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Architecture & Design
There are new approves to design and build
a store today with business activities impart the world environmental.
In addition to saving costs and improving
operating efficiencies, planet-saving initiatives can look good to the media,
to the public and to shareholders. Most shoppers won�t be able to identify the
energy-saving qualities of a T8 fluorescent lamp or know that a refrigeration
system is emitting fewer greenhouse gases. But for every behind-the-scenes
green element, there are display shelves, reclaimed wine barrel wood fixtures
or a natural looking bamboo gridwall stand to denote that that particular
store is taking a more responsible approach with its materials selection.
These obvious green materials is a good marketing tool to show your customers
you are heading to the right direction.
Retailers and designers has the
responsibility
to educate consumers about green products, it is very
important for the stores to show their commitment to being a green company by
telling their story to shoppers with in-store signs, which make
consumers more aware of everything we are doing in the store, as well as in
the back of the house.
You want to make sure in-store design pieces and components
are recognizable to shoppers as sustainable and environmentally friendly, that
includes sustainable material display fixture, recycled-content countertops,
certified wood shelving and white roofs, which absorb less heat and help
control store temperatures.
LIGHTING THE WAY
One area in particular where retailers can be
energy-efficient is through lighting.
Problems like spoilage, heat emissions and energy
consumption are driving more grocery retailers to turn to lighting
manufacturers for the latest energy-efficient products that will preserve
freshness, reduce energy consumption levels and emit less heat in refrigerated
cases. Fiberoptics and LEDs are also growing in popularity for their
significant energy savings in frozen or refrigerated cases. That is also the
case with non food retailer concerning with their energy bill.
Store should maintain a certain level of ambient light so
key merchandising spots like produce or thematic food displays stand out.
Ceramic metal halides emphasize those key displays and ambient light is
controlled by a light metering system that allows natural day lighting through
to save energy.
Day lighting has also become a popular way for stores to use
less energy. However the food retailers must be aware of its placement and
where that natural light is landing. Retailer should be careful to use
UV-protected skylights to avoid merchandise spoilage or product degradation
over areas like the wine and vitamin and supplements department.
Basic Retail Floor Plans
A well-planned retail store layout allows a retailer to
maximize the sales for each square foot of the allocated selling space within
the store. Utilizing commercial space fully will conserve energy and other
resources.
Store layouts generally show the size and location of each
department, any permanent structures, fixture locations and customer traffic
patterns.
Each floor plan and store layout will depend on the type of
products sold, the building location and how much the business can afford to
put into the overall store design.
Below are a few basic store layouts
 Straight Floor
Plan. The straight floor plan is an excellent store layout for most any type
of retail store. It makes use of the walls and fixtures to create small
spaces within the retail store. The straight floor plan is one of the most
economical store designs.
 The
diagonal floor plan is a good store layout for self-service types of retail
stores. It offers excellent visibility for cashiers and customers. The
diagonal floor plan invites movement and traffic flow to the retail store.
 Angular Floor
Plan. The angular floor plan is best used for high-end specialty stores.
The curves and angles of fixtures and walls makes for a more expensive
store design. However, the soft angles create better traffic flow
throughout the retail store.
 Geometric Floor
Plan. The geometric floor plan is a suitable store design for clothing
and apparel shops. It uses racks and fixtures to create an interesting
and out-of-the-ordinary type of store design without a high cost.
 Mixed Floor Plan.
The mixed floor plan incorporates the straight, diagonal and angular
floor plans to create the most functional store design. The layout
moves traffic towards the walls and back of the store.
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