See what shopfitters do inside a shopfitting factory

What is a Shopfitter?

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No, not shoplifter. We’re not professional thieves! What is a shopfitter?

Working all over Australia, we’ve had many people read our shirt branding and express to us they incorrectly read it as shoplifter. Then obviously thinking this can’t be right, realised we are shopfitters. Then they ask, “What IS a shopfitter anyway?” So we thought we should explain what our profession actually is, and what shopfitters do.

Shopfitting is the business of building and installing, known to our trade as ‘fitting-out’, commercial spaces. This can be fitting out small retail shops and cafes, to large commercial offices, department stores and restaurant fitouts. Along with constructing, and sometimes manufacturing, counters, shelving, display units and the like, shopfitters also supply the necessary fittings, fixtures and equipment a business needs to be able to function and trade. For example, a hair salon would be provided with fixtures such as mirrors and wash chairs, where refrigerators, freezers, mixers and bain-maries would be arranged by the shopfitter for a café fitout.

Along with building and assembling joinery, and supplying and installing shop fixtures and fittings, a shopfitter also organises required trades. From glaziers, plasterers and painters to plumbers, electricians and flooring specialists; shopfitters manage them all. That’s why, as a shopfitter, the best advice I can give is to engage your shopfitter early in the design process. Doing so will relieve you of wasting unnecessary time and resources on managing the project. A good shopfitting company will schedule, coordinate and control all of their trades from conception to completion, allowing you to concentrate on other important aspects of your role.

Shopfitters-Project-Manage-Contractors

In need of a shopfitter? AAFS Shopfitting have constructed and installed fit outs all over Australia. To obtain a quote, forward your plans drawn up by an architect or retail designer and email them to us as sales@AAFSshopfitting.com.au or phone our Pakenham office to discuss your upcoming project.

Sustainable Shopfitting: Retailers Guide to Going Green

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Australian workplaces generate over 12.5 million tonnes of waste each year.

Establishing effective in-store recycling systems, introducing reusable shopping bags and recycling ink cartridges (check out Planet Ark’s awesome initiative on this) are common sustainable practices retailers can easily implement to reduce landfill. But forward thinking businesses can reduce their environmental impact even before beginning trade.

Here are six simple ways to build an environmentally friendly store:

Create calm with renewable raw materials

Amongst the demanding, always-connected lifestyles of shoppers, many crave a soothing surrounding that allows their minds to temporarily unwind. Featuring raw material fixtures in your fit out creates a calming atmosphere that allows consumers to relax as they wander through the store.

Using pre-finished or recycled timber materials is a great way to incorporate this look, and is completely on trend in retail design for 2016. However, if the unfinished look doesn’t fit your brand or design concept, Master Builders Green Living suggests sealing the timber with a solvent-based or synthetic product for a green alternative.

Concrete flooring can be used for sustainable construction for a new store build. Limestone is a natural rock resource, finely ground and heated to produce cement powder used in concrete. Concrete is versatile in design with options in colour, polish and stain to adapt to any space. Experienced contractors can also create amazing artistic floors with concrete stencilling and stamping. Stencilling concrete allows for customized pattern creation, whilst stamping is becoming increasingly popular for in store brand marketing.

Brighten the future with energy efficient lighting

Possibly the most obvious way to reduce your environmental footprint is to replace traditional light bulbs and install LED lighting throughout the store.

Although the initial purchase is more expensive than older metal halide and fluorescent globes, LED lights are known to last up to 50,000 hours and have lower power consumption, therefore saving you money on power bills. The energy efficient lighting technology has less impact on the environment as they emit significantly less UV radiation than traditional bulbs.

LEDs allow for optimised lighting design with their compact size and readiness of various instant illumination options. LED lighting products range from backlights, strip lights and downlights, to rings and lines. Most retail designers will incorporate a variety of lighting fixtures to enhance the customer experience through mood creation and highlighting key areas and merchandise.

Note: Various lighting fixtures (fluorescent, incandescent and halogens) can be recycled. For information on disposing of light bulbs in Australia go to Recycling Near You

Nothing a fresh coat of eco paint can’t fix

For added eco-friendly store design, add a splash of green paint! Well not literally green (unless it fits your brand of course), but an environmentally friendly paint such as the Dulux Eco Choice range, or Taubman’s Pure Performance interior and exterior paint products.

