Retail Store Design Ideas: How To Design Your Retail Store [2024]

Retail Store Interior Design Layout Ideas

Although e-commerce continues growing, brick-and-mortar retail stores still reign supreme. 

In fact, according to a report by Capital One, in-store sales represented 84.5% of total retail sales in February 2024.

Better yet, brick-and-mortar retail revenue was up 5.14% compared to February of last year!

However, to take advantage of this expanding market, you need to get your retail store design right. This will help you build your brand, attract new customers, and even drive more repeat customers.

So, in this article we’ll explain all the key elements of effective design for retail stores. 

Read on to discover how to perfect your interior, exterior, and online presence design, as well as see some inspiring examples to help you get started.

Key Takeaways

• The three main elements of retail store design are interior design, exterior design, and online presence design.

• The design of your retail store should communicate your brand identity to help you connect with customers.

• Your brand should encapsulate what your business offers and the values you stand for.

• Take retail store design inspiration from other top retailers, like the Apple Store, Nike Store, and REI.

9 Interior Retail Store Design Best Practices

Coming up with a stellar interior design is key to a successful retail business. After all, a well-designed store both develops your brand identity and improves customer experience.

Just as importantly, your retail store layout can optimize your business for practical efficiency.

So, to make the most of your interior retail store design, be sure to consider the following tips.

Interior Retail Store Design and Branding

Before considering more practical retail store design elements, it’s critical to know what type of experience you want your customers to have.

Not only should you create a welcoming atmosphere, but you should also aim to project a cohesive identity.

Use the tips below to encourage patrons to understand what your business is all about, and why they should return after their first visit.

1. Reflect Your Brand Identity

It’s key that your interior retail store design communicates your brand’s positioning and values.

From the color scheme and signage to the choice of furnishings and decorations, every element should be consistent with your brand image. 

For instance, a store selling eco-friendly products might use sustainable materials in its interior design to reinforce its commitment to environmental sustainability.

2. Create an Engaging Atmosphere

The ambiance of your store significantly impacts customer perception, experience, and willingness to spend. 

To create an inviting atmosphere that aligns with your brand, consider elements such as:

• Lighting

• Music

• Decor

For example, soft lighting and soothing background music can create a relaxing environment.

On the other hand, brighter lights and energetic music might be more suitable for a dynamic, youthful brand.

3. Promote Customer Interaction

Interactive elements within your store can enhance the shopping experience and increase customer engagement. This may include:

• Touchscreens for product information

• Interactive displays

• Areas where customers can try out products 

Overall, encouraging customers to interact with your products can lead to higher satisfaction and sales. 

In fact, according to data from Gallup, fully-engaged customers represent “an average 23% premium in terms of share of wallet, profitability, revenue, and relationship growth compared with the average customer.”

Practical Interior Retail Store Design

While branding is key to developing your customer experience, you should also give equal consideration to more practical aspects of your interior design.

To ensure you're making the most of your store’s layout, use the following tips.

4. Strategic Product Placement

Where you place your products can make a huge difference in customers’ purchase decisions. 

For example, it’s a good idea to put popular products at eye-level so patrons can find them easily. After all, you don’t want to frustrate customers by making what they want hard to find.

Additionally, you may want to place high-margin products in areas with the highest foot traffic to maximize visibility. 

You can also use the "power wall" concept by positioning key products on walls that customers are most likely to see as they navigate your store. For example, end caps and eye-level shelves are prime locations for featured items.

Placing essential items in the back of the store can also be an effective product placement strategy. This way, customers have to walk through the store to get them, meaning they’ll pass by the other sections of your business.

5. Chose A Store Layout

Choosing the right layout is also a key decision when designing your retail store. To help you pick one that’s right for your business, here are six different types of store layouts:

• Racetrack Layout: A loop that takes customers around the perimeter of your store, which helps patrons see all of your products

  • Examples: IKEA and Target

• Grid Layout: Often used in drug and hardware stores, you arrange shelves in a uniform pattern

  • Examples: CVS and Walgreens

• Diagonal Layout: Similar to a Grid Layout, but shelves turn diagonally for better product visibility and creating the perception of more open space

  • Examples: Whole Foods and Macy’s

• Angular Layout: Incorporates round shapes, curved walls, and different shelf sizes to showcase premium items

  • Examples: High-end retailers, like Gucci and Tiffany & Co.

