The retail industry has changed enormously over the last two to three decades. Whilst people were really quite modest in what they expected from their shopping experiences in the 1970s and early 1980s, modern consumers have developed far more convoluted expectations. Indeed, shoppers are very discerning – and demanding – these days; not only do they want to be able to find products and services which will comprehensively meet their needs, they also want to enjoy the retail experience associated with browsing around stores.
Needless to say, these elevated expectations, along with the continued competition provided by online shopping, make it clear that high street retailers need to do everything they can to ensure consumers enjoy extra special shopping trips.
Aside from making high quality products available for attractively low prices, the best thing high street retailers can do to make sure consumers really enjoy their shopping trips is to make their stores look as aesthetically appealing as possible. After all, it is a simple fact that people will spend more time in surroundings they enjoy.
One aspect which retailers often overlook in this respect is balustrading.
Whilst balustrades may seem quite incidental to some people, the fact is these ornamental essentials can enhance the visual appeal of shopping areas and help to make shoppers feel more impressed by their surroundings. In addition to this, the right choice of balustrades can also aid retailers in the all important task of complying with relevant health & safety legislation.
Of course, the fact that balustrading is rarely top of retailers’ lists of things to address means many shop owners and store managers are unsure of how to determine which type of balustradesystems will best suit their needs.
So what should retailers consider before making any kind of concrete decisions in this field?
Establish a clear vision
whilst it may sound rather obvious, the first thing retailers need to do is establish a very clear idea of the look they want to achieve in their shop or store. For instance retailers who are looking to create a warm and traditional looking space may find wood-effect handrails and accessories to be a good bet. Conversely, store owners who are keen to perpetuate a more contemporary feel throughout their premises may instead find the minimalist appeal and clean lines of a frameless glass balustrade system to be more to their liking.
Consider the target market
Retailers must also take their target market into account when endeavouring to determine which type of handrails and accessories will look best in their outlet. For instance, stores that are frequented by customers with conventional tastes would be wise to invest in balustrade options that are able to reflect these tastes. Outlets that are popular with less conventional shoppers on the other hand will more than likely prefer to invest in something which will convey an altogether more alternative vibe. As long as they choose wisely, retailers can rest assured their customers will be suitably impressed.
About the author – Bo Heamyan blogs regularly about retail-related issues in the UK, and has written extensively about the benefits of investing in high quality balustrade systems for a number of industry leading websites, including SapphireBalustrades.com.
