The layout of a store impacts the consumer purchasing behavior and is a decisive factor in the

establishment of a retail big picture.

The store layout is one of the most important aspects of any store and for every merchant. Juel-
Jacobsen (2015) claims in his pathway design research that well-planned principles of urban
store layouts are very important for every retail manager, particularly for bigger retail outlets.
According to Lewison (1994), the store layout affects both the experience of the customer as
well as the selling prospects of the merchant. A well-designed store layout may contribute to a
favorable shopping environment, which results in the type of purchasing behavior that a
merchant desire. However, its is witnessed that most of the retailers today maintain their stores in
more of traditional and identical layouts, resulting in obsolete store designs (Juel-Jacobsen
2015). Juel-Jacobsen (2015) also states that if retailers wish to achieve their expected level of
customer footfall in their stores, they need to main consumer-centric space management.
Pathway design is often seen as the outcome of how well the shelves are organized and
maintained in a store (Vedamani 2004).

When retailers arrange and sort out their products well, not only their product sales will increase,
but also the consumer will leave their stores in a satisfied manner (Fancher 1991). The second
issue for retailers in shop design is to optimize the allocation of products by the way the shelves
have been designed.

Another study by Jaafar et. Al. (2013), developed a more robust and effective model to assess the
impact of three intrinsic factors (quality, value, and risk), four extrinsic factors (price, store
image, advertisement, and packaging), and three attitudes of consumers (familiarity, economic
situation, and trust) on purchase intention.

These factors have enormous impact on purchase decision of the consumer, but what if the
waiting time of a store is much higher than that of another store which sells the same product the
customer desires at a higher price? The customer will automatically choose the second option as
his time is precious and as the saying goes by “time is money” the store layout, product display,
product variety and waiting time in queues also play vital roles in the purchase intension of the
customers, which falls under the store layout management.
Retailers should try to enhance their stores' look and image. It was also discovered that shop
design has a significant impact on consumer behavior and is an important aspect on how a
business appears. Layouts impact the footfall in the store, retail environment, shopping behavior,
and operational efficiency.

Reference List

Fancher, L, A 1991, ‘Computerized space management: A strategic weapon’, Discount

Merchandiser, 31(3), pp. 64-65.
Hwang, H, Choi, B & Lee, M, J 2005, ‘A model for shelf space allocation and inventory control
considering location and inventory level effects on demand’, International Journal of
Production Economics, 97(2), pp. 185-195.

Jaafar, S, N & Lalp, P, E 2013, ‘Consumers’ Perceptions, Attitudes and Purchase Intention

towards Private Label Food Products in Malaysia’.

Juel-Jacobsen 2015, ‘L.G. Aisles of life: outline of a customer-centric approach to retail space
management’, International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 25 (2), pp.
162-180.

Lewison, D, M 1994, ‘Retailing’, New York: Macmillan College Publishing Company.

Vedamani, G 2004, ‘Retail Management. Functional Principles and Practices’, Mumbai: Jaico
Publishing House.