Store Layout and Design

Customer buying behavior is an important point of consideration while

designing store layout. The objectives of store layout and design are −

• It should attract customers.

• It should help the customers to locate the products effortlessly.
• It should help the customers spend longer time in the store.
• It should motivate customers to make unplanned, impulsive purchases.
• It should influence the customers’ buying behavior.

Store Layout Formats

The retail store layouts are designed in way to use the space efficiently.
There are many store layouts to consider. Here are 10 to get you started:

1. Grid
2. Herringbone
3. Loop, or racetrack
4. Free-flow
5. Boutique
6. Straight, or spine
7. Diagonal
8. Angular
9. Geometric
10.Multiple, or mixed
Grid Layout − The grid store layout design is a familiar, repetitive pattern
favored by retail drugstores like Walgreens and hardware stores like Ace
Hardware. According to Ebster, there are multiple advantages to the grid layout,
including the following:

• Customers can move quickly through an efficient floor space using

standard fixtures and displays.
• The presentation is uniform and comfortable due to its popularity,
creating a seamless customer experience.
• Design simplifies inventory control for the retailer - a key to retail
strategy that leverages store design to maximize profitability.

However, the downside of this layout is the lack of aesthetics and the “sterile
and uninspiring” environment often associated with its use. To counter this,
Ebster recommends effective signage to guide customers and create a “cognitive
map” of the store.

Mainly used in grocery stores.

Loop Layout − Also known as the “racetrack” layout, think of the loop design
as the “yellow brick road” of retail store layouts. Ebster uses this analogy to
describe the way a loop store layout uses a path to lead customers from the
entrance of the store to the checkout area. This is a versatile choice for store
design when implemented with another layout style or used as a prominent
feature of the retail store. It is recommended that this layout for a larger retail
space (over 5,000 square feet) and encourages a clear and visible loop for
customer flow.

Designers accomplish the loop effect by making the floor path a standout color,
lighting the loop to guide the customer, or using a different floor material to mark
the loop. Lines are not recommended, as they can be a psychological barrier to
some customers, potentially discouraging them from stepping away from the loop
and interacting with merchandise. Ebster encourages a loop design that rewards
the customer with interesting visual displays and focal points on the way to the
checkout area.

Used in malls and departmental stores.

Free Layout − A free flow layout rejects typical design patterns and styles
commonly used to influence customer behavior. In a free flow layout, the intent
is not to lead the customer using predictable design patterns, displays, or signage.
There are no specific design rules followed for this retail store design, and
customers have more liberty to interact with merchandise and navigate on their
own. For this reason, the free flow layout is sophisticated in its simplicity.

Ebster points out that customers feel less rushed in this creative environment.
Retail stores look less sterile in the free flow design, and merchandise may seem
more intriguing. The only limitation for retailers using this layout is the overall
space available, but that doesn’t mean that the research on customer navigation
behavior and tendencies shouldn’t be accounted for as well. The main
disadvantage to this experimental design layout is the risk of confusing customers
past the point of their preferred behavior and disrupting customer flow.
Followed mainly in luxury retail or fashion stores.

Example of free flow design:

Herringbone store layout

If you think the grid may be best for your merchandise but you have a very long,
narrow retail space, the herringbone layout is one to consider.

The herringbone layout has many of the same pros and cons as the grid, with a
few notable exceptions.

Pros

• Suited to stores with lots of product but minimal space

• This layout often works well for warehouse-style stores open to the public
Cons

• Limited visibility down “side roads” can increase shoplifting opportunities

• Can feel cramped, and customers easily bump into one another
Tuck shops, small hardware stores, and many small community libraries use the
herringbone layout to pack a tiny space full of wares. The side roads can be used
for promotions, but by adding some welcoming visual breaks within the promo
areas, you can provide some much-needed breathing room to an otherwise
overwhelming space.

Some herringbone book shops encourage people to linger by setting up a comfy

chair at the end, where shoppers can leaf through books before they decide to buy.
Boutique store layout

The boutique store layout, also known as shop-in-shop or alcove layout, is a

commonly used type of free-flow layout. Merchandise is separated by brand or
category, encouraging shoppers to engage with complementary items in
designated areas. Walls, product displays, and fixtures divide areas and create the
feeling of small shops within one store.

Pros

• Sparks curiosity in shoppers

• Highlights different brands and product categories
• Helps with cross merchandising and cross-selling
Cons

• May limit the total display space for merchandise

• Shoppers may not explore the entire store
• Customers may be confused
If you carry multiple brands, this type of retail store layout is a great way to use
store design to tell a story about each label. One way to reduce the likelihood of
shoppers not exploring the entire store is to make sure you don’t close off each
section too much. Rather than put up a wall, use shelving, tables, and racks to
create alcoves that people can easily flow in and out of.
6. Straight (spine) store layout

The straight store layout, also known as the spine layout, is easy to plan, effective,
and creates space for customers to peruse your store. A basic straight design can
help lure customers all the way to the back of the store, ensuring that all featured
merchandise is seen. This is done with signage, product displays, and strategically
placed merchandise to keep customers interested and moving down the main aisle
of the shop.

This store design works for small markets, food stores, and department stores that
use the spine as a main aisle to connect the various sections on each floor.

Pros

• Customers are more likely to make it to the back of the store

• Shoppers have space to look around
• Allows for space to display merchandise
Cons

• Shoppers may move quickly down the main aisle and merchandise at the
front or sides of your store will go unseen
• A straight aisle may not lend itself as well to exploration and discovering
new products
Diagonal store layout

Exactly as the name suggests, the diagonal store layout incorporates aisles placed
at an angle to expose more merchandise to customers as they walk through the
shop. It’s a variation of the grid layout and can help guide shoppers to the
checkout counter. This store design is helpful for space management, making it a
good option for retail stores with limited space. It also encourages more
movement, so customers can easily circulate through the store and see all of the
products you sell.

