Retail stores certainly did not expect the pandemic to be a new trend in 2020. The retail design trends last year were overcome by global shutdowns, and stores, whether family-owned or industrial-sized, had to close their doors for the time being.

As retailers begin to open back up, they have had to change their store layouts and the way they do business due to social distancing and capacity constraints. Although stores are beginning to open back up, the coronavirus still plays a current role in how retail stores have to design their spaces and how they entice customers. 

Many people chose to shop online or took significant precautions before entering stores in person this past year. However, with the vaccine rollout, more customers will stop by stores once again, but they’ll realize the design trends have changed. Here’s how retail design can bounce back in 2021 for a fresh restart. 

Creating Welcoming Spaces

More retailers will create welcoming spaces for their customers. Hotels, cafes and other businesses do this already. Welcoming spaces and open layouts are a trend that should invite customers in and make them feel like they are in a real living space.

This contrasts with the bright lighting and cold metal frames that hold clothes, decor and other items. Instead of customers coming in and out of the store, they can browse, take a break in a designated seating area, and continue their shopping. 

Transforming Dressing Rooms

Changing rooms is one of the leading design trends that has taken a 180-degree turn from what customers are accustomed to, thanks to COVID-19. Dressing rooms used to be small and somewhat crowded. Although customers couldn’t try on items before buying this past year, with vaccines coming out, more people will be able to return to the stores to try on items. 

The dressing rooms will need a makeover to accommodate social distancing and other preventive measures. This means cubicles will be larger and the walking space widened. Additionally, store workers will have to take steps to clean each stall regularly. 

Putting Experience Over Sales

The shopping experience has changed drastically. Most stores now still won’t allow you to try on clothing or touch items before purchasing. However, as more people get vaccinated, those rules will change and will likely go back to normal. 

Additionally, stores are creating spaces where customers can test a product before purchasing. Then, once they decide on a product after trying it, they can place their order online so it comes right to their door. Storefronts can incorporate more demo items for the customer, primarily since many people have used the Internet for shopping over the past year.

Offering More Health and Safety Measures

Due to the pandemic, retailers have to be more careful with the health and safety of their customers. That’s why many stores still only allow a certain number of people to shop. Sometimes, for customers, it’s challenging to maintain that six-foot distance from other people. 

Stores have incorporated sneeze guards, especially in checkout locations. Additionally, more stores will be installing places to sanitize hands. This is all to make people feel safe and healthy, and it will prepare stores for future health crises.

Keeping Sustainability at the Forefront

Another trend in retail design involves sustainability and minimalism. If anything, the pandemic has taught people about the importance of sustainability and even shopping small to support local businesses. Sustainable stores help cut costs and also allow stores to be more resilient in times such as these. 

Therefore, more stores are open to a minimalistic approach. Stores are putting the bare essentials up for display. With minimalism in mind, stores can keep their spaces more open, contributing to a safer shopping experience for customers. Retailers can focus on major sales rather than a few small sales that aren’t sustainable.

Incorporating Technology Into the Shopping Experience

Consumers got used to shopping online for most of their needs over the past year. Whether it was for groceries, home decor or clothing, people turned to the Internet to purchase all their needs. As storefronts open up, there will be more technology incorporated into the shopping experience. 

Online, consumers had virtual assistance. Technological innovations will allow stores to virtually assist customers in the same way. Customers can receive offers at kiosks and give direct store feedback. It provides convenience while shopping. Plus, these technologies can observe customer behavior and provide them with what they need while they shop.

Changing Retail Design in 2021

Retail design will bounce back this year. As long as retailers take precautions and observe customer behavior, they should get sales going again. Store designs change every year, so this year is no different — retailers will have to adapt. 

Author Bio: Evelyn Long is a writer and editor-in-chief for Renovated, a web magazine for the home industry. Her work focuses on design and construction tactics for industry professionals. 

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