So you’ve chosen the perfect location for your store, you’ve negotiated with the lease, and it won’t be long until the keys are handed over to you. The only thing left to do is figure out how you’re going to fit-out your store.
The design of your store is an extension of your company’s brand identity and you want it to appeal to your target market. But, creating a store fit-out that has the right finishes and brand appeal can be quite a daunting task.
You can make your vision a reality with a bit of creativity and planning. With the help of a professional shop fitter, you can make your store stand out from the rest of the competition which is a must in today’s retail environment. Today we’ll be guiding you on how to plan your store fit-out and help you find the perfect fit-out partner.
- Establish a strong brand & identity
The first step in planning your store fit-out is to establish your company’s branding and identity. It might sound obvious, but it’s very important to figure out your corporate image from the get-go. This will save you plenty of time and money from design changes while speeding up the process of achieving the final design. Having a clear vision from the start will help translate your brand identity into bricks and mortar more effectively.
Whether you design your store in-house or partner with a shop fitter, establishing a strong brand and identity from the start will help make the fit-out process much smoother.
- Collaborate with a fit-out partner that shares your goals and visions
When looking for a fit-out partner, you want to make sure that the company you’re choosing shares the same goals and visions you do. Collaborating with like-minded people can help you achieve your dream store in a seamless fashion. They’ll be able to deliver your store on time and execute the fit-out according to your exact design.
- Choose the right partner to design your store
When considering your store design, it’s crucial to select a partner that understands not only your brand’s message, but also your corporate identity. Your store design will have a huge impact on your retail success and you want to leave a positive first impression to your customers the moment they step inside.
Consider how fixtures and fitting will affect the overall experience of your customers and make changes on how you can improve it. Nailing your store design will result in a profitable and worthwhile investment so make sure to choose the right design partner to collaborate with.
- Discuss about your fixtures and fittings during the design process
Speaking of fixtures and fittings, make sure to have thorough discussions with your design partner about its placement during the design process. Rushing the fixture and fitting design during the later stages can leave an inconsistent look across your entire store. If your budget allows, you can order bespoke fixtures and fittings that’ll ensure a more coherent brand image throughout your store.
Once you’ve agreed on it’s placement and design, you can easily replicate this look over multiple stores. By prototyping your fixtures and fittings, you can tweak the design and remodel it according to your own preference. If you don’t have the time or budget, reviewing the designs early can help iron out any flaws.
- Have your lighting layout professionally designed
A good lighting layout showcases how well your store is designed. Collaborating with a fit-out partner that integrates professional lighting along with your chosen design can take your brick and mortar to the next level. A well-thought-of store design is rather moot when it doesn’t have the correct lighting to highlight it. If you can, have your lighting layout professionally designed. This will enhance the look of your store and serve as the icing on the cake.
- Consider the finishes used on your store
Strong and bold finishes can really make your store stand out. Vinyl and veneer finishes add a modern touch and a timeless appeal to any retail store. You can also use timber floorboards and laminate finishes for a more cost-effective solution. You want your finishes to match your overall design theme for a consistent look throughout the entire store. The key is to use the correct finishes that enhance the overall ambiance and experience of your store. Your fit-out company can help you decide which finishes best match your chosen design.
- Allow the fit-out company to conduct a thorough handover once the process is finished
A reputable fit-out company will provide a thorough handover of the entire store once it’s all finished. It serves to only go over the store in full detail, but to also provide a detailed Q&M manual for future reference. It’s important to relay information about installed systems to the staff so they can operate more efficiently inside the store. At this stage, any kinks can be identified and ironed out. From here, your store is ready be merchandised and opened for your customers.
Your retail success starts with a carefully planned store fit-out. These tips will help you set your brick and mortar store for future success and establish a strong brand image that your customers will gravitate to. Make sure to choose the right fit-out partner that will help make your dream retail store come to life.
