Maximising display space in small retail stores

Some retail stores are bigger than others, and while it can be difficult to plan the layout of a large space, strategically designing the displays in a small location can be a tricky thing to get right. In this article, we will explore why efficient planning is essential for designing the layout of a small space, run through some of our top visual merchandising tips on how to display products in a small space and discuss how you can integrate other elements, such as pop up, outside and digital retail displays for small spaces.

Why is it important to plan your layout effectively if you have a small retail space?

When designing a small retail space, efficient use of space is key to ensuring an organised and welcoming store. A tidy layout, alongside optimised product positioning, will ensure that customers can view the products without feeling restricted, promoting a more relaxed environment. Studies show that shoppers that are relaxed are willing to pay more for products, meaning that you’re more likely to boost sales if you create a relaxing environment. 

In a smaller store, you obviously can’t showcase as much stock. Because of this, every square metre needs to have been properly thought out and planned to boost revenue without compromising customer experience. 

How to plan strategically

As we’ve already mentioned, strategic planning of your layout and displays is key when working with small spaces. In order to be able to properly plan your layout, you need to have a detailed idea of the space you are working with, including the square footage, architectural constraints and the locations of any natural light, as well as clear design objectives and priorities.

Conducting a thorough analysis of the space enables retailers to have a clear understanding of the opportunities and limitations of a small retail environment. This is vital in designing a layout that will work for both your customers and your store. 

Setting objectives and having strict priorities is also important when designing the layout of a small store. Regardless of your main priorities – whether they are to maximise the amount of stock you can display, optimising the flow of traffic or creating a welcoming atmosphere – your objectives and vision will help to steer the design process.

Once you have a clear idea of the dimensions of your space and the objectives of your design, you can start to identify key focal points and put together a design that allows you to showcase your stock, draw attention to key products and create aesthetic interest, which will help you to improve your sales. 

How to display products in a small space

Displaying your products when you have a small location can be quite the feat. However, with strategic planning and clear objectives in mind, it can be achieved. We are going to run through some of our top tips on how to display your products in a small space and give you some small retail space design ideas!

Use display shelves

Probably one of the easiest ways to display your products when you have a small shop is to use shelving. Tall wall shelving acts as both storage and a display in one, maximising the limited floor space you have available. 

Not only a space-saver, using wall shelving also means that you can promote your best or top-selling products at eye-level, increasing their buying potential. And incorporating high shelving with lower displays and rails creates visual interest that creates impact.

Incorporate counter-top displays

Counter-top displays don’t only save on space, but they also promote impulse purchases! How many times have you been at the till, ready to pay, when you notice something that you like the look of and add it to your pile without a second thought? 

Miniature shelving units, spinners and card-holders can all be incorporated into your counter-top and till displays to help boost sales and save space.

Add mannequins

It’s no secret that here at Proportion London, we love mannequins – and if you’re a small shop owner, you should do too! For clothing stores, mannequins are an easy, aesthetically pleasing way of displaying multiple products in one place. By grouping items that work together on a mannequin, not only do you save space, but you also have given yourself a cross-selling opportunity, as your customers will be able to see the potential of a full outfit, rather than individual pieces. 

Utilise your window space

Shop windows are dead space, right? Wrong! Window displays can entice customers into your shop, showcase some of your hero products and display different categories of stock in one place. You can utilise a lot of different creative displays in your windows, including shelving, mannequins, table-top and digital displays, and when styled correctly, they can be the difference between a busy shop and an empty one!

How to integrate creative display elements into your small shop

Creative display elements are a surefire way of generating visual interest amongst your potential customers. By doing something a little bit out of the ordinary, you can peak interest, draw customers in and increase sales! 

Technology and digitisation

By using technology such as digitisation and AI, you can save space whilst also crafting immersive experiences that leave customers wanting to return to your shop. Digital mannequins, for example, offer a solution for small shops looking to maximise their space, and provide versatility to customers without having to visit the changing rooms. 

Unlike traditional mannequins that take up room on the shop floor, digital mannequins use screens to display clothing and accessories. They can be positioned in strategic locations, like near the entrance or in window displays, without occupying valuable floor space. This allows small shops to showcase their merchandise, while still leaving room for customers to navigate comfortably.

These digital mannequins also offer versatility in showcasing multiple outfits or variations of a product without requiring physical changes. With a few taps or clicks, shop owners can switch between different clothing styles or accessories, providing customers with an engaging experience.

Pop up or outside displays

Limited-time pop-up displays can be a great way for stores to optimise their space. These temporary displays help to create a sense of urgency that drives customers to purchase items that they were thinking about. 

If you own the land outside your shop front, why not consider creating some outside displays (weather permitting of course). Gone are the days when outside displays only belong in garden centres! If thought about strategically, you can showcase some of your products outside your shop, increasing the likelihood of people entering, and saving space inside- It’s a win-win!

How Proportion London can help

At Proportion London, we are passionate about all things visual merchandising. We help our customers in retail and museum spaces to create engaging displays using our products and expertise, regardless of shop type, location and size. 

Our product range includes a variety of mannequins for purchase or hire, tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover how we can help you bring your small store design vision to life.