If you own a retail store, you know that the quality of your product is only part of the equation. There is so much to running a successful storefront, including your shop’s design. The most successful salesperson in the world won’t have much luck if you don’t develop an efficient and attractive layout for your space. Here are some tips for designing an inviting retail space that will keep customers coming back.

Make Your Store Accessible

If you want to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere, you need to make your store accessible. Everyone should be able to shop in your store. Create wide aisles, easy-to-read signage, and shelves that anyone can reach. You should also have ramps for wheelchair users and eliminate any clutter that could get in the way of a customer’s mobility devices.

Use the Right Lighting

Depending on your aesthetic, you’ll want to create a specific atmosphere that is unique to your business. Many stores do this by being strategic with their lighting. If you want a warm, cozy environment, use fairy lights and other low lighting options to bring in the ambiance. Use brighter lights if you want your storefront to look sleek and full of energy.

Utilize the Senses

Speaking of atmosphere, lighting isn’t the only way to create ambiance. Utilize sound and scent to develop the perfect environment for your business. Play music that calms and welcomes customers, and use smells to attract passing shoppers. This tip for designing an inviting retail space will make your store feel like an unmissable experience.

Optimize Every Square Inch

Finally, using every square inch of your space is essential to improving your bottom line. The minimalist movement has many believing that “less is more,” which isn’t always true for retail stores. Empty wall space hurts businesses by making it feel like an unwelcoming environment. Use space to your advantage and hang signs communicating upcoming deals and important information to attract people to your shop and keep them shopping.

It’s completely possible for small retail businesses to compete with large corporations. These tips will improve your storefront while making you a household name within your industry.

To learn more on how lighting can be used to enhance your retail space, please see the accompanying resource.