Hardware store design layout offers some unique challenges. Perhaps one of the greatest challenges is to create a layout that has distinctive qualities and therefore sets the store apart. Think about it. Almost every hardware store design layout is basically the same. The gondolas are either A: lined up evenly like toy soldiers or B: arranged in a standard racetrack configuration. Of course both of these traditional layout styles would work…they would adequately display your product and both have sufficed in the past. But remember that one of the things that a retailer should strive to do with every facet of his operation including store layout is to create branding.
The reason most hardware store design layouts are so similar is because they are usually products of the wholesaler by whom the store is served. Therefore an 8,000 square foot store in this town looks much like the 8,000 square foot store in the next. The identification or décor packages follow the same vane and further complicate this “me too” store appearance. What was supposed to be the next big statement by a retailer fades into a wall of familiarity.
If you want to set your store apart hire an independent floor plan designer. An independent designer serves no faction. If your store’s sales space is best served with more area for products other than those that a particular vendor furnishes, it is of no concern to an independent designer. He will design from a successful retail perspective, and not target the wholesaler’s interest.
Hardware store design layout need not be boring. Quite the contrary a good hardware store design layout will serve to excite management, staff and customers alike. There is energy that flows in a good hardware store design layout and a good hardware store design layout guides customers and encourage them to stay in the store longer.
In Discovery Based Retail you will learn much about hardware store design layout!