• Geometric Layout: Uses sharp lines to create a modern look and highlight specific products

  • Examples: H&M and Barnes & Noble

• Mixed Floor Plan: Combining Angular and Geometric Layouts, Mixed Floor Plans are common in large stores looking to showcase premium products

  • Examples: Apple Stores and Urban Outfitters

6. Keep Your Design Flexible

While you do want to choose an appropriate store layout, be sure to design your retail store with flexibility in mind. This will allow you to adapt to changing needs and trends.

For example, with an adaptable layout, you can rearrange your space without extensive renovations during:

• Events

• Product launches

• Seasonal changes

Most importantly, staying flexible allows you to try out new layouts and see what your customers like best. 

7. Create Clear Pathways

Going along with your store layout, it’s important to design your retail store to guide customers through the space in a logical flow.

For example, you can use signage and floor markings to direct traffic and ensure that customers can easily navigate from one section to another. 

Additionally, be sure to avoid clutter and ensure that aisles are wide enough to accommodate shoppers comfortably. 

8. Optimize Checkout Areas

It’s best practice to position your checkout counters in a location that naturally concludes the shopping journey.

You should also ensure that this area is accessible and efficient. After all, there’s nothing worse than getting to the checkout and discovering you need to wait an additional twenty minutes to actually buy your items.

By reducing wait times at the register, you can significantly improve customer satisfaction.

Finally, consider adding impulse buy items near the point of sale checkout to capture last-minute sales. For example, retailers often place gum and candy near the register. 

However, feel free to get creative with your impulse purchase products!

9. Use Visual Merchandising

Visual merchandising is a great way to attract customers’ attention and entice them to buy certain products. Some examples of visual merchandising include:

• Window installations

• In-store displays

• Posters

• Mannequin styling

Ultimately, these are all great ways to highlight key products, seasonal items, or promotions.

Finally, be sure to change up these displays from time to time to keep the store fresh and exciting!

7 Exterior Retail Design Best Practices

The exterior of your retail store is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential customers. A well-designed storefront can both attract new customers and contribute to your brand identity.

Judy Bell, a retail design strategist and author of “Silent Selling,” explains why a retail store’s exterior design is critical:

“The store exterior is really a message board that communicates with clients. It’s the way a business says “hello.” It provides an opportunity to call out a retailer’s brand image, and also core qualities like trust. For example, would you trust a retailer with a cracked window and a lighted name with a few darkened letters? Anything that looks like it’s aged takes away from your brand’s image. You want to check every detail so that you’re making the positive impression you want to be making.”

So, with that in mind, let’s explore some exterior retail design best practices.

Branding and Exterior Retail Design

Since your exterior design communicates what your store is, it’s a key part of your overall brand identity.

So, use the following tips to align your brand with customer expectations.

1. Reflect Your Brand Identity

Your store’s exterior should be a visual extension of your brand. To communicate who you are and what you offer to your customers, be sure to create a cohesive look with your brand’s:

• Colors

• Logo

• Other unique design elements that help you stand out from the competition

For example, a luxury brand might use elegant signage and sleek and simple design. Meanwhile, a quirky, fun brand might opt for bold colors and playful designs.

Ultimately, it’s key to think about what your brand represents and the types of customers you want to attract.

2. Create Eye-Catching Signage

Your store’s signage is a crucial element of its exterior. So, ensure that it’s clear, visible, and easy to read from a distance. 

Additionally, be sure to use lighting to make your signage and storefront stand out at night. After all, would you want to go into a store at night that was dimly lit? 

Proper lighting can help build trust and a sense of security with customers, encouraging them to come inside.

Finally, creative and unique signage can draw attention and make your store’s brand identity more memorable.

3. Use Attractive Window Displays

Window displays are also powerful tools for showcasing your products and enticing customers to enter your store. 