Master Builders Green Living suggests using a water-based low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) painting solution to minimise negative health and environmental impacts. Biodegradable acrylic based paints are an environmentally safe alternative to solvent based paints, and are offered by an extensive variety of paint brands.

Zero or low VOC acrylic water based paints produce minimal odour, are scuff resistant and available in a range of shades. Most products can be applied to walls, floors, interior and exterior doors, trims and window frames.

Say goodbye to paper, and hello to digital display

Today’s technology advanced world makes it easy for retail businesses to think and act green with paper reduction. An abundance of online software for POS (Point of Sale), CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and document sharing is available at our fingertips, saving retailers time, space and money.

Going paperless forces improved organisation, allows for additional control and increases productivity. Encourage consumers to take part in your paperless work environment by offering to email their receipt to reduce carbon waste (plus it’s a great way to obtain customer details for future email marketing …. with their permission, of course!).

Bridge the gap between e-commerce and bricks and mortar stores by embracing digital, and integrate technology in store. Becoming a tech savvy retailer minimises landfill waste by decreasing offline signage and marketing material.

Aside from decreasing the use and disposal of invalid signage on paper, cardboard and other wasteful materials, incorporating digital display signage allows retailers ease in changes to prices and stock.

For more ways to include technology in your fit out read our article on Omnichannel Retailing

Recycling Quote

Recycle fixtures and fittings for sustainable shop fit

Be resourceful: Recycle old fixtures and fittings

Refitting a store is an inevitable strategy in the cycle of continuous improvement. Not completely modifying a store at least every five years can be detrimental to maintaining current consumers, let alone increasing your customer base. With ongoing worldwide technological advancement, modern day shoppers not only want brands to keep on trend – they expect it.

Although qualified shopfitters are required to carry out the store defit, some fixtures and fittings can be easily removed for recycling prior to their arrival. Recycling scrap metal fixtures such as wall racking, posts and metal features is an effortless waste management initiative that can put cash into your back pocket.

Its also recommended to walk through the store with your shopfitter to determine what fixtures and building materials can be salvaged and reused in the new fit out.

Updating the store’s fittings and fixtures between store fitouts is also essential to remaining competitive in the retail landscape. There are numerous opportunities to achieve business excellence from smaller, simpler shopfitting modifications. Not through expensive restructuring, but through recycled redesigning.

Reupholstering furniture and upcycling are easy ways to repurpose store fittings and remain on trend, using clever design.

Check out Upcycle That for some fantastic upcycling ideas.

 

Remember, the only thing you can’t recycle is wasted time – so go green today!

#Earthday2016 #greenenergy

The Best and Most Effective Ways to Save Money on a Fit Out

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Want to reduce the expense of building or renovating your shop fit out? Here are five techniques guaranteed to keep more money in your back pocket.

Allow time for tender submission

Putting the plans out to tender in good time permits shopfitters to request and receive contractor quotes, rather than estimating costs solely based on previous jobs.

Shopfitters appoint a number of contractors to build a store; electricians, plasterers, painters and sign writers to name a few. When provided with little time to submit a tender, it is common practise to approximate each of these costs, including a safeguard amount on top to prevent making a loss.  This may result in paying a lot more for your fitout than necessary, so be sure to allow reasonable time to gather shopfitting submissions.

Engage shopfitters early in the planning process

Get more value for your money by assigning a shopfitter during the initial stages of project planning. Most shopfitting companies will provide a project management service within their fitout cost. Make the most of this cost by contracting them early, relieving you of valuable time and unnecessary stress.

Shopfitters can prevent pushing the schedule back by identifying errors in design that may cause lengthy delays in obtaining permits. These documents are essential and must be certified before any building works may commence. Therefore, the earlier these are discovered the less it will impact on the timeline, if at all.

Common design error: The retail design error we uncover most regularly is in relation to DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliance throughout stores and trafficable areas.

Some of the best shopfitters will have endless knowledge and experience with current products and shopfitting trends and can assist in product selection. They know, and understand the pros and cons of materials and product design from a construction perspective and can provide insight on how this can assist, or affect, you and your business.

