Store planning is how retailers arrange their layout to optimize metrics like sales revenue, foot traffic, and activations while ensuring aisles are easily navigable and accessible for customers.
Planners must consider the following when developing their store layout technique:
- Store layout: Store planners must consider how customers enter, flow through, and leave the store to maximize traffic through high-value areas.
- Item location: Inventory must be grouped and placed in logical areas throughout the store while offering space for prominently highlighted promotional items.
- Signage: Store layouts should provide ample opportunities to display advertisements, sale signs, and other important notifications.
- Branding: Store layouts must have ample opportunity to build and reinforce the store’s brand, as well as the brands of any retail partners.
- Accessibility: Stores should be easy to travel through for all customers, and signage should clearly highlight departments to prevent confusion. Store planners must adhere to federal, state, and local disability laws when developing their retail layouts.