However, it’s a good idea to keep your window displays fresh and give returning customers a reason to enter your business. So, change your window displays regularly to highlight:

• New arrivals

• Promotions

• Seasonal themes 

Finally, consider using attention-grabbing lighting, props, and color schemes to create compelling scenes.

4. Maintain a Clean, Accessible, and Inviting Entrance

The entrance to your store should be welcoming and accessible. This will build a sense of security with potential customers and encourage them to enter your store.

Also, keep the area clean and well-maintained, and consider making the space more inviting with elements like:

• Planters

• Awnings

• Outdoor seating 

Finally, be sure to think about the accessibility of your store. For example, automatic doors and ramps can make your store more accessible to all customers.

Approaching Your Exterior Retail Store Design Build

Now that you understand the key elements that make a great exterior retail store design, it’s time to start incorporating them!

So, here are some tips for approaching the build and bringing your vision to life.

5. Define Your Vision and Budget

After considering the advice in the previous section, the first thing you’ll want to do is define your vision and establish a budget.

By defining your vision, you can clearly communicate your brand identity to consultants, contractors, and customers. By establishing your budget, you ensure you’re not spending more money than you thought you’d have to.

Remember, balancing your vision and budget can be a delicate balance. So, be sure to prioritize what’s most important.

Once your storefront starts attracting more customers and the business makes more money, you can always invest more in your exterior design later.

6. Consider Hiring a Design Consultant

To achieve the best results, consider hiring a professional design consultant specializing in retail spaces. 

A consultant can provide valuable insights and expertise, helping you create a cohesive and effective design. Additionally, they can help you adhere to any local regulations and building code restrictions.

When hiring a consultant, look for someone with a strong portfolio of previous work in exterior retail design.

Once you hire them, make sure it’s a collaborative effort. Work with them closely to develop a plan that reflects your brand and meets your needs. 

Finally, be open to their suggestions and insights, but also ensure they’re considering your vision, budget, and preferences.

7. Plan for Construction

Once the design is finalized, plan the construction process carefully. 

For example, hire reputable contractors with experience in retail builds, and ensure they understand the design specifications. 

You should also monitor the progress regularly to address any issues promptly and make sure the project stays on track.

Finally, if you plan to close your store during the build, be sure to communicate this to customers well ahead of time. Consider putting up signs in the store, as well as posting about the temporary closure on social media.

On the other hand, if you plan to stay open during the build, you should communicate this as well. Customers may think you’re closed if they see work being done on the exterior. So, think about setting up a banner or flag with the words “We’re Open!” on it.

6 Best Practices For Designing Your Retail Store’s Online Presence

Creating a cohesive online presence for your physical retail store is essential for building a recognizable brand. 

Of course, you can also take advantage of your digital footprint by showcasing and offering products online.

With that in mind, here are some best practices for designing your website, social media channels, and online profiles.

Online Presence Design and Branding

1. Align Your Brand and Online Presence

To create a cohesive brand identity, it’s key that you stay consistent across all touchpoints.

You can achieve this by using the same elements in-store and online, like:

• Your logo

• Color scheme

• Fonts

• Tone of voice

Additionally, you should use high-quality images and videos showcasing your store’s in-person design. You might even consider integrating a virtual tour of your store on your website.

Overall, this will help your online presence reflect the look and feel of your brick-and-mortar business.

By maintaining visual continuity, you can build brand recognition and trust with your customers.

This also helps customers feel connected to your brand, whether they’re shopping in person or online.

2. Showcase Your Products

Just as you carefully display products in your store, your website should feature well-organized and attractive product listings. 

For example, use professional photography and detailed descriptions to give customers a clear idea of what to expect. 

Additionally, your online channels are a great opportunity to highlight any in-store exclusives or special displays to drive interest.

By aligning your digital presentation of products with your in-store customer experience, you create a consistent brand identity.

3. Engage On Social Media

Using social media is a great way to extend the experience of your physical store into the digital realm.

For example, you might share:

• Behind-the-scenes content

• Updates on in-store events and promotions

• Customer stories and testimonials

Social media platforms are also a great way to talk directly to customers. If someone leaves a comment or DMs you, be sure to respond promptly, just as you would in your brick-and-mortar store.

