In-store vs. online retail
How layout and design impact customer experience
It would seem obvious that online shopping has overtaken in-store visits, especially after the pandemic and consumers being forced to shop from their sofas. However, this is in fact not the case, where the latest statistics from Mintel show that “in-store remains the dominant channel in UK retail, accounting for 71.8% of all retail sales”.
New research commissioned by Battersea Power Station, one of London’s leading shopping destinations, also highlighted how 45% of UK shoppers actually prefer shopping in-store, as they can easily browse different products and can visit multiple stores in one location.
Why is in-person shopping still so prevalent?
Although online shopping can have a lot of perks, physical retail stores still continue to offer distinct benefits that support business growth, such as higher conversion rates and larger average transaction values through face-to-face engagement. In-person shopping also presents the opportunity to experience products first-hand, helping minimise returns and creating a smoother shopping journey for both consumers and businesses.
For retailers, this means that an eye-catching storefront and shop floor are imperative for keeping sales high. Although quality and brand trust play a big part in whether or not your customers ultimately make a purchase with you, enticing people in is the very first step.
A retailer’s storefront, layout and design are key to any in-person shopping experience and may be one of the key factors that make or break a customer’s purchase.
How can a poor shop layout link to fewer sales?
Ask yourself this: how often have you walked into a shop with an item in mind, only to walk up and down the aisles in frustration when you can’t see it? Now add in the issue of poor layout, no signposting and empty shelves. This would most likely end in you walking out of the store to try and look online. Then, if you find it cheaper on a different site, you’ll buy that instead, especially if you are left frustrated by your in-store experience.
This example emphasises how important it is for retailers to create an environment that is clean, ergonomically designed, easily accessible, and aesthetically pleasing. If a retailer gets all of these things right, then it doesn’t just allow for that one-time purchase, but has the potential to create a lifelong customer.
Through this positive customer experience, gain the added bonus of building your brand credibility and trust, which in turn, may increase footfall and sales as you are creating a journey that people will want to return to again and again.
So, how can Polypal UK help your retail business?
As experts in working with clients to create retail storage solutions for over 45 years, we know how important it is to get your shop floor just right. We’ve seen how the retail sector has changed and evolved in those years, and we understand that customers’ purchasing habits have changed, meaning retail front-of-house environments need to be in line with how people are shopping today.
When you partner with us, you will have a dedicated account manager and access to support from a team of industry-leading experts who will work with you to fully understand your business inside and out. We’ll make sure that any and all customer, stock, and layout factors are taken into account when developing and designing solutions that suit your business needs.
We not only plan shop displays to maximise capacity, but also design eye-catching point of sale materials, focusing on creating an environment for your customers that is easy to navigate, pleasing to look at, and overall, an enjoyable shopping experience.
From the very first planning and scoping meeting, all the way through to the installation and after-sales care, Polypal UK will support you and your business, whether you are fitting out a brand-new retail space or simply refreshing an already occupied shop.
If you would like to discuss how Polypal UK can upgrade and improve your front of house and customer experience, why not give one of our expert account managers a call today and find out how we can support you?
