Most customers turn right upon entering a store and proceed
to shop in a generally counter-clockwise pattern. When you are initially
mapping out your store layout keep that (typical) pattern in mind and create
your departments accordingly. Decide what you want your shoppers to look at
first, mid-visit, and last and place them strategically so that will occur. The front third of a store is usually considered the most valuable real estate, so use it wisely. This is an area you should insure is properly maintained and merchandised.
Analytical retail organizations often base the allocation of merchandise floor space on the percentage of sales by department or category of merchandise. For example, if lamps approximate 25% of total store sales, then approximately 25% of the selling square footage could be allocated to lamps - and later refined (more or less) as appropriate.
Analytical retail organizations often base the allocation of merchandise floor space on the percentage of sales by department or category of merchandise. For example, if lamps approximate 25% of total store sales, then approximately 25% of the selling square footage could be allocated to lamps - and later refined (more or less) as appropriate.
In considering the layout of your store we suggest that
you draw a map of your store before you begin placing merchandise - and try
different combinations of department locations.
- Items that are related are often best placed next to each other
- High margin items should be closer to the front of the store as most shoppers see that merchandise first
- Insure that your store signage (location of departments) is appropriate, accurate, and not overwhelming
The sales floor layout you employ should permit a logical
flow of shopper traffic. There are various types of layouts that are typically
employed. Among the more popular are the
- Grid style
- Racetrack
- Boutique style and
- Free-form
A sample of a grid style layout map is shown below. Note that this is only a sample and we are not suggesting this design. The
map we suggest you create (for your store) does not need to be a work of art, but should show
detail similar to the example below and be easily changed to permit you to
experiment with various layout plans. This map was created in PowerPoint and will permit the various fixture symbols to be created, deleted, moved, and then printed with the click of a mouse.
