With more than 25 years of experience, the  Retailplanners team has found that there are crucial steps that are vital for any retail business when launching a new store, or updating an existing store.

Let us share some of these processes with you;

1.       Don’t design a new store or a proposed update to your retail format around an existing location.  This will constrain the concept because of the existing physical conditions contained in the existing site. The position of existing structural columns, stairways and doors will influence the conceptual layout.

2.       The theoretical concept can be developed in a succession of workshops and without being constrained by the structural features of an existing site or proposed site.  This will ensure that you are able to develop the ideal requirements for both customer comfort and store logistics.

3.       Having refined the ideal concept, apply the layout, merchandising and branding to one pilot store, test results, refine and finalise.

4.       Some compromise may be required but it is essential to ensure that the compromise is not too great. In some cases, it may be a better option to forgo a pre-determined site, as opposed to compromising your standard format.

5.       Standard formats of stores are extremely important because they provide a consistent presentation to customers. They also enable your organisation to make meaningful assessments of performance by product ranges and store across an entire chain.

6.       Don’t forget that a refresh of brand design and colours tells customers that there is something new at your store and should inspire them to visit.

7.       When the new format has been tested and all adjustments are complete be sure to run a re-launch campaign so that customers who may have stopped coming to your store will return and some who have never visited will make the journey.