Whether you’re a big name department store or a small independent newsagents, a designer boutique or a bargain basement store, it’s important to get the layout of your shop right so that the presentation of your products looks good. How to fit out your shop is a key concern, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are many ways in which you can cut costs on the process and still end up with quality shop fittings that don’t cost a fortune. It’s all about good planning and making the right decisions.
Maybe you’re about to open a store for the first time, or perhaps you want to upgrade an existing shop layout as you feel things have grown a little stale and are in need of an upgrade. Either way, you will have a few important things to consider. Here is a small selection of tips to help you choose the best shop fittings supplies to benefit your store.
Spend plenty of time on the planning
This sounds like an obvious piece of advice, but the truth is many retailers don’t give enough time and attention to really thinking through what they need. A badly thought out shop layout will cost you in the long run as it will impact on sales. By then, it will be too late to do anything about it.
Thought need to be given on what type of layout is needed (e.g. is emphasis on creating a spacey, uncluttered design or do you want to utilise every area with maximum amounts of stock? Are there certain items that need to be especially showcased?) and what type of fixtures and fittings you want to opt for. If you’re going for a refurb rather than a first time fit out, how much needs to be done? Is it a case of upgrading a few fixtures and fittings or do you want to transform the whole interior including re-painting and wall stripping?
One way to save on costs for this process is to chat to shop fittings companies. They will usually have experts and professionals on hand to advise you on what is best for your type of store and will be much cheaper than employing on an architect or design professional. Most companies will be glad to offer a bit of free advice before carrying out any paid work.
Use shop display units that will last
When planning your shop display, it pays to think long term. You don’t want to fit your space out with equipment that will get damaged or go out of fashion within a couple of years. Think about using shop supplies such as gondola units or display counters which are great durable options that will last and look good for years and can be used in multiple different ways so there is no danger of the store looking tired.
Consider sharing space with another retailer
One great way of saving on cash outlay is to partner with another business and share retail space. It’s becoming more of a common thing in the current climate – for instance, a record shop partnering up with a clothes retailer or a book store sharing space with a coffee shop. If you can find a business whose brand and ideals have a good fit with your own, it might make economic sense to find a suitably sized premises and split it into two. This way, you can plan and fit out your store in a single job using one company.
Go for maximum flexibility
If you aim to fit your shop space out in as flexible a way as possible, you will reduce the likelihood of having to shell out to make any changes later down the line. Many businesses have changing lines of stock so the one-size-fits-all approach is not always best. Units such as pegboard, wire mesh and slatwall panels are the best option for flexibility as they offer a ‘blank slate’ onto which a host of accessories – shelving, display hooks, faceouts, stands, display bis and baskets – can be attached to create attractive and easily changeable displays. These display units come at affordable prices so are a fantastic option for anyone looking to fit or re-fit a shop space out on a budget.
Pay good attention to lighting
Good lighting can really bring your shop layout to life so shouldn’t be overlooked. This is another area where you don’t need to spend a fortune to get it right, but get it wrong and you run the risk of ruining the rest of the shop design. Again, most good shop fitting companies will be able to offer advice on what type of lighting will work best and how to arrange it to get the best out of your displays.
Shop around to find the best prices
There are many companies providing shop fittings in Australia so do your research and find one that offers a combination of great service, good prices and a fine selection of products.
At Shopfittings Direct, we cater for all shop fitting needs for all types of businesses big and small. Our service is second to none and we are always happy to provide expert advice to help you get the best out of your retail premises. Our Sydney-based shop fittings warehouse contains a vast range of display units and accessories and we provide shop fittings to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane-based businesses as well as further afield. Call us on (02) 9608 5122 or email sales@shopfittingsdirect.com.au for more information.