As retail enters a new era following novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic closures and restrictions, the industry is also reinventing itself with new design trends and layouts to promote in-store engagement.

According to the “Store Design & Experience Benchmark Survey” produced by online retail industry publication Retail Touch Points, 71 percent of retailers note design, store planning, and visual components of retail are “somewhat more, or much more important compared to two years ago.”

The survey also reports that “retailers believe store design is more important than ever, and nearly half [49% of retailers] are optimistic about the future: 37% anticipate 2021 store design budgets will increase slightly.” 

Retailers are eager to implement new designs, fixtures, and applications.

Below we’ll discuss four retail store design trends, such as versatility, clean and simple spaces, pop-up shops, and personalized experiences. 

As retail enters a new era following COVID-19 pandemic closures and restrictions, the industry is also reinventing itself with new design trends and layouts to promote in-store engagement.

1. Versatility & Flexibility

Many retailers are implementing versatile designs for quick updates and revisions. This keeps shop floors and accompanying displays fresh, while easily shifting to promote specials or seasonal items. 

Consider glass materials comprising a clean and easy appearance while also maintaining openness and flow from one area to the next. Designs adhering to natural light and space optimization can also assist with UV-reduction and heat absorption.

These could include applications fabricated with both tempered and laminated glass. Durable, shatter resistant, and not easily scratched, the latter will produce pebble-like pieces if broken, rather than sharp, dangerous shards.

2. Clean & Simple Spaces

With more and more consumers requiring a complete in-store experience, retailers are creating spaces built on comfort and personalization. Rather than picking through racks of clothing and other wares, shoppers can enjoy additional seating areas, displays, and  interactive technologies, such as digital signage and other promotional tools. 

These can include streamlined, UV-bonded display cases fabricated with low-iron glass to facilitate clean, transparent viewing. Whether you’re touting high-end jewelry, or moderately priced handbags, research demonstrates a compelling display can also entice upselling. 

With more and more consumers requiring a complete in-store experience, retailers are creating spaces built on comfort and personalization.

3. Temporary Pop-Up Shops

Many retailers are implementing promotions without the financial risk of a permanent storefront. Blending brick-and-mortar and online experiences, the advent of the pop-up shop has become more prevalent in 2021.

Suitable for both physical and online brands, these temporary spaces are useful for new and current customer engagement. Such mediums include innovative and technologically advanced display cases or windows promoting a new product line. Some brands are also encouraging sales through an engaging, interactive shopping experience.

This added branding can be achieved through customized applications, such as vitrines, and glass shelves, tables, and counters.

4. Branding & Personalization

Store layouts are constantly changing within checkout areas, signage, contactless payment areas, fitting rooms, and other specialized displays. This includes upholding specific sanitizing and social-distancing guidelines, as consumers still require a pleasant and safe shopping experience. 

According to the aforementioned Retail Touch Points survey, about 39 percent of retailers state a portion of their renovation projects were directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Many of these changes comprise glass dividers and partitions at check-out areas, as well as any other sections involving person-to-person contact.

While these measures are designed with personal protection in mind, they can also facilitate additional customizations, such as specialized shapes, logos, and images. These branding elements can be achieved through back-painting and color-matching, silk screening and sandblasting, etched or reeded glass, or a customized, drill-free clamping system. 

Dillmeier Glass Company: Experience & Expertise To Meet Your Design Needs

If your project requires a retail store design revision, remodel, or refresh with accompanying decorative elements, consult Dillmeier Glass Company, an experienced glass fabricator with advanced technicians, equipment, and logistics processes.

Contact us today to determine the best interior glass design solutions for your retail project.