A short note on Lay out

1.1.4 Importance of a Store Layout

A stores layout is one of the key strategies in its success. Therefore, time, effort and manpower
goes into its proper design of the layout. Retailers use layout to influence customers behavior by
designing the stores flow, merchandise placement and ambiance. Layouts helps retailers in
understanding how much revenue per square foot they are making; using this information, they
can properly assess the strengths and weaknesses in their merchandising mix.

1.1.5 Types of Layout

1.1.5.1 Grid Layout:

Grid Layout is a type of store layout in which counters and fixtures are placed in long rows or
runs, usually at right angles, throughout the store. It offers following advantages such as
merchandise exposure, low cost, customer familiarity, possibility of self-service etc. The aisles
of the store are arranged parallel to one another and lead to the checkout lanes located at the front
of the store where customers enter and exit. Most people have seen this type of layout used in
grocery or drug stores. Eg.DMart.

Fig 1.1 Grid Layout

Source: Retail store & layout design, Student Workbook
1.1.5.2 Mouse Trap Layout:

In a mouse trap layout, when customers enter the store there is only one direction to go.
Customers walk around the perimeter of the store, stopping to pick up items they need until they
reach the checkout aisles located where they originally entered. Mouse trap layouts are often
used in furniture stores and are considered a more traditional style store layout.

Fig 1.2 Mouse Trap Layout

Source: Retail store & layout design, Student Workbook

1.1.5.3 Free Flow Layout:

Free- Flow Layout is a type of store layout in which fixtures and merchandise are grouped into
free-flowing patterns on the sales floor. It offers following advantages such as allowance for
browsing and wandering freely, increased impulse purchases, visual appeal flexibility etc. A free
flow store layout is ideal for clothing stores, jewelry stores, boutiques and small specialty shops.
 Fig 1.3 Free Flow Layout
Source: Retail store & layout design, Student Workbook

1.1.5.4 Spine Layout:

Spine Layout is a type of store layout in which a single main aisle runs from the front to the back
of the store, transporting customers in both directions. A store's layout displays the overall image
of the store and creates the perception that customers have about the store's environment. The
image of the store not only attracts customers, but it also causes them to purchase goods while
shopping there.

Fig 1.4 Spine Layout

 Source: Retail store & layout design, Student Workbook

1.1.5.5 Race Track Layout:

Provides a major aisle that loops around the store to guide customer traffic around various
departments. Th race track layout facilitates the goal of getting customers to see the merchandise
available in different departments and facilitate impulse purchase. Customers also forced to take
different viewing angles.

Fig 1.5 Race Track Layout

Source: Retail store & layout design, Student Workbook

1.1.5.6 Mixed Floor Plan:

A mixed floor plan layout incorporates different types of layouts throughout the store. This is
often seen in a department store setting where different floor plans work better depending on the
type of merchandise on display in that particular area. Having the flexibility to use different
layouts for each type of merchandise ensures that customers find what they are looking for
quickly and easily in every department.
 Fig 1.6 Mixed Floor Layout
Source: Retail store & layout design, Students Workbook