AAFS Shopfitting are multi-award winning shopfitters

Offering our clients the best possible price, at the most advantageous value, whilst meeting time restraints and not wavering in quality. Just some of the reasons we are recognised as one of Australia’s leading shopfitting companies.

2016 Shopfitting Awards

Substitute expensive products for a cheaper alternative

Being open to alternative products and materials within you fitout is crucial to cutting costs and remaining under budget. Many products have an equivalent option of the same or similar quality from a cheaper supplier.

Take solid surface (Corian®) for example. Solid surface replicates the luxuriousness of marble, natural stone and caesarstone® varieties, but with a much more affordable price tag.  Additionally, solid surface has the ability to mend chips or cracks, unlike its expensive rival products which require replacing. Repairing Corian® can even be arranged on site with minimal mess or fuss.

Please note: AAFS Shopfitting are certified Corian® suppliers, manufacturers and installers.

Excellent use of corian solid surface to save money on fit out

These luminous Corian® solid surface pods were fabricated and installed by AAFS Shopfitting at the NAB Docklands branch in Melbourne CBD.

Schedule fit out works during off peak

Whilst undergoing a complete fitout, your bricks and mortar business will be closed for a duration of time known as ‘shutdown’. Fitouts take time, and time is money. We know this. You know this. So reduce the impact of the closure by being proactive and arranging the closure during a forecasted quiet period based on previous years.

Advise staff of the store redevelopment in advance, encouraging them to take leave during the works to further minimise outgoing costs. To avoid unnecessary consumer frustration, it’s also recommended to inform customers of the closure ahead of time. If possible, arrange an alternative purchasing method or location during this time. If your business provides a service, this allows time for clients to schedule their appointments around the project and are less likely to reach out to a competitive company during shutdown.

Variations leave a bitter aftertaste

Ensure quote includes everything to avoid costly variations

The nasty ‘V’ word; variations. Those supposedly ‘unforeseen’ exorbitant costs that shock you at the end of the project. Like opening a block of chocolate, only to take a bite and realise you grabbed the 90% cocoa block. It leaves you with a bitter aftertaste, wishing you had chosen another block.

Make certain you’ve chosen correctly, by reading through the quote carefully to certify it includes everything specified in the construction plans. When comparing quotes, be sure you are comparing apples with apples.

Unfortunately some companies use the technique of lowering the overall fitout cost by excluding components to win the job, then charging the client variations post build. It has also been said that the term ‘PC SUM’ is used, meaning Provisional Cost. This is an approximate amount that could potentially be significantly increased at a later stage.  If you are unsure of anything on the quote – ASK! If they have nothing to hide, then they will be completely transparent and be able to explain everything in detail to you.

Please note: This is NOT a process we condone, nor is it a technique we use. AAFS Shopfitting provide all-inclusive quotes broken down line by line, ensuring easy of readability for our clients.

Our last cost saving word of advice would be to research your proposed shopfitters, because as Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’.

Expert Tips on Selecting Commercial Flooring

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Flooring is a major component of a commercial store design concept as it creates the overall tone of a space. When deciding on materials it’s important to balance design with practicality, and have your brand and target market at front of mind. Don’t underestimate the underfoot, as consumer comfort can affect their buying decision.

Retail Design Tip: For an on trend look in Melbourne retail fit outs – use an eclectic mix of materials with an increased focus on raw materials. Do it right and it will engage customers and provide a memorable shopping environment.

Here’s a list of things to consider, and tips to guide you, in determining the right product for your space.

Noise irritation and sound insulation

Loud noise in any retail environment can be distracting, discouraging potential customers from entering, or remaining within, your premises. Sound deterrents are not limited to deafening music meant for nightclubs, or booming voices echoing around busy eateries, but can be sound vibrations attributed by inappropriate flooring applications.

Be sure to consider popular footwear worn by majority of your consumers. Contemplate the dimensions and wall material of your space and how sound will absorb, or bounce off, this and carry around the store.

Ongoing care and maintenance

Some flooring options require a great deal of maintenance, so it’s important to weigh up the cost of this, and the time involved, prior to flooring selection.

What needs to be carried out in order to preserve durability? How easy is it to remove marks, scratches, tears? Will it discolour with sunlight? What will happen if a large liquid spill occurs?