To spur more engagement and help customers connect more with your business, be sure to show a little personality on your social media pages.

For example, H&M maintains a hip vibe on their Instagram, showcasing influencers wearing their clothing.

Image source

Meanwhile, CVS Pharmacy takes a more compassionate and helpful approach. Some of their recent posts include advice on managing emotions, acne care basics, and sun safety tips.

Image source

This strategy is effective because it provides genuinely helpful advice, while also recommending how the products they sell can help their customers.

Practical Online Presence Design

4. Maintain Responsive Customer Service

Providing consistent customer service is key to a successful retail business. Fortunately, your online presence can help patrons connect with you in the format they’re most comfortable with.

Not only should you make your phone number and email easy to find online, but you can also take advantage of online customer service tools. 

For example, you might consider integrating a live chat feature on your website, or even encouraging social media followers to message your account directly.

Additionally, your website can be a great resource for customers by incorporating frequently asked questions. 

For instance, you can list your return policies, store hours, and other key information directly on your website. Overall, this can reduce the amount of resources you need to devote to in-person customer service.

5. Consider Selling Products Online

We already mentioned that you should showcase your products on your website and social media channels to help build your brand. 

However, in addition to selling products in your brick-and-mortar store, you might also consider selling directly online.

One report suggests that retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated $5.8 trillion in 2023. Amazingly, this number is expected to grow by 39% by 2027, surpassing $8 trillion.

So, while you certainly don’t have to sell online, it’s clear that online shopping is only going to become more important in the years to come.

6. Set Up Online Business Profiles

One more practical element in designing your online retail presence is to set up your online business profiles.

A Google My Business Profile is a great way to improve the ability of customers to discover your store. For example, if someone wants to find a clothing store near them, they might Google the search term “clothing stores.”

If you have a Google My Business profile set up, there’s a chance you could appear in their results. While you need to follow best practices for local SEO, like managing reviews and keeping your hours up-to-date, it’s a great tool to increase your business’ exposure.

Additionally, if you’re a franchisee of a larger brand, make sure you’re listed in the franchise’s directory. For example, Walgreens provides a Store Locator tool on their website.

By ensuring you’re discoverable in the franchise’s directory, you can help nearby customers find your store with ease.

4+ Examples of Outstanding Retail Store Design

Now that you’ve got a good idea of what makes for great retail store design, let’s look at some inspiring examples.

We’ll look at retail brands in a few different industries, including tech, beauty, and clothing apparel. This way, you can better understand what may work best for your business.

1. Apple Store

Apple Stores are a great example of simple, but effective, retail design. Their minimalist interior design creates a clean, uncluttered space that puts the focus squarely on their products.

Image obtain from Unsplash, and is free to use without permission via the Unsplash license

The open layout and abundance of natural light also creates an inviting and modern atmosphere. This perfectly represents their brand identity as a forward-thinking tech company.

Likewise, the exterior design of Apple Stores communicates the same values. The glass walls create a futuristic feel, and the logo with no words keeps with their minimalist style.

Image obtained from Unsplash, and is free to use without permission via the Unsplash license

The ability to see inside the entire store from the outside also helps develop their welcoming atmosphere.

Finally, we should also mention Apple’s online presence design. Once again, they keep things minimal, but they make a big impact with simple website copy.

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While the design is simple, it effectively shows off their products and entices visitors to learn more about their latest features.

Ultimately, Apple is one of the best examples of a retail business creating a cohesive brand identity, both in-store and online.

2. Glossier

Glossier is another example of a retailer with a strong brand identity, and their store design is a big reason for that.

They have several locations across the United States and one in London, but they all feature a pink-hued, minimalist aesthetic.

Ultimately, the interior store design functions as an Instagram-worthy experience, featuring plenty of selfie-friendly backdrops.

Image source

Additionally, the business encourages customers to try out their products while inside the store, boosting hands-on engagement.

Finally, the stores are well-lit and spacious, with different tables for different types of products.

In many ways, the practical layout of Glossier stores are similar to Apple Stores. The main difference is that one features tables of phones and laptops, while the other showcases tables of mascara and lipgloss.

