Four Steps to Updating Your Store
Keeping your store looking brand new can be a challenge. There are financial limitations as well as the time it takes to make changes. We’ve found four simple ways to update your store that won’t break the bank or take hours.
1. View Your Store as a Customer
The first step is to decide what kind of changes you would like to make, if you had unlimited budget and time. Take a walk through your store and view it as a customer. What is there that shouldn’t be? What is missing? Make a list of everything you noticed, and what you’d like to see changed or updated. Some of the changes can be simple, like cleaning up or organizing a specific area.
It’s important to experience the store as your customers see it. Once you do that, you’ll have a better idea of what are the most important changes to make.
2. Declutter your Displays
When viewing your store, pay special attention to how your merchandise is displayed. Are your shelves and racks cluttered, or stuffed with as much merchandise as possible? Crowded shelves and space can overwhelm a customer. It also makes it harder to find merchandise, and if a customer can’t find a product, they aren’t going to purchase it.
Take the time to declutter your displays, and if you need to, buy some new ones. It’s an investment that is worth it. If you’re limited on space, try using end cap displays. No matter what method you use to display merchandise, it’s important to have some white space to draw customer’s eyes to the product.
3. Maintain the Atmosphere
It’s probably a safe bet that as your retail business has grown, the atmosphere has changed. Make sure you’re maintaining the same atmosphere you dreamed of when you first opened. Or, give your store an atmosphere update by making small changes to color, lighting, signage or shelving. Do you play music in your store? If you don’t, give it a try. It’s an easy update that will enhance the customer experience.
4. Stick with your Brand Identity
Make sure you are sticking to your brand identity. Even if you haven’t thought much about it, your store does have it, from the colors the walls are painted to the company sign and logo and bags merchandise is placed in. Take the time to make sure the brand identity you’re showcasing is one you’re happy with.
An updated store can show your customers that you are committed to creating a memorable retail experience for them. By investing time and money into even small updates, you can prove your business is in it for the long haul.
At Handy Store Fixtures our store design experts have over 25 years of experience and are always available to answer questions. Contact us today to create a new look for your store.