Thinking of buying fixtures for your new or existing retail store? Are you afraid to do so because of budget concerns, not to mention justifying the 
cost during these tough economic times?
You’re not alone. Many first-time or expanding retailers are reluctant to invest substantially in store fixtures, so they settle for used, damaged or third-rate items. And unless they’re adept at dressing them up, their stores probably will have a third-rate look. That’s not what customers want to see as part of their shopping experience.
Recently I was asked to provide my thoughts on the future of supermarket shelving for for Progressive Grocer Magazine. A topic I'm very familiar with as both a designer and the head food shopper in my household. Here are my thoughts:
Who are some of your supermarket customers?
My client’s are not large supermarkets. We tend to develop relationships with smaller food purveyors in more of a boutique format.
When setting up a retail store or boutique, you need to think beyond "where everything will fit". The merchandising of your stores products will have a significant influence on what your customers will buy. If everyone who entered your store found exactly what they came for, bought it, and left, your sales woulld suffer. It's up to you to entice people to shop longer and buy more than what they originally came for.
Every day of the week I talk to clients who are building new stores or remodeling old ones.
Every day I have a discussion with those clients about the Federal, State and City ADA rules for handicapped access.
Every day I get looks of disbelief.
The common responses:
Those rules don't apply in this town.
Our space is too small for that.
The following is a short list of many of the elements that should be considered in the opening of any new retail store. We’ve probably left some items out, so please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with suggestions we can pass along to our other retail customers.
Research
The decision to open a retail store is explored.
Research is initiated.
- Viability of the product
- Competition
- Location availability
- Rent vs. return
- Retail/business experience of the owners
- Risk vs. reward
This article will provide you with a general store planning overview. The balance of GRANT’s guide follows this planning outline with specific design and equipment elements.
Up until a few years ago, when we spoke with our customers about successful store merchandising, planning, and design there were certain key elements emphasized.