It’s a good question that a lot of people ask us. In answer to that question we would say that that “effective design is a powerful tool to help increase your sales”.

Good design also builds your brand profile and recognition, and design companies need to understand that clients have to get a return on investment into the design process. By working alongside you and understanding your vision, any operational issues and bringing relevant retail experience to the project, the right design company should aim to develop retail environments that increase your profit.

Its worth observing that most successful brands in the world use design as a tool to build their business and invest heavily in creating the right image.  This often comes at an upfront cost but is worth it in the long run. A solid foundation gives businesses the platform to launch their brand, or revise a brand that is faltering or even needs to go in a new direction to capture an ever-moving customer demographic.

Design Companies have to understand which direction you want to go in as a business before any work is done.  Some of the questions that should be asked at an early stage are as follows:

• What’s the vision/end game?  (i.e. an independent store, roll out, franchise, a global chain).
• Is there room for improvement in your current brand recognition, the customer experience and sales and profit?
• What are the key drivers behind the decisions to alter or develop your brand?
• Is funding for the project in place? Are leases signed where appropriate?
• What is the overall budget available?
• What are the operational issues?
• What are the brand values… and are these set in place?
• Who is your customer – demographics, age, opportunity, or who do you want your customer to be?
• What is the timescale?
• What are your thoughts on finishes, materials to reflect your brand identity?

Understanding your brand DNA is the key to creating a profitable and sustainable business that works for you.

• Our methodical BRAND REVIEW approach goes through 12 strategic points to evaluate your current retail offer.
• The outcome of this generates the brief from which design work can be developed, (or indeed not developed in certain areas to save on costs).

Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss our process in more detail.

Without a doubt, the best retails brands invest in their brand and are continually evolving their product/messaging and environment to keep the customer interested.