How To Make Your Shop Compete With The Big Hitters!

Have you ever wondered how the big retail stores seem to get it right every time? Do you think the way they set up their stores is just dumb luck or an exact science? They invest millions of dollars in working out they way shoppers think about their purchases. Nothing is left to chance when it comes to designing the layout of their wares. From the moment you enter the shop, to the moment you leave, you are following a pre-determined path. Some incredibly small details are painstakingly followed just to ensure that you spend as much time and money as possible in their premises. If you have a small business and would like some valuable insight into the way that these retail giants control the consumers' choice then please read on.

Window Designs

The windows of your shop are usually the first thing that consumers notice. Even if your shop is not large, you should take advantage of your windows and their position as the 'eyes of the store'. Think about a classy window display and try to show a variety of items instead of a single theme. Shoppers may be passing by and something in your window may make them stop and take notice, this is where you start to engage their interest.

First Impressions Last

Try to assemble an eye catching display near the entrance of your shop, this is where the shopper will hopefully stop and start to browse. You need to think of ways to slow the consumer down and maximize the time they spend in your premises. If your display engages the consumer, they are more likely to stop and touch the products on offer.

Shelving Ideas

Instead of filling up a high shelving rack that may obscure the consumer's view of the rest of your shop, try to utilize lower units and allow the whole of your shop to be visible. This will give the impression that you have more space even though you are offering a lot of variety.
To The Right!

It is a fact that if shoppers are encouraged to look to their right, they are more likely to follow an anti-clockwise route throughout your shop. This way you can plan their journey and place stock items at your convenience. If you imagine when you enter a large supermarket, you will usually see a large display of flowers on your right. You will then walk over to them and the store owners have already decided your route for you. So try and place something of interest to the right of your shop and plan an interesting route for the consumers.

Plan Your Aisles

Shoppers often end up looking at a blank space because the long aisle ends up in no man's land; you need to offer something of interest for them at this point. Even a small display of special offer items can keep them interested in your stock. Just remember that the longer they spend in your shop, the more money they are likely to spend!