Design for Retail Experience


Retail Experience Design is a creative and commercial discipline that combines several different areas of expertise together in the design and construction of retail space. Retail design is primarily a specialized practice of architecture and interior design, however it also incorporates elements of interior decoration, industrial design, graphic design, ergonomics, and advertising.

Skills / Processes:

Retail design is a very specialized discipline due to the heavy demands placed on retail space. Because the primary purpose of retail space is to stock and sell product to consumers, the spaces must be designed in a way that promotes an enjoyable and hassle-free shopping experience for the consumer. For example, research shows that male and female shoppers who were accidentally touched from behind by other shoppers left a store earlier than people who had not been touched and evaluated brands more negatively. The space must be specially-tailored to the kind of product being sold in that space; for example, a bookstore requires many large shelving units to accommodate small products that can be arranged categorically while a clothing store requires more open space to fully display product.

Retail designers aim to create a positive consumer experience in retail spaces; they design shop fronts, interiors, point of sales and displays. Retail designers can be involved in all aspects of retail design, including shop front, interior, point of sale and display design. Stores help to create and develop brand awareness and therefore maximise sales. They need to create an appealing environment that consumers want to visit and return to.

Career Opportunities:

The consumer experience is all-important. Retail design is often closely linked to the company’s branding and marketing strategy. Retail stores have an important role in helping to communicate a message about the company. Stores help to create and develop brand awareness and therefore maximise sales. The retail sector includes traditional stores as well as concessions and pop up shops.

The retail industry in India has been booming over the last decade. Designing delightful, effective and friendly shopping experience becoming the market differentiator for many competing brands today.

Design for Retail Experience Schools to Consider


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