Retail Store Design and

Customer Satisfaction
A short, simplified guide
Retail stores prioritize several
factors in design to satisfy
customers
Among these include comfort and
organization
 All factors and elements must
combine to create an atmosphere
conducive for shopping
 Here’s an example
of a store making
good use of lighting.

Notice that the

merchandise display
cases are well-lit,
while the walls and
the areas
surrounding them
are dimly lit and are
not highlighted.

This way of
designing a retail
store is perfect for
stores selling
smaller items.

Lighting for Emphasis

 Usually employed by
large department
stores, this way of
designing a retail
establishment gives
ample space for
customers to run
around and check
the merchandise.

This also gives the

store an orderly look
and feel, since the
merchandise is
organized into rows
and columns.

Straight Floor Plan

 If the merchandise is
lined up, they are all
viewed by the
customer on equal
footing – there are no
premiere or must-buy
items, unless if you
put a point of
emphasis.

Though the
arrangement in the
picture may look
unorganized, it shows
the customers the
premiere items – the
ones displayed at the
center of emphasis.

A Point of Emphasis
 Aside from the
products, customers
need to be guided
with verbal cues.
Signs depicting sales,
offers and other
things that can
benefit should
certainly be held up
and shown.

Also, be sure to show

signs about where
certain items are
placed in order to
guide your customers.

Visual and Verbal Cues

 A retail store without
audio is dull, which is
why you need to play
good music.

What determines
good music? Answer:
the preferences of
your customers.

Align your playlist

with the preferences
of your target
audience, or with the
product you’re selling.
Stores targeting
women should play
songs likely to be
liked by women!

Music and Audio

 If you can post the
name of your store in
every isle and corner,
do so if you are
striving for brand
recognition.

Though it can get a

bit annoying, this will
ensure that store’s
logo and name will
forever be etched on
the minds of your
customers.

If you gave satisfying

service, they’ll
remember you!

Signage and Branding

Thank you for reading!
All photos courtesy of Readyfit.com.au