YRC Simplifies Choosing Store Layouts in Retail

Given the increasing problems in getting real estate space in preferred locations and ensuing space restrictions faced by retailers, retail consultants YRC touched base with this issue in a recent message. The retail experts emphasised that picking the best-fit layout plan is not problematic if the deliberations made are on point. In addition to that, an understanding of the common layout models helps identify and apply the right layout plan. These two stages in retail store layout design and planning are described here.

In the first stage, retailers need to assess the factors that lead to establishing the required specifications of their retail store layouts ( https://www.yourretailcoach.in/supermarket-layout-grocery-store-layout-design-services/ ). Some of these factors are reckoned below:

· Needs and expectations of the target segments
· Nature of products
· Zone classification
· Product placement
· Entrance and exit
· Checkout
· Motion analysis
· Ratio between empty and occupied space
· Room for valued-added and essential facilities
· Special attention to the differently-abled
· Hygiene and maintenance
· Safety and Security
· Review schedule

After the layout requirements are recognized, the next step involves the selection of a layout plan that best meets those specifications. In selecting a common layout plan, retailers need to bear in mind that a generic layout format need not necessarily meet all their requirements. They can go for customisation or design an improvised kind. The six prevalent retail store layout plans are described below:

𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁

In grid layout, the furniture and fixtures are placed in a straight and/or parallel form. It is the simplest and most common layout plan. It helps create an organised setup enabling easy navigation for customers. Grid layout is highly preferred by grocery and departmental stores. It suits retail stores with a wide variety of products. A potential problem with any grid layout plan is that it can soon become uninteresting. The interest in visiting such stores can decline if efforts are not made.

𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗽 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁

In a loop or racetrack layout, the setup of furniture and fixtures is done in such a manner that the movement or flow of traffic through a store creates a circular or oval flow pattern. It allows customers to explore a store with a sense of course and direction. Racks are placed along the in-perimeter and the central areas creating scope for space optimization. This type of layout is suitable for retail stores with big spaces. The racetrack layout is not for usual shopping and fits shopping centres that intend to deliver the feature of exploration (e.g. fashion - https://www.yourretailcoach.in/industries/fashion-retail-clothing-consulting/ , jewellery - https://www.yourretailcoach.in/industries/luxury-retail-consulting/).

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲-𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁

In a free-flow layout or organic layout, no expected layout design is followed. Furniture and fixtures are arranged without observing any apparent pattern. However, the setup strategy is arbitrary. The objective is to offer an open and flexible in-store shopping experience. Luxury retail stores often choose this layout model ( https://www.yourretailcoach.in/supermarket-layout-grocery-store-layout-design-services/ ). Apart from retail, this layout is also seen in special events like trade and auto fairs. While a free-flow layout offers exploratory benefits, if done wrong it can also be confusing and distracting for customers.

𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁

When looked at from above, a diagonal layout looks like a tilted version of any grid layout. Here, the racks are arranged parallelly but at an imperfect angle. The objective is to present an interesting and visually appealing layout. This model suits floor dimensions that do not represent a perfect square or rectangle. It works well for retail stores with reasonable floor areas. Diagonal layouts can spice things up (ideal for fashion stores, wine shops, and supermarkets) but they can also be confusing and distracting for customers and make finding products difficult for them.

𝗔𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁

The hallmark of an angular layout plan is its curved or angular arrangement that lends the same pattern to the flow of traffic in one of them. Furniture and fixtures of curved or angular forms of different sizes are placed in different sections of a store. This makes the navigation curved or angular. Branding is the primary emphasis in angular layouts delivering a unique style of display and shopping experience to customers.

𝗛𝘆𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁

The hybrid layout is an amalgamation of two or more other layout types. It features flexibility via customization. The combined layout can be further customised to meet the more advanced requirements of retailers. A hybrid model is a hit with small businesses with insufficient space to deploy any one layout plan. This layout strategy is also ideal for startups that have the layout as an instrument for augmenting their branding and value proposition. A distinct advantage of a hybrid layout for stores with large spaces is that it allows the setting up of individual layout plans for different product sections within the store.

For enquiries on retail store layout planning solutions and services, Get advise for Retail Business Consulting : https://www.yourretailcoach.in/contact/

Your Retail Coach

Phone: +91-9860-426-700
Email: consult@mindamend.net
Empowering Retail & E-commerce businesses worldwide.

YRC is a Management Consulting Company, especially for the B-C Sector.
Our expertise lies into designing of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Franchise Development, Strategy & Operations services, Process Audits & Training.
We help companies to organise their operations and expand through best management practices.

This release was published on openPR.