Starting your own business and opening a store is no small feat and certainly no task for the faint of heart. Getting everything just right can feel like mission impossible, since you’ll need to perfect every aspect down to the smallest detail like what your store will look like.
Designing your store might be the last thing on your mind during this process, but in the long run, it will play a crucial role in the overall success of your business. Make sure you get things right the first time, by paying close attention to these five design tips when you’re setting up your store.
Appealing Exterior
Naturally, the first part of your store that potential customers will see is the exterior. You need to make sure that your storefront is eye-catching and entices people to walk inside.
Go big and bold with your branding – make sure that people know exactly what they’ll find on the other side of the door and grab their attention with your logo and the name of your store. You can use custom die cut stickers for lettering – post your operational hours, other important details or even a fun message outside your store.
Stay On-Brand
Remember that the way your store looks and functions needs to align with your brand image. If your company portrays itself as simple and minimalist, big neon signs and colourful displays aren’t going to work in your store. Make things look snazzy, but stick to your style.
Another thing to note is that your social media presence should align with the branding you use in your store and both of these should portray the values and overall aesthetic of your company.
Choose the Best Layout
The layout of your store will play a huge role in the overall success of your business. Think carefully about where and how you display various items and be sure to make space for other functions of your store.
For example, you’ll need a checkout space and you don’t want the entrance of your store to be overcrowded with racks and shelves. Make the space functional, easy for your customers to navigate and avoid over cluttering the area.
Focus on Signage
Information is everything – you don’t want your customers to walk cluelessly around your store looking for what they need. Your signage should let them know what your store is, what you sell, where to find different types of items, where they can pay, when you’re open and closed, and other important information.
Make sure this signage looks good and is easily legible, and you’re good to go.
Use Interesting Displays
Finally, remember that you can jazz things up and make them interesting by decorating, personalising and accessorising your displays. Instead of regular shelves, stack items in interesting ways, make them look different and interesting and use your business’s style and purpose as your inspiration.
The best way to stand out is to be daring and try new things – your customers will love feeling like they’re having a new shopping experience in your store.
