Discovering Trends That Influence Store Design

Creating an immersive experience that connects trends for in-store design, and not only incorporates technology, materials and lighting is important in retail. Here are some tips on how to embrace open, social environments that captivate customers, keeping them in-store longer and creating an exciting mood for connecting with others.

Being High Tech  

Customers who are offered the opportunity to try out (okay, play) with in-store techology feel trusted and valued. It also makes them want to stay in the store even longer, helping to encourage sales. 

Unique Design

Today’s consumers are drawn to unique, one-of-a-kind experiences over the familiarity of stores that all look alike. An eccentric approach expresses different facets of the brand image and provides a point of differentiation from competitors.

Mixed Materials and Design Styles

Retailers can present unique designs by mixing materials, design styles, furnishings, and scale:

• Merge old and new
• Combine materials that are not traditionally found together
• Blend styles - for example, create a design comprised of industrial elements like brick or neon with premium accents like marble and natural features like wood

Materials 

What materials are top retailers incorporating in their eclectic design styles?

• Copper is ousting the traditional gold or silver
• Raw unfinished materials continue to top the list, including cardboard, old wooden crates and sheet metal
• Stainless steel and barnyard chic are being dethroned by clean lines and authentic materials like smooth stone, handmade brick and metal
• Keep an eye on plastic - 3D printing can create custom designs that are easy to design and create an appeal to consumers and retailers

Back to Nature / Sustainability

Consumers continue to reward retailers who incorporate concern for sustainability, authenticity of materials, and the environment in their designs. Keep people in stores longer by using plant life to create texture, define spaces, and bring the outdoors indoors.

Style

Design that stylists expect consumers to be drawn to in the coming year include:

• Using an artistic painting technique to create a marble pattern on walls, floor tiles and counter surfaces.
• Featuring monochrome colors, exposed steel beams, big windows and concrete flooring to provide a sense of depth and offer a background that helps products stand out.
• Creating a welcoming feeling and eclectic design by mixing rugged wood, brick, real or faux stone, velvety display covers or thick carpeting.
• Using chalkboard finishes like those seen at casual restaurants to provide a welcoming, creative and interactive experience for consumers.
• Wallpaper may be making a comeback. New textured patterns and ethnic fabrics are showing up in commercial, hotel, and residential environments.

Lighting 

Lighting draws consumers’ attention and creates a mood for the environment that can keep them in-store longer. LED lighting and lighting technology affect consumer emotions. Customizing a lighting plan to the particular unique environment of the store provides the eccentric setting that keeps customers in stores longer and affects brand image.

Whether it’s with lighting, tech, or mixed materials,  connecting is at the heart of trends in retail design. Let Randal Retail Group help give your customers an in-store experience they won't forget.