Transforming spaces into inspiring retail interiors

Retail design comes under the umbrella of commercial interior design, it specifically refers to the design of a commercial interior space that sells a product or service.

Often combining architecture, interior design and merchandising this discipline is both creative and technical. The design, layout and function of a retail space is key to how well the products and services sell and how the brand/store performs financially. The best designed retail interiors will entice customers in, keep them engaged and actively support the sales journey for the customer, as well as leaving an impression and encouraging the customer to return.

Retail store design is all about designing a purposeful shop that optimises space and enhances sales. A shop is a major customer touchpoint for brands and while well decorated stores will look appealing retail spaces need another level of consideration. When it comes to the store, it needs to embody the brand and represent the brand’s identity. A strategy needs to be considered carefully for a retail store and this needs to take into account aspects outside the ‘aesthetics’ of the design process, inevitably this strategy will cross over with branding, merchandising, and marketing too.

The main purpose of retail design is to enhance sales to improve customer journey and to entice customers as well as to positively impact customer retention. Another great aspect of retail design how it can be used to elevate the brand and to help build familiarity and awareness round your brand identity and wider purpose. Essentially it is about getting to know your customers and what it is they want and need and using retail design to provide a much better customer journey and value they won’t get elsewhere. These design solutions and strategy can be rolled out across interior design, lighting design, visual merchandising music and store layouts, retail design is also an effective way to pitch yourself against competitor stores.

Layout is a key factor when it comes to retail design, this is something that needs to be planned within the customer journey. Commercial space management includes the furniture layout, lighting plan and the general arrangement of the space. The best retail store layout will depend on the size, shape and type of space it is, as well as the products or service you are offering. The most important thing is that the space flows and that the customer is at ease during their visit. The key aspects to think about here is how you want the customer to interact with the store, the products or the service you want them to invest in and how you are positioning your brand against your competitors.