A retailer always strives to deliver the best customer experience and generate good sales, but some limitations hamper their endeavors. A poor retail store layout is one such limitation.
Store layout plays a crucial role in determining the overall customer experience. While a well-designed and planned space invites customers, a cramped space keeps them away. Similarly, an extremely large area with sparse stations also turns down shoppers.
If you are planning a retail store remodeling, here are some essential things to consider.
Your motive
First and foremost, figure out why you want to renovate your retail store? Is it because you want to use the existing space in a better way? Or do you want a fresh look for your store? Is it a branding gimmick?
Understanding the motive behind renovation drives your plan in the right direction. Knowing the issues with the existing store puts you in a better place to plan a space that meets all your requirements.
Start with assessing the problems, determine your motive behind this renovation project, and begin planning for the makeover.
The contractor
While you can take care of a small-scale renovation, you will need to hire a professional contractor for a large-scale renovation of your retail store. Make sure you hire an expert retail store remodeling contractor who could suggest you the best store layout. A professional contractor will make your store more efficient by utilizing every inch of space in the best possible way.
At this point, consider seeking input from your employees who work in the store and understand the shortcoming of the existing layout.
Finances
One of the most crucial considerations while planning any magnitude of renovation is finances. Once you get the construction bid, gauge a rough estimate by adding your anticipated costs to it. Keep the expense of any unforeseen condition in your mind because the cost of large-scale renovation projects often exceeds the limit, no matter how hard you try to stick to your budget.
Impact on your business
If boosting your revenue is a motive behind the renovation project, comparing the total cost of renovation with the anticipated rise in sales is crucial. Before jumping to the decision to renovate the space, evaluate the benefits of the makeover and commit to it only if they’re substantial.
For instance, planning to increase the area of your already large departmental store might not affect your revenue, but introducing a new section on a new floor might attract more customers.
Your remodeling project should positively impact the sales. Otherwise, renovation doesn’t make sense.
Maintenance
A practical and realistic retail store renovation plan makes property maintenance easy. While planning the renovation project, consider the maintenance your new layout would require a few years down the line, and then design a practical layout.
The bottom line
Remodeling a retail store can enhance sales only if it is done right. Evaluate all the pros and cons and consider all the above-mentioned factors before commencing your big retail renovation project.
