

o   Forces customers down a predetermined route

o   Advantages: complete exposure of products

o   Disadvantages: can be frustrating for consumers

o   Ideal for: IKEA-type showrooms

A store layout decision at times can be make-or-break. It is where purpose, product, and customer requirements come together, where functionality scores over appearance. Try out layouts, gather customer opinions, and tweak gradually. Think of it as a business asset, not just a style option.