RETAIL NOTES

By Jeff Grant

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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.

grocery scannerRecently 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.

cust serviceWhen 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.