Services are shaped by demand. This adage rings perhaps most true for retailers, since it is they who most directly decide their products and services based upon customer needs and trends. However, the effects of demand are not entirely limited to the products upon shelves but reach, instead, much further affecting even the design and layout of brick and mortar stores too.
There are a number of ways in which this can be demonstrated. Certain products are given prime locations on shelves, as well as a more abundant region of appearance because they are in greater demand. Alternatively, the same products can be located in a location furthest away from a store’s entrance as a method of ensuring the majority of customers will need to navigate a significant amount of store space to retrieve their desired item, therefore promoting the likelihood of a greater number of purchases.
While such methods of organisation might seem obvious, this is because they have been celebrated for years. However, for retailers looking to keep up with customer demand in 2022, more recent trends must be considered.
Ecological Style
As many demographics begin to turn their attention toward sustainability and environmentally conscientiousness, their preference for products and businesses change too. This is because the customer-retailer relationship must always be mutual and, if a retailer fails to offer due representation, the customer will turn elsewhere. As such, retailers are turning their attention to ecological designs, those that not only are more environmentally friendly but which showcase carbon conscientiousness too.
Efficiency Of Space
As health fears linger, so does the need for a store to meet social distancing needs. Customers are placing a greater emphasis on space than ever before, encouraging retailers to employ slatwall panels, modular shelves, and other space-efficient shop shelving products. By allowing customers more space, stores are able to meet safety requirements as well as the comfort levels of most customers too. Plus, with the right store furniture, potential display ranges need not be compromised.
Digital Integration
From navigation to checkout services, digital devices being present in-store have a huge benefit to customers. Within a space occupied solely by a digital tablet, a store can offer detailed and abundant information to assist customers to their exact needs, reducing the amount of space that might otherwise be occupied with less discerning methods. Digital empowerment within retail spaces can also improve efficiency and personalisation services, making them desirable for both customers and retailers alike.
Local Characteristics
Over the previous decade and as has been exacerbated by the international health crisis, locality has become a greater preference for customers. No longer can national stores simply offer the same products and store designs to every location without risking being outshone by a local competitor. Stores, such as Waterstones, have demonstrated that when independence is offered to retail management, empowering them to stock products and host events more fitting of local demand and profile, business will improve. This is especially important, as has been recently proven, during challenging times when local customers will turn to support businesses that they feel have supported them.