The result of both layouts is the perception that the products are premium and of the highest quality.

3. Nike Store

Nike’s flagship stores are immersive, interactive experiences showcasing the brand’s popular products.

As one of the world’s leading sports apparel brands, they do a great job of incorporating sports elements into their interior design. For example, the store in the image below uses lines on the floor to give you the feeling that you’re standing on a basketball court.

Image obtained fromUnsplash

Small details like this can really help immerse customers in the retail experience.

Likewise, clever messaging on the walls, like “Where All Athletes Belong”, gives patrons a sense of community, making them feel like part of the Nike family.

Of course, there are a few other excellent elements to this interior retail design, including:

• Mannequins showcasing the business’ latest apparel

• Lots of open space

• Bright lighting showing their products in the best possible light

• Racks of shoes, which are easy to browse and help lead customers on their journey through the store

Nike is no slouch when it comes to their exterior design, either. For example, take a look at this brick-and-mortar location in The Netherlands.

Image obtained from Unsplash

The exterior design of this store is almost identical to Apple. From the large glass walls to the simple white logo, both designs take a minimalist, but futuristic and welcoming, approach.

4. REI

REI, which stands for Recreational Equipment Inc., is a brand that sells outdoor apparel and gear.

Unlike many of the other brands we’ve looked at so far, their aesthetic is less futuristic. Instead, their retail store design perfectly encapsulates their values of promoting outdoor adventure and sustainability.

For example, their exterior design typically incorporates more earthy colors, as opposed to Apple and Nike’s large glass walls.

Image source

Despite taking a different approach, however, they do incorporate many exterior retail design best practices. For instance, the store above:

• Is well-lit, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for customers, even when it gets dark outside

• Uses simple signage to communicate what they sell, which includes equipment for camping, cycling, and climbing

• Cleary displays their logo, which features their brand name and a simple tree and mountain design

They also do a great job of communicating their brand identity through their interior retail design. For example, their flagship location in Denver, CO features a large rock hanging from the ceiling.

Image source

This is almost certain to resonate with rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, who are REI’s target customers. 

While you don’t need to go quite as big as REI when designing your own retail store, a centerpiece like the one above can be a great tool for communicating your brand identity.

Finally, this brand also promotes its outdoorsy identity with its social media profiles. For example, their Instagram page features photos of REI customers adventuring, with the tagline “Opt Outside.”

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Not only do these posts help create a connection with their customers, but some of them are also informative. 

For instance, their second-most-recent post lets followers know that their stores are offering free classes and day tours. This can be a great incentive to get customers in the door to check out your latest products.

Other Retail Store Design Examples

We’ve already provided several interior, exterior, and online retail store design inspirations above. 

However, if you’re still looking to check out a few more examples, here are some other successful retailers with awesome designs:

• Dior: Dior's boutiques exude luxury and elegance, with opulent materials like marble and brass. They also use a muted color palette, allowing their products to take center stage. The attention to detail in the design reflects the brand's high-end positioning.

• Lululemon: Lululemon's store design is rooted in creating a community-focused environment. Many of their stores feature workout spaces, lounges, and fitting rooms, encouraging interaction and promoting the brand's athletic lifestyle.

• Patagonia: Patagonia's store design reflects the brand's commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. Their use of reclaimed materials, natural elements like wood and stone, and interactive displays create a unique and educational shopping experience.

• Warby Parker: Warby Parker's store design is inviting, with a mix of vintage and modern elements. The use of warm lighting, cozy seating areas, and engaging displays create a comfortable environment for customers to try on glasses.

• Tiffany & Co.: Tiffany & Co.'s stores communicate classic luxury and elegance. Their timeless design aesthetic includes signature blue accents, hand-crafted displays, and opulent materials like marble and crystal.

• Anthropologie: Anthropologie's stores feature a bohemian, eclectic aesthetic with a mix of vintage and modern elements. The use of unique fixtures, repurposed materials, and carefully curated displays create a visually-appealing shopping experience.

