Shopfitting Construction & Design For Modern Retail Brands in 2017

In 2017 there are many aspects of shopfitting and design.  In combination with some ground-breaking modern technology, it is easy to use construction software to create the perfect shop layout and overall functionality for your shop.  Unique designs combined with functionality can produce some stunning effects and ensure better conversions.

If the layouts and designs are done perfectly, the end result should shine as well as be pleasing for the customer, offering an enjoyable shopping experience as a result!

“Modern day brands are constantly seeking new ways to compete in their sector due to the increasing level of competition.  It is no longer just about the look, feel and quality of the product. Presentation is equally as crucial.” Slatwall Accessories who sell Slatwall Hooks for superior design presentation.

One of the main areas of focus with regards to presentation is the retail industry.  Shoppers rely on the internet, mobile devices and the presentation at the point of purchase to make the final decision once they have identified what they want.

The Need for Modern Marketing

Most people between twenty and forty five are expected to have £1.4 trillion value in purchasing power by the year 2020.  It is easy to see why retail brands are doing their best to grab a reasonable size of the market share. The older generation has not been left out either. Some of the technology-induced changes to shopping are gradually reflecting on them.

Add to this the ability to obtain“credit” and you can see why customers in the retail niche can afford to be more “choosey” as to which product they will buy at the end of the day. One survey conducted by Accenture states, 41% of all retailers admitted to “showrooming”, effectively a way of purchasing a product online to obtain the lowest price while in a physical store.

Showrooms in 2017

Showrooms of today have transformed into locations where people go to inspect the product they want by trying it out.  A good example of this is a customer purchasing a new bed, sofa or similar. They go through the online store in the comfort of their home on a computer or mobile and then go try it out in the showroom.  While at the showroom, the customer could still check online for better deals.  All of this contributes to a more robust shopping experience but at the same time highlights why more businesses are in danger of being left out in the lurch.

New Challenges

For retailers, the current situation in terms of consumer expectations is not without its challenges.  They now have to come to terms with the new marketing expectations of the modern era and keep up with the competition whilst trying to appeal to a diverse range of customers (with varying needs and a choosey approach to shopping).

There is also the potential problem of altering traditional core of a business to be able to meet up with modern trends and be able to live up to modern day consumer habits. Modern retail managers have to evaluate their business to know if they are keeping up with modern trends or not and also work out how this has affected conversions. If the current marketing methods are not working then the model must change to get back the sales or the business goes under.

Predicting the Future

From a business perspective lots of the main and in some cases “old school” traditional traders are in fact listening to these trends carefully as they should.

A study by The Economist Intelligence Unit involving 300 managers in the retail industry showed 79% overall agreeing that they could cope with the current marketing trends and still offer value for money at the end of the day while meeting their set goals and objectives at the same time.

The managers also said they could improve services, value and performance in the future as the changes are settled into the management structure. This would especially be true with properly trained staff and more investment into the education of the management’s front line.

Additionally it is worth noting that among the top brands or “performers” which were chosen for same store sales, margins and the inventory turns, those that ranked the highest were in relation to Global distribution.  Clever retail marketing, together with good strategic partners has helped to develop both a stronger market position and better customer experience.  Innovative store formats incorporating digital media at the retail store also helped to improve the overall shopping environment.

In the current retail market therefore, globalisation and robust design are two of the main drivers of conversion. More retail brands are becoming aware of this and only those that are able to accurately combine these two drivers of growth will remain relevant and meet profit targets in the current technologically charged business climate.