Timber floors and polished tiles may look a million dollars, but can also costs this in time and money to maintain their luxe look.

An epoxy floor finish doesn’t involve constant or expensive maintenance. Instead is an easy to clean, durable surface that can be customised by colour, pattern and even images, to meet retailer requirements. Another benefit of using an epoxy coating is its self-levelling capability and quick turnaround time.  In turn, a great option for retail renovation when covering old flooring materials, and most importantly, less time your business will be closed for the store build.

Carpet_Tiles

Ease of replacement

Carpet tiles provide flexibility as far as flooring replacement, as they’re inexpensive and effortless to interchange. There’s no need for a major undertaking of ripping up and replacing the entire floor, nor completely emptying your space to do so. Simply remove the affected tiles and replace as you would a standard tile (less grout colour matching issues!).

A desirable alternative to hardwood timber flooring are vinyl planks, which resemble timber, but with a much lower price tag. This direct stick vinyl product allows trades to easily remove and replace damaged boards individually, thus a highly desirable choice for any retail environment.

Durability

Vinyl flooring is one of the most durable flooring solutions available due to its high resistance to moisture. Slightly less so in vinyl planks (or vinyl tiles as they are sometimes known), than sheet flooring, as the chance of moisture penetration is greater due to the many joins in material.

The supplier of a product also needs consideration, in relation to the manufacturing techniques used to construct the flooring material. An obvious comparison would be Australian made products (known generally be of a high standard due to our tough manufacturing laws) compared to imported products.

Noticeable signs of hardiness, such as the density of a timber can sometimes be overlooked. However, the thicker the timber, the less likely it is to be damaged. A dense timber is much longer lasting than a thinner timber product. Sometimes it’s worth spending the extra money to gain a superior product.

VinylPlank_Floor

Hygiene and public safety

“Flooring hygiene is paramount and every type of floor will react differently to a maintenance regime, so making sure that manufacturer cleaning instructions are followed correctly is critical” advises Frank Jardim, National Sales Manager of Asset Flooring Group.

When deciding on floor coverings the key criteria regarding occupational health and safety is to consider slips, trips and bacteria. Sheet vinyl is heat welded with no joins, which prevents water penetration making it is less prone to bacteria. However, Frank warns “the use of reconstituted rubber mats, chair/table stoppers or caster wheels can create irreversible permanent staining on some types of vinyl flooring.”

Replacing commercial flooring is a major (and expensive) undertaking if required outside of a standard shop fit out. It’s imperative to carefully evaluate the appropriate materials and floor design when planning your store concept to avoid unnecessary expenses down the track.

For further shop fitting advice, read our 4 Tips to Planning the Perfect Retail Fit Out or contact our shop fitters, in our Melbourne office on 03 5943 0581.

Retail Shopfitting Trends in 2015

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Shop fit outs are continually developing to improve the shopper experience. As a retail owner looking to expand or reinvent your space, you need to be on top of the current shopfitting developments in order to meet consumer expectations and ensure their shopping experience in your store is an enjoyable one.

Below is a list of 5 shopfitting trends that have remained strong throughout the year and are likely to continue well into 2016.

1. Build a Social Wall Into the Fitout

Encourage consumers to be actively social in store

Social media is the most influential channel when making a purchase decision. A step up from the pull up banners at business and social events, retailers are leveraging our love of social media and creating Instagram-able spaces within their shop fit out.

Exclusive Parisian hairdressing salon, Franck Provost, designed an entire wall dedicated to social sharing in their recent Emporium Melbourne shopfit. Although staff encourage clients to snap and share their new hair, many ‘selfie-obsessed’ consumers see the social walls for what they are, not require any promotion or persuasion in taking a pic and posting it online.

Embrace the continual growth of social media with this shopfitting trend, as the international infatuation does not look like stopping anytime soon!

2. Increase the Ceiling Height

Melbourne retailers are raising the roof

Majority of shopping centres across Melbourne and Victoria are enforcing an elevation in ceiling heights to create a grander appearance, soon to roll out across major centres in Australia. The common Melbourne retailer will raise their ceiling by 10-40% reaching a height of up to five metres.

