Retail Design Updates You can make in the Slow Seasons

In the holiday rush have you taken a moment to think ahead to the 'slow season' that soon follows? Grab a coffee, take a deep breath and read on... Retail design updates are all about making your store more inviting, engaging and feel more personal. Taking a moment now to plan will not only help you stay ahead of the competition but also help you attract more customers long term!

At NOLA Designs our mission is to guide and help our clients reach their retail goals and in doing so, we understand that a successful retail store not only must have a unique design, but it also needs to have a unique story. In our case, most of our clients are women, so we take the time to think about what their customers would enjoy - colours that will resonate with them, fixtures and furniture that feel modern, and imagery that speaks to their interests or passions in life, etc. We want our client’s to feel like their retail space was specifically made for them, their dreams and goals, instead of one generic store catering to everyone else around them.

Here are a few strategies you can think about and implement in your store today:

Refresh floor plan
The layout of the store fixtures is a great way to promote customer movement and increase the potential for increased sales. When customers feel they are being guided through their shopping experience, they will feel more confident in finding what they’re looking for, discover products in their journey and in turn, are willing to spend more money! There should be a clear path from the entrance of the store to other strategic locations like checkout counters or product displays in order for customers to easily navigate your shop.

Give your store a facelift

If you’re looking into refreshing your current store, it’s always a good idea to consult a retail specialist who is aware of strategies that drive foot traffic and improve your store’s presentation. Knowing the right tweaks and updates that should be made to your store can be complicated, time consuming and filled with a lot of trial and error (aka wasted time and money). An expert will have the knowledge necessary to address the right changes that may not be obvious to you as the store owner.

Merchandise your store
Window displays are the first thing that potential customers see when they walk by your store, so make sure your windows inspire them to come into your store. Get your customers excited about what you have to offer by showcasing new, popular or trending products in your windows. It is also more likely for customers to buy an item in-store if it is not just displayed as one of the many options on your website, but rather styled, placed at eye-level and pushed more front and center on a display.

Organize your stock room

Your stock area should operate like a well oiled machine, with everything in its place. Make sure you clean your stock room after the holiday rush so your team can service your in-store customers more efficiently when they return in January! Labels for bins and boxes will help keep inventory organized. If you don’t enjoy this task, try and make it fun!  Turn on your favorite music and get into a work rhythm ! We promise you will feel amazing after you're done. 

By doing some small things behind the scenes, your team will function better and your customers will see and feel a difference too!

As an entrepreneur, we know you are always looking for new ways to grow your business and make it stand out among the competition.

Remember: The design you choose for your store should depend on what you are selling, who is buying, and what they will be looking for while shopping in-store. 

If you need more guidance, our team is here for you! To learn more about NOLA Designs' retail design services, book a discovery call today!