Pros
 • Better customer circulation
• If the checkout counter is located in the center of the store, the diagonal
layout provides better security—you’ll be able to see more throughout the
store
Cons

• Shoppers cannot take a shortcut to specific products

• Narrower aisles are common in the diagonal store layout

8. Angular store layout

A better name for angular store layout would be “curved store layout.” “Angular”
is deceptive, as this store layout includes rounded product displays, curved walls
and corners, and other curved store fixtures to maintain the customer flow.

The angular layout uses free-standing product displays and can create the
perception of higher quality merchandise, making it a good retail design
option for luxury retailers and boutiques.

Pros

• Creates a unique retail store design

• Elevates the in-store experience
Cons

• Rounded displays eliminate wall shelf space

 • Less inventory can be displayed

9. Geometric store layout

The geometric store layout is a great way to combine creativity and functionality.
It’s commonly used by retailers selling products targeted at stylish millennials
and Gen Z. If your shop has a unique interior including support columns, wall
angles, and ceiling design, a geometric layout can enhance the look of your store.

You can combine geometric product displays and fixtures in a range of shapes
and sizes to make a statement and build your brand identity. Typically, clothing
and apparel stores also use merchandising strategies such as artwork, music, and
scents combined with a geometric store layout to create an atmosphere that
heightens customer experience.

Pros

• Creates a unique store design without a high cost

• Helps make a statement about the products
Cons

• May be too eccentric for less “trendy” products (or an older audience)
• It may not be the best option to maximize space to display merchandise
10. Multiple store layouts

The mixed store layout uses design elements from multiple layouts to create a
flexible option for retailers. Department stores use a compelling mix of straight,
diagonal, and angular concepts, among other design elements, to create a dynamic
flow through a range of departments featuring a variety of merchandise.

Large grocery store chains also successfully combine mixed store layout
elements. For example, customers have the flexibility to navigate through a grid
layout for their basic groceries but feel compelled to search the angular displays
featuring high-margin wine, beer, and imported cheeses. The advantages of
combining different store layouts seems apparent, but the space and resource
requirements to maintain this design can pose difficulties to retailers.

Store Design

Both internal and external factors matter when it comes to store design.
Interior Design
The store interior is the area where customers actually look for products and
make purchases. It directly contributes to influence customer decision making.
In includes the following −
• Clear and adequate walking space, separate from product display area.
• Free standing displays: Fixtures, rotary displays, or mannequins installed
to attract customers’ attention and bring them to the store.
• End caps: These displays at the end of the aisles can be used to display
promotional offers.
 • Windows and doors can provide visual messages about merchandise on
sale.
• Proper lighting at the product display. For example, jewelry retail needs
more acute lighting.
• Relevant signage with readable typefaces and limited text for product
categories, for promotional schemes, and at Point of Sale (POS) that
guides customers’ decision-making process. It can also include hanging
signage for enhancing visibility.
• Sitting area for a few differently abled people or senior citizens.

Exterior Design
This area outside the store is as much important as the interior of the store. It
communicates with the customer on who the retailer is and what it stands for.
The exterior includes −
• Name of the store, which tells the world that it exists. It can be a plain
painted board or as fancy as an aesthetically designed digital board of the
outlet.
• The store entrance: Standard or automatic, glass, wood, or metal? Width
of the entrance.
• The cleanliness of the area around the store.
• The aesthetics used to draw the customers inside the store.
Tips for Store Design and Layout

▪ The signage displaying the name and logo of the store must be installed at
a place where it is visible to all, even from a distance. Don’t add too much
information.
▪ The store must offer a positive ambience to the customers. The customers
must leave the store with a smile.
▪ Make sure the mannequins are according to the target market and display
the latest trends. The clothes should look fitted on the dummies without
using unnecessary pins. The position of the dummies must be changed
from time to time to avoid monotony.
▪ The trial rooms should have mirrors and must be kept clean. Do not dump
unnecessary boxes or hangers in the dressing room.
▪ The retailer must choose the right colour for the walls to set the mood of
the customers. Prefer light and subtle shades.
▪ The fixtures or furniture should not act as an object of obstacle. Don’t
unnecessary add too many types of furniture at your store.
▪ The merchandise should be well arranged and organized on the racks
assigned for them. The shelves must carry necessary labels for the
customers to easily locate the products they need. Make sure the products
do not fall off the shelves.
▪ Never play loud music at the store.
▪ The store should be adequately lit so that the products are easily visible to
the customers. Replace burned out lights immediately.
▪ The floor tiles, ceilings, carpet and the racks should be kept clean and stain
free.
▪ There should be no bad odour at the store as it irritates the customers.
▪ Do not stock anything at the entrance or exit of the store to block the way
of the customers. The customers should be able to move freely in the store.
▪ The retailer must plan his store in a way which minimizes theft or shop
lifting.
▪ Merchandise should never be displayed at the entrance or exit of the
store.
▪ Expensive products like watches, jewellery, precious stones, mobile
handsets and so on must be kept in locked cabinets.
▪ Install cameras, CCTVs to have a closed look on the customers.
▪ Instruct the store manager or the sales representatives to try and assist all
the customers who come for shopping.
▪ Ask the customers to deposit their carry bags at the entrance itself.
▪ Do not allow the customers to carry more than three dresses at one time to
the trial room