Even with the rise of online and mobile shopping, consumers still make a substantial amount of purchase decisions in a physical retail store. This is an important consideration as managers are planning their store layout and design. How do you approach your retail design with the best sales optimization? Here are some practices and tips you can incorporate into your planning process.

Make Some Downsizing Decisions

In some cases, minimizing space can help maximize sales potential. Treat each square foot of your retail space preciously, and you may be surprised at how much you can do. A store layout that is too cluttered may work against your goals. The best thing is to invest in the value of images and product placement to manage the attention of your customers. If things are too crowded, you may lose control of your customer’s attention. Balance the empty and used space to create a visual effect that directs eyes towards the features you want to promote in your store.

Create a Consistent Message

If your promotions or advertising follow a consistent theme, then have it be translated to your physical store as well. You can partition your store into different sections, but each of them ties into the core philosophy of your business in some way. Whether you are about low prices or exclusivity, ensure that your store’s layout and design convey that same message.

Create a list of things and ideas you want to present in your store. Take a walk through the space and gauge the emotions and feelings you are experiencing. Is the feeling you get similar to what you want customers to experience? Consider your responses and adapt them into your retail space design strategy.

In addition, the store counter can be an effective space for up-selling and promotions. You can add displays or elements that reinforce the value of certain deals and offers. These include buy 1 get 1 free deals, loyalty programs, or repeat customer discounts. By efficiently using this space, you can add more promotional value without making extreme investments in marketing material.

Pay Attention to Cleanliness

Keeping a clean, hygienic space can be just as effective for marketing as having a promotional display. The effects of a clean store can contribute to your customers’ shopping experience. There is a relationship between shoppers choosing a store to shop at and the how clean the store appears physically. With this in mind, invest in keeping your store looking consistently maintained. Make sure every inch of space, even the ones that few people may see, are in the best condition. You can hire special cleaning services to do this for you, but you can save costs by scheduling clean-up days in advance.

Be Frugal with Your Resources

A noticeable proportion of small businesses have a risk of failing within their first year. With these statistics, there is the advantage of having available retail locations and store space at any time. Consider how your business can take advantage of these resources and recycle any material you can use for promotions or display features. You may need a bit of creativity, but the rewards are worth it.

Make Your Displays Last

In a retail store space, displays are not just a temporary show. Some can be a mainstay of your business image and marketing presentation. If you have an alien statue in front of a bookstore, it may be a great visual for customers and they can even use it to help locate your store. This example and many others showcase the value of having a memorable, lasting visual that can sell your store on its own.

Guide the Customer Towards the Purchase

The retail space can be optimized to funnel customers towards the sale. With the right decisions, customers can be made to follow areas of the store that are appealing to their interests. You can designate a separate section of your store to items that are exclusively discounted, of a certain quality, or are visually distinct from other products.

The design of your storefront or retail space is a factor in your sales capability. The success of your strategy depends on how well you utilize that space. In addition, an effective store layout means less investment needed for traditional marketing programs. With these steps considered, you can improve your chances of having a store design that sells.