Even as online shopping increases in popularity, consumers are still drawn to brick-and-mortar stores.
The key to drawing in customers, both old and new, is to create an atmosphere that strengthens your brand and influences shopping behavior.
In fact, renovating your retail shop can increase sales since it has been proven to draw in more new customers who will end up visiting more often.
If you’re considering remodeling your retail space, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Hire a Renovation Company With Experience in Retail Renovations
The trick to renovating your retail store is to make positive changes while staying open for business.
A company with commercial and retail renovation experience is well-equipped to carry out upgrades and changes with minimal disturbance to your customers’ shopping experience.
Plus, a commercial or retail renovation is vastly different than a residential one. Careful planning involves ensuring that all building features of your space are utilized to create a positive and influential experience for your shoppers.
Focus on the Layout, Floor Plan and Visual Merchandising
All of these aspects of a retail store have a psychological effect on shoppers. Many studies have been conducted that show placement of merchandise, layout and even color can increase your store’s revenue.
In fact, reports have shown that 52% of shoppers won’t go back to a store if they don’t like the look and feel of the space and over 90% of purchasing decisions are based on a store’s aesthetic.
When you’re making a plan with your contractor in regards to renovation, consider the colors you choose as well as the lighting and the layout.
For example:
- Customers tend to naturally look and move to the right when entering a store. Create a flow that moves them in a clockwise direction.
- Keep important items in the back. This will extend the time your customers stay in your store.
- Place your popular items within easy reach. If your store has shelves, place popular items at eye-level. Customers tend to perceive items on the lower shelf as low quality and value.
- Choose colors that represent your brand. This helps to build trust with your customers.
How to Stay Open During Renovations
While renovating your retail shop can increase your sales, you want to make sure you continue to maintain your revenue while the remodeling is taking place.
Start by communicating with your customers that you are planning a renovation and what they can expect, such as limited hours or a rearrangement of products.
Work with your contractor to break the renovation down into stages. Have them work on sections of your retail space so you can move products around while the renovations are being completed.
As they do so, make sure to create barriers and contain the areas being renovated to ensure customer safety.
Also, try to schedule the renovations during the slower times of the year. For instance, if your business is quiet during the winter months, have your contractor do the work then.
Or, if your business is steady throughout the year, consider having the renovations done after hours. This will cost more but will prevent disruptions to your customers during the day.
Lastly, you can always offer customers a discount during this time to encourage them to continue shopping at your retail store.
Renovating Your Retail Shop Can Increase Sales
People love things that are new and exciting! Simply making changes to your retail store can draw in new customers.
To ensure they return, careful planning can create an atmosphere that will influence them to shop and buy your product.
