Retail Design and Layouts That Will Give Your Store a Boost

Julie Starr • July 2, 2021

We all know that consumers are visual people. When they walk into a retail store or somewhere like a restaurant or bakery, then there is so much sensory information that is sent from our eyes to our brains. In fact, around 80% of the information that our brain receives is what we see. As a retailer, you need to be able to take advantage of this and make sure that you have a shopfront and retail space that is going to attract people’s attention for all of the right reasons. That is why the retail design that you choose plays a big part. If you have a physical retail store, rather than an online one, then it is so important to make sure that you take some time to look at what you have to sell, in order to make it look good and to really maximize sales conversions.

If you aren’t sure what you can do to improve your retail space, to really draw customers in, and give retail a much-needed boost, then here are some design insights that could help.

Create an immersive experience for shoppers

A great retail space is not just about having pristine displays and good-looking visual merchandising. It is all about using the space that you have to create an immersive experience for your shoppers. When you are planning your space, think about what the space could be used for, for something a little different. What is the overall experience that you would want your shoppers to have? If you want them to leave happy and feeling good, then what could you do to help that? Many beauty brands, such as Lush and Aesop , offer immersive shopping experiences in their stores, with testing, displays, and even some beauty treatments and mini-salons in store.

Of course, what you’re able to do will depend on the kind of business that you have, but thinking outside the box with your design, and overall experience in-store, can make a big difference.

Create your layout considering the store’s flow of traffic

When you are designing your retail space, then it is natural to think about putting the best sellers upfront in the store or use the most enticing displays first. In order to do this, you have to think about what route people take around the store. Is this something that you can assess, or perhaps you will create the route for them with your store layout? The good news about this is that there is a lot of research into this topic by retail experts. In many cases, the flow of traffic goes along with the vehicular flow of where you live, so this could definitely be something to consider with your layout.

Make it a safe and secure place to be

When you have a retail space, you need to think about keeping customers safe. If you have broken concrete in the car park or out the front of the store, then this can be hazardous and something that is best to avoid. You can learn more about concrete repair and making sure that it is safe, as well as look at other aspects of your store. A door that is automatic, rather than one that needs to be opened, can help to make your store safe and accessible, as well as considerations like the temperature to make it a comfortable place to be. If someone does have a bad experience with something that is unsafe, then not only can it be costly to you, but it can also be something that impacts your reputation.

Add breaks into the store layout

Having a range of the same kinds of fixtures or stands can be repetitive, and mean that some shoppers skip over certain items. When it all looks the same, it is going to be hard for consumers to be able to find something that they are interested in, especially if they are just there to browse. Long and uninterrupted aisles can lead to the merchandise being skipped, which isn’t going to be a good thing for your business .

One recommendation to counter this is to create some real visual breaks in and amongst the aisles. These breaks could be signage, displays, or something else to break up the clothing (or whatever items your store sells). You can see that even grocery stores take this approach, with a lot of large signage and attention-grabbing details found at the ends of the aisles. You could also think about making the break in the merchandise be something interactive like a tablet with an online category that people can browse from, or something fun with selfies and filters (again, depending on the kind of retail business that you have).

Create a focal point for all of your displays

It can be quite tempting to bring some attention to other things that are going on in-store, and showcase all that you have to offer. However, a tried-and-tested way of doing things is to have a focal point for your displays, ideally at eye level, to create an effective way to draw people’s attention in. From window displays to middle of the floor signage, shelving, or rails, having a focal point can be a really important thing for your sales and conversions.

With a focal point, the displays that you have are going to have a much bigger chance to hook the attention of the shoppers. When they are hooked, then they are going to quite naturally see what else there is to see around the focal point. It really does help.

If you have a retail store then you will know just how tough it can be to get customers through the door, let alone get them to part with their money. When you think carefully about your retail space, with the design, safety, and layout, it can make a difference to the success of your store.

Create the shopper experience with sustainability in mind

Today’s shoppers are more eco-conscious or shop with sustainability in mind. Bring to the forefront any sustainable business strategies you employ; for example, if you are in a LEED building make sure to provide signage demonstrating that, as well as, any energy savings measures you are taking. Provide eco-friendly packaging. Inform customers of your sustainable vendors. Be mindful of your shopper’s expectations around sustainability and use their feedback to improve on your green business practices.

What changes do you think you will start to make? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts.

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Why Telling Your Sustainability Story Matters — And How Taiga Company Can Help

By Julie Starr • December 17, 2024

In today’s world, sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Consumers, investors, and stakeholders are demanding more transparency and accountability from brands. They don’t just want to know what you sell; they want to know who you are, what you stand for, and how your work contributes to a better world. That’s where your sustainability story comes in. Sharing your achievements in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives isn’t just about meeting expectations—it’s about building trust, fostering loyalty, and inspiring action. At Taiga Company, we specialize in helping organizations authentically communicate their sustainability achievements in ways that drive measurable impact and align with their goals. Why Sharing Your Sustainability Achievements Is Good for Business Build Trust with Stakeholders Sustainability storytelling builds credibility and trust. Whether you’re addressing investors, employees, or customers, sharing your sustainability milestones demonstrates your commitment to accountability and long-term value creation. For example: Highlight your efforts in achieving science-based targets, reducing carbon emissions, or adopting circular economy practices. These stories resonate with audiences looking for businesses that align with their values. Differentiate Your Brand In a competitive marketplace, sustainability can set you apart. Brands that communicate their achievements in regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, or biodiversity conservation position themselves as industry leaders and innovators. Think of it this way: A well-told sustainability story is not just a report—it’s a statement of leadership, authenticity, and purpose. Drive Stakeholder Engagement Sustainability stories invite dialogue. By showcasing meaningful milestones, like successful recycling initiatives or community reforestation projects, you foster stronger relationships with stakeholders who want to be part of your mission. Engagement isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about inspiring action. Whether through social media campaigns, press releases, or executive thought leadership, your achievements can encourage others to collaborate and support your goals. Attract Purpose-Driven Talent and Customers Today’s workforce and consumers seek brands with purpose. Communicating your impact helps attract talent and customers who align with your mission. A transparent, well-executed sustainability strategy speaks volumes about your leadership and values. At Taiga Company, we specialize in results-driven communications that empower purpose-led brands to share their sustainability achievements with confidence and clarity. Our services ensure your story resonates with the audiences that matter most. Your sustainability achievements deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions, innovating in sustainable packaging, or leading water stewardship initiatives, telling your story is an opportunity to inspire trust, drive action, and shape a better future.

Why Going Green Is No Longer Optional for Industry Leaders

By Julie Starr • December 16, 2024

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