Interior design is one of the most effective ways to attract new customers to a business. It can also be used to improve employee productivity, create a more positive work environment, and increase brand awareness. In short, interior design can help any business achieve its goals. To maximize this power to your advantage, here are some tips to help your store gain more foot traffic.
1. Use colors to attract customers
Studies have shown that the choice of colors used in a business location is an important factor in determining how customers perceive it. Warm and bright colors such as red, orange, and yellow tend to excite customers and encourage them to stay longer. Cooler colors like blue, violet, and green create a calming effect that encourages people to explore. That means that different colors can be good choices for shops that rely on different strategies like impulse buying or careful browsing.
2. Choose what you showcase carefully
Every store has its own unique selling proposition, which means it should sell things that no other stores do. If your shop specializes in electronic goods or high fashion, for example, you have to find innovative ways to draw people’s attention, so they’ll know what you sell. You can do this by using your store’s visual strengths to showcase unusual products. For example, an electronic shop with a wide front window display can incorporate dynamic images of televisions and laptops into eye-catching advertising displays that encourage people to enter the building. Clothing boutiques can use in-store digital screens to show video ads of models wearing their products.
3. Choose good lighting
Lighting makes or breaks the design of any business, as everything that you display has to be visible to draw customers. Poor lighting will not only make it harder for people to see your products; it can also create an unsafe environment by impairing their ability to judge distances and avoid collisions with obstacles (unless darkness is part of your brand or is a strategic play for your business). Make sure that the lights in your store are bright enough and arranged so they don’t create deep shadows that blur the features of your products.
4. Let in natural light
Window displays are one of the best ways to bring more customers into a store, but they’re only effective if they let people see inside clearly. You can achieve this by designing your storefront with large, bright windows that have minimal obstructions, which means you should avoid placing advertisements and other signage in front of them. Natural light will do its work of making people feel good about your business, which will draw them inside.
5. Use good flooring
Flooring will also affect how customers perceive your business. Poorly maintained or dirty floors create a negative impression, while the right flooring will emphasize the positive qualities of your store and make it more attractive to people who walk past. Choose tiles that are easy to clean and maintain while also matching your interior design. If possible, use materials that blend in with other aspects of your business, such as wood flooring for restaurants and metal tiles for retail stores.
6. Make the doors inviting
Doors are a big part of storefront design because they play a role in determining who comes inside and who walks past without giving your store a chance. Thoroughly clean your entryways regularly to remove any dirt or debris that might be visible to passersby. You should also consider installing a canopy or awning so people can easily find your business among the sea of other businesses in your area.
7. Use furniture and decor to create a specific mood
Furniture and decor also help to establish a store’s identity. Depending on what your shop sells, you might want to use specific types of furniture that give off the impression of luxury or comfort. For example, restaurants can use potted plants and paintings to create an elegant atmosphere, while clothing boutiques should focus more on creating spacious displays so they can show off their merchandise in an attractive manner.
8. Set the right temperature
The temperature of your store also affects how comfortable or uncomfortable customers feel when they walk in, which has a big impact on whether or not they’ll want to stay for any length of time. Keep your business cool during hot summer days and warm for colder winter months.
Creating a visually appealing and inviting store is one of the best ways to bring in more customers. By using your interior design to showcase your products, choosing good lighting, and letting in natural light, you can make it easy for people to see what you’re selling. You should also use flooring that is easy to clean and maintain, as well as furniture and decor that sets the right mood for your business. Make sure the temperature of your store is comfortable for customers year-round, and keep your entryways clean and free from obstructions.