As highlighted in our 4 Tips to Planning the Perfect Retail Fit Out, the ambience of a store can lure consumers and lengthen visitation. With this in mind, Joann Davis Brayman, Vice President of Marketing at Armstrong Commercial Ceilings believes, “Ceilings contribute significantly to the acoustical, as well as the aesthetic, environment of a space.”

Ceilings are a crucial element of retail design, often overlooked by vendors, and unnoticed by consumers. However retail spaces with raised ceilings are said to a generate a sense of freedom and creative thinking, allowing consumers to wander with a carefree attitude. Becoming less plan orientated and less budget conscious.

3. Experiment with a Pop Up Shop

Pop ups are an economical way to trial a physical store

All the rage in 2015, pop up shops are commonly designed as an experience that cannot be replicated online. Often creating a buzz amongst the public, amplifying social discussions and word of mouth with its unique offering and limited existence.

With the increase in e-commerce stores venturing into the world of physical stores, pop up shops have now become a fantastic platform to experiment in the benefits of a bricks and mortar store. Fitting out a pop up shop can be built on a tight budget, requiring only bare minimum fixtures such as slat wall panels and mobile racking, to display a minimal amount of stock.

4. Incorporate Tablet Technology at Point of Sale (POS)

Speedy service enhances shopping experience

The portable efficiency of Tablet POS can be easily adapted in store by employees and consumers alike, as the technology is used by more than two thirds of Australians each day (be it on their smart phone, tablet or desktop). Additionally, the system is in fact less expensive to purchase and install than conventional systems.

I recently experienced the desire of tablet POS myself, as my kids and I waited (… and waited) for popcorn before our movie. Have times changed so significantly that we expect fast and efficient delivery everywhere? Not only were the kids testing my patience, but so was the slow service. My experience would have improved greatly if a staff member took my order on their tablet, whilst I was in queue. Then I simply present my receipt or order number at the counter for collection.

Cloud based POS systems can track sales and manage inventory whilst minimising shopper wait times, and maximise trading space. Seriously – this trend is a no brainer!

5. Become Omnichannel with Bricks & Clicks

Merge your online and offline stores for a seamless delivery

Focus is continually increasing on omnichannel retailing, providing customers with a seamless integration across all touchpoints. Take your retail business from surviving to thriving by maintaining a strong presence in both your physical store and online. Be sure to provide consumers with a uniformed experience across all channels, as majority of shoppers use both platforms throughout their purchasing journey.

“For many customers the website is still the first online point of contact with the brand, and in store physical encounters still account for 94% of all sales, proving the non-linearity and importance of omnichannel consistency for today’s consumers.” (Forbes, Jul 2015)

One method in effectively constructing a strong connection between the two, is to incorporate digital into your bricks and mortar store.

Need a quote from a Melbourne shopfitting or joinery company to fit out your retail store? Contact AAFS Shopfitting on 03 9768 2668.

For expert advice from an award winning shopfitting team who specialise in retail fit outs, be sure to contact us on 03 5943 0581.

Omnichannel Retailing: 5 Ways to Integrate Digital Technology in a Bricks and Mortar Store

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Omnichannel.  It’s the latest buzz word around the retail and marketing worlds.  So what is it?  Omnichannel is the seamless integration across multiple devices and platforms online, and in-store.  It’s providing consistency across all touchpoints to create an optimal customer experience.

You have a responsive website (if not, read here why you should), you’re engaging on social media, and overall feel you’ve got the online space figured out.  However, according to the Financial Review, online sales are only contributing to 6.9% of Australian retail spending – and growth has slowed.

So now more than ever, is the time to embrace omnichannel and digital technology to improve your bricks and mortar retail store.  2015 is the time to accelerate and differentiate.

To help, we’ve come up with a list of 5 ways retailers can digitalise their physical stores.

 

1.  Digital Shopfront Window Displays

One of the quickest and easiest ways to incorporate digital technology is within a window display. Gone are the days of visual merchandising with mannequins – in with digital screen displays.

With 60% of Australian shoppers loyal to up to 10 brands it drives the need for competitor edge to increase foot traffic into your tenancy like never before.  What better way than to show shoppers you’re on trend by exhibiting an eye catching digital shopfront to entice them.

