Creating a positive first impression can make all the difference in succeeding with your business or not. If you’re planning a retail renovation, learn how to create a lasting impression that will entice customers to come in and spend their money.
Focus on Your Entrance
Typically, within the first five to ten seconds, potential customers assess your space and formulate their opinion on whether to spend their money or turn around and spend it elsewhere. For this reason, it’s important to focus on your entranceway during your retail renovation. To create an entrance that will welcome and inspire people to step inside and shop around, focus on a few of these essential design features:
- Maximizing natural light
- Adding modern lighting features
- Improving the flooring
- Creating a focal point
- Choosing a soothing colour for the walls
Focus on the Power Wall
Did you know that when customers enter a store (or even an online retail website), their eyes are usually drawn to the right? This is a natural habit that forms due to the majority of us being right-handed. As you walk into your store, the wall to the right is known as the “power wall,” which makes it a high-impact area. During your remodel, choose features that will make this key area stand out. Consider adding uniquely printed wallpaper, cascading lights or any eye-catching features that will look good. And make sure to place your top merchandise here too. Alternatively, you could use this space to share some info about your company, how it got started, or what your values are as a business. These simple touches can enhance that first impression and encourage people to get curious and check out your store.
Create A Path that Flows
Customers shop with their eyes, and their feet naturally follow suit. To keep them inspired and draw deeper into your retail space:
- Create a layout that easily directs customers along a path in an effortless way.
- Consider blending both wide and narrower aisles if possible and place focal features along the way to maintain their interest.
- When placing items on display, think about the overall organization.
- Place similar products and themes together, and keep everything neat and organized, so it’s easy on the eyes and makes sense to shoppers.
Keep It Open and Bright
Open floor plans are best for retail spaces since it offers shoppers a better view and makes it easier for something to catch their eye. If there are too many visual barriers, talk to your contractor about removing walls wherever possible to open up the layout and create that seamless flow. Any load-bearing walls should remain in place, so only your contractor will be able to determine which walls can come down. If your space is on the darker side with a limited amount of light, track lighting can be ideal for brightening the store and highlighting merchandise. Avoid using any stark white lights as these can be off-putting and ruin that inviting ambience you’re aiming to achieve.
Remove Any Clutter
If you were to walk into a retail space that’s dark, cramped and filled to the brim with products, you’d likely feel overwhelmed and eager to leave. To avoid this in your store, eliminate any excess clutter, especially around that entranceway. The key to creating a great lasting impression comes down to having a simple, clean and cohesive design. Keep shelving units tidy, avoid mismatching themes or colours, and post clear signage wherever necessary. The goal is to make every customer’s experience easy and relaxing so they can escape the world for a little while and enjoy some retail therapy.
Brawn Construction is the go-to team in Ottawa that can design your retail space to leave the best first impression with your customers. Contact us today to learn more about our services and rates.
