Shop Design and Atmosphere Matters

The design and atmosphere of a store is everything. If people are unwilling to even come in through the door then client potential is lost. Think of it like those first few moments when you enter an interview and the employer decides in seconds whether you will fit in with the rest of his staff. In the same way as soon as a customers look at the store they know whether it is their kind of store.

In a fast paced world people make snap decisions very quickly. So what can you do to improve a retail store?

Plan
Plan the kind of customers you wish to attract. A toy store and a music store will attract very different kinds of people. Before opening up spend some time researching other stores that fit into your type. Decide what you like about them? Don't be afraid to ask people their opinions. The worst thing they can do is knock you back but if someone shares their thoughts with you it could be life-changing.

Location
Make sure it is in an eye-catching spot so that people can find it easily.

Our laundry shop is always mistaken to be a retail store not a laundromat because of the cozy design and the lighting. When you open the door to Raspberry Laundry the first thing you notice is the coolness. Unlike the hot, humid climate found at most laundromats, the air at Raspberry Laundry is refreshing. One thing i have observe from other laundromat is they poorly design the shop. For me what your shop looks like will have an impact on the customer's first impression of your business. 

I personally design the lay out of our shop before it was constructed. By doing that it saves me a lot of time and money and i figure out how it would look like even before it was made.

Clear Signs
Nothing is more frustrating to a customer when areas aren't clearly signed or items priced. A happy customer will be able to find what they are searching for with minimum fuss. For clothes you need size and gender clearly labeled. For groceries have signs for the different kinds of products.

Friendly Staff
It may sound obvious but it is surprising how many stores you enter and the staff don't seem to care. If staff are helpful and show customer care it immediately creates a pleasant atmosphere for everyone. Potentially unpleasant situations are diffused. Shy customers don't feel afraid to ask for help and will return again.

The kind of design or atmosphere you have will make or break your store. Make it a pleasant experience for your customers.