Deciding to launch your own store as a young adult is an exciting but daunting challenge. You may have a great business idea but you’re not sure where to start. There are many factors to consider when starting your store. The retail industry is evolving as customers lean more towards online shopping experiences. This is why it’s essential to design your store not just as a physical place but as an entire experience. Here are 6 ways to effectively design your startup store.

Location
Choosing the right location for your store is one of the most important decisions you will make. It’s not just about finding a space with good foot traffic. You’ll need to find somewhere that naturally attracts your target demographic. Think about who your customer is and where they spend their time. A cheaper location may be cost-effective in the beginning, but less effective in the long run if you’re not attracting your target customers. You could try testing the market with a pop-up store or launching online before committing to a permanent space. 

First Impressions
When designing your store, it’s important to consider how it looks from the outside. Having a strong visual presence is a great way to attract new customers. Choose a memorable name and create a strong logo that symbolises your brand identity and appeals to your target customers. Ideally you’ll want to have your best-selling products visible from outside. This can be done with a creative and eye-catching window display, or by having the products displayed at the very front of the store. Using colourful signage to advertise products and promotions is also an effective way to draw in customers.

Save Costs by Recycling
When starting any new business, you will want to be cost-effective. A great way to do this is through recycling and refurbishing materials. One example is using a refurbished shipping container as a pop-up store or on-site office. This is a creative and eco-friendly alternative to a traditional building. You can also buy used office equipment and furniture to save costs. Depending on your desired aesthetic you could even repurpose items for visual merchandising. Recycled mannequins, mirrors, shelves, and tables can help create a vintage boutique-style vibe for your store.

Omnichannel
Studies have shown that 73% of consumers use multiple channels to shop. Research has also suggested that multi-channel customers may spend more too. This is why an omnichannel approach is essential for any startup store. Omnichannel is when the services available to your customer work together for a consistent experience. It’s not just your brick-and-mortar and online stores. It includes social media, customer support, loyalty programs and mobile apps. To start with, you’ll want to have a reliable net provider and the right technology. Use tools like marketing automation, chatbot, and customer support to provide a full experience.

Social Media
The way you design your store depends entirely on the identity of your brand. This is what separates you from your competitors. Your brand identity is created through your products, aesthetics, and marketing. It also includes your values and the ways you connect with your customers. One of the most effective ways to create a strong brand identity is through social media. Luckily, as a young adult, you most likely have a good understanding of social media and are already interacting with brands this way. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter will let you engage with customers directly. This is essential for building a genuine brand and for getting real-time feedback from your customers. Best of all, it’s totally free!

Focus on Customer Experience
There are many benefits to providing excellent customer service. Research shows that good customer service helps build loyalty and increase revenue. This is why it’s crucial to design your store with the customer in mind. Both your physical and online stores should be welcoming spaces that are easy for customers to navigate. 77% of customers are likely to recommend a business to a friend after a positive experience. This is why you should focus on providing customers with an amazing and genuine experience. Word-of-mouth and reputation can go a long way in helping launch a successful startup. 

Designing a store is about more than how it looks. You’re not just selling products, you’re providing an experience. The most effective way to design your store is with a customer-first mindset and a strong brand identity that is uniquely yours. Starting a new store early in life can be a great starting point for a career, allowing you to learn the inner workings of a business along the way.

New Zealand based writer Cloe, enjoys reading, learning, and writing about a diverse range of topics from business technology, career development to home décor, and sustainable living. Check out more of Cloe’s work on her blog.