Why Toast Retail is Perfect for Retail Stores

In today's competitive retail landscape, selecting the right technology is essential for both new ventures and established businesses aiming for success. Solutions like Toast retail not only streamline operations, making them more efficient, but also provide invaluable insights to optimize the financial health of the business. 

By harnessing the power of point of sale technology, retailers can gain a competitive edge, improve customer satisfaction, and drive sustainable growth. Choosing the right technology sets the foundation for long-term success, empowering businesses to adapt to evolving market demands and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The tech that redefined restaurants is now here to transform retail. Supercharge your store with the POS built for high volumes and complexity, offering everything you need to run your business on one platform. Toast's retail offering is a game-changer for businesses like convenience stores, liquor stores, and retail stores, revolutionizing how they operate and interact with customers. Here's why Toast is the perfect fit for these retail environments.

1. Helps Modernize How You Sell

Toast's intuitive, cloud-based system simplifies daily operations. Its user-friendly interface makes staff training a breeze, ensuring seamless adoption across your team. Whether it's processing payments in-store or integrating with online sales channels, Toast ensures a smooth and consistent experience for your customers regardless of how they shop.

• Intuitive Cloud-Based System: Our intuitive, cloud-based system is easy to learn and easy to use. Say goodbye to complicated interfaces and hello to streamlined processes. Toast is designed to simplify your day-to-day operations, from staff training to consolidated operations, ensuring maximum efficiency and productivity.

• Seamless Payment Processing: Toast’s seamless payment processing easily integrates with online payments for smoother sales every time, no matter how your customers are shopping. This integration ensures a hassle-free experience for both customers and staff, leading to increased satisfaction and faster transactions.

• Flexible Order and Checkout Options: Offer flexible and efficient order and checkout options with reliable hardware including handhelds, kiosks, and guest-facing terminals. Adapt to the diverse needs of your customers and reduce wait times at checkout with Toast's versatile hardware solutions, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

2. Streamline Retail Management

Efficiency is key in retail, and Toast delivers with automated, mobile-first inventory management. Say goodbye to manual inventory tracking and hello to SmartScan, a feature that enables quick product scanning and shelf placement. Managing thousands of SKUs becomes effortless with Toast's intuitive product database and bulk update capabilities.

• Automated, Mobile-First Inventory: Experience the freedom of automated, mobile-first inventory management with Toast. Create and print barcodes in bulk, and take new products from scan to shelf in seconds with our SmartScan feature. Say goodbye to tedious manual inventory tasks and hello to streamlined operations.

• Efficient SKU Management: Easily manage thousands of SKUs with our intuitive product database and bulk updates feature. Modify, reprice, and import multiple products at once, saving valuable time and resources. With Toast, keeping track of your inventory has never been easier.

• Retail-Enhanced Dashboards: Stay on top of your business with retail-specific dashboards and cost-tracking reports. Monitor trends, maximize margins, and ensure your top-selling products are always stocked, empowering you to make data-driven decisions that drive profitability.

3. Tailor Your Customer Experience

Toast empowers you to tailor the customer experience to fit your unique retail concept. Whether you're considering adding food service or expanding your offerings, Toast's flexible platform accommodates creative expansion.

• Creative Expansion Opportunities: Thinking of adding food service to your retail concept? Including Kitchen Display Systems and Order Ready Boards, our flexible platform allows for creative expansion. Explore new revenue streams and enhance the overall customer experience with Toast's versatile features.

• Online Ordering and Delivery Integrations: Give your guests the option to order from home with Toast’s Online Ordering and our third-party delivery integrations. Meet your customers where they are and provide convenience that keeps them coming back, increasing customer loyalty and satisfaction.

• Loyalty Rewards and Personalized Offers: Be your neighborhood's favorite shop (and incentivize repeat visits) with loyalty rewards and personalized offers. Transform one-time shoppers into loyal patrons by engaging with your community and offering enticing rewards, making your store the go-to destination for your customers.

In conclusion, Toast's retail solution is more than just a point of sale system; it's a comprehensive toolkit designed to elevate your retail store to new heights. From modernizing sales processes to streamlining management and enhancing the customer experience, Toast empowers retail businesses to thrive in today's competitive market.

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