5 Retail Design Tips to Maximize Your Small Space


Originally posted on 03/13/2019. Last updated 03/31/2023.

A retail space can be both practical and pleasing if designed right.

A practical aspect of any solid business is a well-articulated brand. A strong brand message helps attract customers and keep them coming back.

However, retailers often struggle to express their brand identity in small spaces. Here are some design tips to make the most out of your limited retail space and enhance your small business's customer experience.

1. Simplicity Rules

Start by brainstorming your company's mission statement, values, and culture. Then, trim a list of brand themes until you have one that expresses who you are and what you value. To express your brand identity in a small space, focus on a clear theme that will connect with your target audience.

Use this theme consistently throughout your design choices, from your social media account to your store's furniture, architectural installation, and architectural millwork.

2. Brighten up Your Space

The lighting in your space can create a welcoming ambiance and make your space appear larger. Increase foot traffic by using bright colors and track lighting to create an open and inviting environment that encourages customers into the store. Additionally, an eye-catching interactive display or window display can showcase your brand.

Customers can immediately notice the tone of a shopping experience–the more welcoming your store, the more likely they will check it out.

3. Lift Your Store With Shelving & More

With less floor space, you must strategically plan your layout and visual merchandising. You can build vertically to increase your store's size, but make sure your product displays are not too high, or customers may feel trapped.

Use additional shelving to reduce clutter and make your space appear larger. Finally, consider vertical displays and suspended mannequins to draw the eye upward without overwhelming customers.

4. Store Layout Opening Options

Maximizing the distribution of your products on your floor space is another important aspect of store planning. Organize your products based on their popularity, with the most popular items in central locations and less popular items towards the sides or back of the store.

This layout, paired with excellent customer service, will make it easier for customers to find what they're looking for and increase sales.

Get Professional Layout Designs for Your Retail Space

Are you looking for high-quality redesign options for your retail space?

For professional layout designs that utilize restaurant furniture, architectural installation, and architectural millwork, contact Ferrante Manufacturing. With over 75 years of experience, we can help you express your brand and attract new business through thoughtful renovations.

Contact us today to get started on your redesign project!

Top 8 Tips for Restaurant Renovations

Originally published 05/19/2020. Last updated 11/20/2023. Every tired building could use a facelift. Freshening up your property is especially important if you have a restaurant or cafe. People like to see some change and growth while...

4 Tips to Get the Right Tables For Your Restaurant

Originally published 11/08/2019. Last updated 9/20/2023. The look and feel of your restaurant are important. Style factors into how people feel in your space which can matter as much as the food in creating an experience. A big part of...

What is Custom Architectural Millwork?

First published 09/17/2019. Last updated 07/20/2023. The world of woodworking is a field that brings both functionality and aesthetic beauty to both residential and commercial buildings. Both “architectural millwork” and...

4 Benefits Of Custom Architectural Millwork

Building or remodeling your building is an exciting time. It can also be stressful, as there are numerous decisions that must be made throughout the process. Creating a space that is in line with your personal tastes and the needs of your...

Top Mistakes with Restaurant Redesigns

Redesigning your restaurant can truly make or break your concept. 78% of Millennials today look to invest in experiences rather than items, and they look for experiences that are personalized, exclusive, consistent, and customer-focused. And, your...

Choosing the Right Height for Your Bar Stool

Originally posted on 05/20/2019 Creating character in your business takes planning. When you plan your restaurant or bar branding through its furniture's look and feel, you bring many elements together to give your customers a unique...

How to Choose Restaurant Furniture

Originally posted on 05/21/2018 As a restaurateur, there are many things that you will need to take into account before opening a new restaurant. The menu, the staff, the location, the recipes, and the advertisement are some of the things...

5 Ways to Improve Restaurant Attendance During Winter

Though we are only a few weeks into January, the winter blew in strong this year. No matter the year, the winter season brings unpredictable weather that can put a strain on your restaurant. Preventing all mistakes is idealistic, but you can create...

Why Choose a Custom Architectural Millwork Company?

Ferrante Manufacturing Company is a custom architectural millwork company providing diverse woodworking fabrication for commercial, historical, and residential applications. Discover the benefits of using a custom architectural millwork company for your next woodworking project!

Popular Restaurant Design Trends

Here we cover popular restaurant design trends, from minimalism to fresh foliage. Plus, find out how custom woodworking from Ferrante Manufacturing Company can help you make an impression!
Architectural Millwork That
Captures Your Vision

Michigan's Oldest and Most Prestigious manufacturer of custom interior architectural
fixtures and installations Let us bring your vision to life.