Retailer bonus: Updating a USB stick with new videos or images is more time efficient than redressing a window the old fashioned way.

 

2.  Click and Collect

A Click and Collect system allows consumers to order products online and arrange pick up in-store.  A tailored delivery option that provides customer convenience by offering product purchase and delivery the way shoppers want it.

Retailer bonus:  If your fitout is well designed, consumers will further spend in store when collecting purchases.  According to a recent study by Verdict Retail 40% of homeware shoppers spent extra when collecting, “spending an additional 53.2% when picking up Click and Collect orders in store”.

For shopfitting advice on building a successful interior design, read our 4 Tips to Planning the Perfect Retail Fit Out.

 

3.  Touchscreen Tablet Technology

One way to utilise touchscreen technology in store is to increase convenience by empowering shoppers with access to stock inventory.  Jason Goldberg, Founder at RetailGeek told Shopify “While more than half of shoppers now use digital tools to pre-shop, the overwhelming majority still want to complete the transaction in store. When retailers think about their digital marketing, they shouldn’t just think in terms of capturing online sales. Providing a great store locator, giving access to real-time in-store inventory and having a well-executed local SEO plan, are amongst the highest value digital activities for any brick and mortar retailer.”

Better yet, if stock is unavailable in-store allow shoppers to arrange delivery straight to their door at the click of a button.

Retailer bonus:  Obtain invaluable customer details for future marketing campaigns.

 

4.  Free Wi-Fi

These days if we can’t access the online world, it’s fair to stay we won’t be staying long. As a retailer, we obviously want people to remain within our footprint as long as possible to increase the chance of spending.  With 75% of shoppers using mobile devices in store why not follow in Westfield’s footsteps and embrace the increased use of mobile technology by provide shoppers free access to Wi-Fi?

Retailer bonus:  Customers will linger longer and increase spending.  The added benefit of in store Wi-Fi is that it allows retailers to analyse data transmitted from mobile devices, and even send customised push notifications. Which brings me to the next point …

 

5.  Beacon Technology

Beacons are small gadgets that transmit a signal to Bluetooth enabled devices, identifying a shopper’s exact micro location. The devices are so tiny (we’re talking similar to the size to a 20cent coin) they can be easily hidden amongst almost any fixture in a shop fitout.

With the low energy Bluetooth signals, beacons can influence customer behaviour by providing personalised push notifications of information or special offers relevant to products shoppers are standing right in front of.

Will shoppers find this intrusive?  Apparently not.  Studies undertaken by eDigitalResearch in 2014 showed 45% of smartphone owners are receptive to retailers sending customised messages through beacon technology.

However there is a slight catch. Consumers must opt-in, as the transmitter technology requires a mobile app to gain its business intelligence.  So if you have no app, you have no action.

Retailer bonus:  Beacons can be used for in store analytics by collecting data on customer behaviour such as where customers went in store and how long they spent there.

 

Digital technology is one retail shopfitting trend that can be implemented in current stores by retrofitting to existing joinery, fixtures and fittings that were installed in the original fitout. With such varied application approaches, businesses of all sizes and shopfitting budgets can adopt digital and successfully merge online and offline stores for a seamless delivery.

To discuss becoming omnichannel by adding digital technology in your retail store, contact leading Melbourne shopfitting company, AAFS Shopfitting on 03 5943 0581.

4 Tips to Planning the Perfect Retail Fit Out

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So you’ve been allocated the build budget and now to the task of creating a design brief for your fit out.  No matter how small or large your space is, getting started can be a daunting task.  Try taking a blue sky approach and ask your (inner shopaholic) self – With no limitations, what would improve my shopping experience?  Start big, then tame back as required. If you’re having trouble sticking to your fit out budget, try reading our tips on how to reduce shop fitting costs.

It’s essential to optimise the customer experience through careful planning across all elements of the build.  Put on your persona hats, taking note of shopper habits and mannerisms to recognise how to maintain attention and convert browsers into buyers.  Understanding customer behaviour is vital to business success, which all leads from laying the right foundations.

Bricks and mortar stores are where 93% of retail spending occurs in Australia (NAB Survey, Jan 2015) and shop fit outs are the foundation of your physical store.  Make time to research everything regarding your fit out.

