Placement of merchandise requires strategic planning for good visibility.
Creating fixtures for a retail store involves placing merchandise and planning foot traffic productively. From the point of store entry to checking out at the cash register, it's important to create a pleasant experience for the customer. Employees working in the store should find the layout and store design pleasing as well. Placement of counters, shelving, display cabinets and light fixtures all affect the ambiance of the store. Using every square inch of space for maximum benefit requires attention to detail.
Instructions
1. Measure all square footage of the store's floor area. Use a tape measure or ruler to also document all dimensions of wall areas and window openings. Sketch the placement of counters and shelves, and use pieces of cardboard taped to floor areas to show the layout. Create foot traffic to flow well throughout the space by experimenting with placing counters on a diagonal, for example.
2. Allow sufficient space at the store's entrance. Place counters, shelves or a checkout area here that employees can visibly oversee to protect it. Create the fixtures to fully demonstrate merchandise, but do take into account that employees should be able to view the store's entrance and exit to prevent shoplifting.
3. Place expensive items near the cash register area, if only one employee will work at a time. Create lockup cases or wall displays for costly items such as jewelry or collectibles. Incorporate shelving areas around the perimeter walls for smaller, less expensive items such as coffee mugs or books.
4. Invest in good lighting for all areas of the store layout. Use track lighting and recessed lighting to focus attention on upscale merchandise and related displays. Build a well-lit gift wrapping area, too, if this is appropriate. Focus lighting on new merchandise, which should be featured in a specific area. Avoid having dark spaces, since customers may overlook merchandise in poorly lit sections of the store.
5. Design walking areas at least 48 inches wide, if possible, between all counters, stand-alone shelves and display cases. Create walking routes inside the store to lead directly to the checkout counters or cash registers. Ask friends and associates to offer opinions on likes and dislikes concerning the layout before opening for business.
Tags: cash register, counters shelves, expensive items, foot traffic, items such