Store Design of the Future
Predicting anything about the future of retail is always risky, but especially now. The nation and the retail industry continue to be profoundly impacted by COVID-19, and shopping patterns and shopper expectations have changed dramatically.
Key Takeaways
- In a post COVID-19 world, store designers will have to adapt to new consumer priorities, behaviors and expectations.
- Future retail locations will need to leverage technology to power touch-free interactions.
- Human engagement will still be an important factor in the retail experience, however.
Looking ahead, predicting exactly how COVID-19 will impact retail in the short and long run is fraught with uncertainty. However, there are some key areas where the lasting effects of COVID-19 seem reasonably clear, and one of the most significant relates to store design and the evolving in-store experience. Here’s what seven highly regarded design experts had to say about how retail experiences will change.
Melissa Gonzalez
CEO/ Founder, The Lionesque Group, and Partner/Stakeholder, MG2
“Retailers should use clear signage, but don’t forget about brand voice — layer in soothing and comforting tones and elements with instruction copy. Have a queuing management system in place (for both curbside and in-store transactions), and leverage technology to power touch-free interactions.
“We will see stores adapt to a more technologically advanced consumer base. Stores will need to seamlessly be able to serve numerous customer journeys — one that is more transaction-based, where the store serves as a fulfillment channel, one where the in-store experience is more experience-based, and one that satisfies a unified commerce experience where a customer can easily transition from online and offline experiences.