Do you have a small retail space you are looking to transform? Even the tiniest spaces can be made to look inviting and appealing with a bit of creative retail design. Melbourne is known for its quirky shops and cafés, which proves that size does not need to be a barrier when it comes to sales appeal and enticing customers in to your store.
Challenges
When it comes to designing your retail premises, you will need to be strategic if space is limited. Practical concerns include getting the maximum amount of display space while allowing customers room to move freely around the store without feeling claustrophobic. You will also want to consider what type of atmosphere you want to create in your store, and how you will do that.
You may have a limited budget, or restrictions on how much remodelling you can do. Fortunately there are a number of different things you can do to help create a feeling of space and encapsulate your business brand without having to undertake major renovations.
Light
Windows and mirrors can create a bright, appealing and fresh-looking environment. Alternatively, if you are looking for a more intimate, cosy ambience you can choose low-level mood lighting. Mirrors can open up a small space and create the illusion of size. If you have a shop which is divided into several rooms, it may be worth considering opening up the space by cutting window spaces into the walls if you can.
Wall covering and paint
A feature wall can be eye-catching and make a small space look larger. If you want to add something different, you could try textured wallpaper or wall coverings. Sticking to lighter or more neutral colours for the rest of the walls can help the room appear light and spacious.
Bookcases and display stands
In a small space, you may need to maximise display areas by displaying items vertically. This also helps to draw customers’ eyes upwards, and can be very visually appealing. Bookcases can be used to divide rooms and create sections as well as allow you to display a number of items at one time. You could also hang shelving at different levels.
Avoiding clutter
One of the dangers with retail design in a small space is the possibility that your shop will look cluttered. This can be minimised by using neutral colours for furniture and display stands. Make sure your merchandise is spaced reasonably well apart so that it doesn’t look like it is all crammed in to one spot.
You want your retail space to be appealing and memorable, and fit your branding, so it is important that you get the right design. The same design strategies that may work for larger chain stores are unlikely to work in a small retail space, but a small space doesn’t have to mean boring or cluttered. With a bit of creativity you can enjoy making your small space uniquely yours with retail design in Melbourne that will dazzle your customers.