To help you get started, we’ve provided a list of fundamentals.

Combination: The code to unlocking a successful Lighting Design

Lighting is critical to retailers to attract shopper attention and draw them in.  If an area of your store is not well lit, consumers will walk straight past and it may as well be empty.  Instead incorporate a combination of lighting options to create a well-balanced space.  The right mix of backlighting, downlights, pendants and track lighting and will generate a perfect fusion of illumination and shadow.

LED backlighting illuminates flat wall panels adding depth and dimension to any retail shop. They also have the bonus of being energy efficient, therefore lowering operating costs and saving you money.

Quality lighting is imperative above the counter of any retailer to add warmth and lure consumers, but must also be adequate and glare-free for shop assistants.  For fashion retailers, it’s also important to think carefully about lighting in your fitting rooms.  According to research undertaken by Shoppercentric, 60% of purchasing decisions are made within a store’s fitting room.  Artificial or poor lighting can be a real deal breaker for some shoppers.

Interior Design: Influence customer buying behaviour

A successful commercial fit out requires a strategic approach with the store layout and interior design.  This is then complimented with astutely placed signage, visual merchandising and product placement.

When planning the layout, remember not to lose sight of the customer experience.  For them, the persuasion in entering is the ambience rather than products themselves.  According to retail strategists at Kizer & Bender “patrons typically don’t notice merchandising displays within 15 feet of the entrance”.  Upon entering consumers are too busy making judgement decisions.  Will the products be suitable for me?  Are they expensive?  Is there enough room for me to easily walk around?

Installing floor to ceiling wall fixtures allows for optimal product placement, whilst maximising floor space and encouraging consumers to linger longer.  Low line shelving within the trading area permits customers to see more products and increase their spending.  The bonus for retailers is this also increases customer visibility, therefore reducing shoplifting.

Choosing the right layout option for the internal fixtures can provide space for promotional signage, assisting in traffic flow and helping to build your brand.  When selecting the design layout, have your target markets, products and brand in mind.  Through analysing and understanding customer behaviour, you will have the knowledge to design your space to guide consumers through your store like they are puppets on a string.

TimberFloor_Pic4Blog

Flooring: Doing the ground work

Kevin Tierney, Director of Consumer Environments, Tarkett North America and host of Webinar: Flooring as a Revenue Generator, says “Many facets of flooring can affect the shopping experience – from color to comfort, cleanliness to customization – it can play a large part in the sales generation of the space.  And because flooring can have a major impact on the overall mood of the consumer, we want to address how retailers’ can use flooring to further create brand awareness.”

Noise regulation is another flooring concern in the retail environment.  Without the right acoustics, consumers are likely to retreat and move on to a competitor.  In addition to being durable and sustainable, sound control is pivotal in the selection process.  Thankfully there are many materials, underlays and aesthetically appealing products, suitable for the retail market.

Flooring can also be used to create zones to segment merchandise, or to create a pathway through the store to lure consumers to a particular area or product.  Promotional advertising is also becoming increasingly popular on retail floors to influence shopper purchasing decisions.  It is no longer just about colour and comfort.  There are a range of variables to consider when fitting out the floor of a store.

Shopfitting: The nuts and the bolts of it

Shop fitters collaborate with commercial interior designers and a diverse range of business owners and RDMs (Retail Development Managers) on an ongoing basis.  Therefore, a key resource in obtaining information and advise on fit out solutions, and knowledge on relevant products that are available, and on trend.

Looking for one of Melbourne’s best shop fitting companies to quote on your upcoming retail fit out? Contact AAFS Shopfitting on 03 5943 0581.

2015 National Interior Fitout Award Winners

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AAFS Shopfitting received a nationally recognised industry award in the 2014/15 ASOFIA and Laminex Group Interior Fitout Awards. Winners were announced at the 19th National Conference held in Hobart earlier this month. Nominated as a top three finalist the previous year, we were determined to step it up using only the highest quality products and machinery and focus on consistently providing a friendly and personalised service to enhance the overall customer experience for all clients.

We are so proud that all our hard work paid off, in turn being identified as an industry leader by taking the top prize in the category of Interior Fitout Up to $150,000.

Click to see images of the award winning hair salon fit out