Are you considering starting a retail store? Whether you’re a normal citizen or a content creator, having a retail store gives you opportunities to enhance your life. However, setting up a store isn’t easy.
As such, you need to consider the different retail store layouts before establishing your shop. Doing so will make it easy for you to set up your shop.
This article will guide you through the different retail layouts you can use in your store. Keep reading to explore different options!
The Different Retail Store Layouts
In business ownership, you should know the different types of retail store layouts. This layout is also dependent on the types of stores where it is found in. Here are some of the most common layouts that you will see around town:
1. Department Stores
Department stores are typically arranged in a grid. In a grid layout, the store is divided into a series of rows and columns. The rows are typically organized by department, and the columns are typically classified by price point.
This type of layout makes it easy for customers to find what they are looking for and, at the same time, see other items that they may be interested in while looking for what they need. With this layout, they can spend more time in your stores and in turn will spend more money.
2. Discount Stores
One type of layout that is commonly used is the discount store layout. This type of layout is typically used by stores that sell various items at a discount.
This type of layout is designed to store a large number of items. Most of the time stacked haphazardly on large storage boxes. This way, your customers can choose among the large inventory of cheap items you sell.
3. Specialty Stores
Another type of layout that is commonly used is the specialty store layout. In contrast to discount stores, this type of layout is typically used by stores that sell a specific type of product. Thus they only need a small area to store the small number of items they sell. Specialty stores prioritize displaying what they have to the buyers.
4. Boutiques
Boutiques typically use a different layout than other stores, as they are often smaller in comparison and sell select high-quality fashion products. They have a more open floor plan and may use display cases, mannequins, or other features to showcase their merchandise. These stores typically have a higher level of customer service, and the prices are typically higher than the average.
If you have a boutique or a main-street retail business and want to sell, click here to learn how to sell a retail business.
5. Online Retailers
Online retailers often have a very personal layout style as most are home-based. This means your retail business layout depends on how ample the free space in your home is. The online retailing design is not that friendly for customers if they visit you; however, as the owner, you could quickly locate the items they are looking for.
6. Catalog Stores
Catalog stores are designed to showcase a wide range of products in a limited space, making them ideal for smaller retail locations.
These stores typically feature a central aisle with racks or shelves on either side, allowing customers to browse the merchandise at their leisure. While catalog stores can be found in various industries, they are particularly common in the clothing and home décor sectors.
7. Warehouses
This type of store is typically a large, open space with high ceilings. The products are usually stored on shelves or in bins. Customers can browse the products and then take them to the checkout area. Warehouses are normally used in stores that sell big items such as furniture or other things too large to be stored in normal indoor environments.
8. Supermarkets
The supermarket is the most common type of retail store layout that is used today. This type of store is typically very large, with aisles of shelves stocked with various products, but mostly food and other household stuff.
Supermarkets typically store a large number of different items, as well as a wide range of prices. This type of store is normally very crowded, and can be difficult to navigate.
9. Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are small stores that are typically located near busy intersections or in high-traffic areas. These stores usually carry a limited selection of products, normally food and other necessities. Prices at convenience stores are typically higher than those of a supermarket.
10. Big-box Retailers
When the merchandise is placed in a straight line, it is called a straight layout. This is the most common type of layout for big-box retailers. Commonly found in stores bigger than department stores, big-box retailers are like a mix of department stores and warehouses. They house a large number and variety of items which are also built to entertain customers and to present new items to them that they may be interested in.
Why Store Layouts Matter
A well-designed store layout can help to increase sales and efficiency. Poorly designed store layouts can result in customers becoming frustrated and leaving the store without making a purchase.
The type of store layout used will depend on the size and layout of the store, as well as the kind of products sold.
Whether you are planning to remodel your store or are opening a new store, it is essential to consider the store layout. The proper layout can help to increase sales and make your store more efficient.
Choosing the Proper Layout for Your Retail Stores
Retail store layouts have their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing the perfect layout for your store, look at what you’re selling and how big your area is.
The most important thing is choosing a layout that best showcases your products and attracts customers. This way, you can be assured that your business will perform at its peak efficiency and keep earning money.
Did this article help you develop your retail store? Keep reading our blog for more helpful topics like this.
