Designing Retail Spaces, Building Code Considerations

Retail store buildings are one of the great icons of the twentieth century. A retail store building is
the most concrete reflection of the profound changes in economy, employment and architectural
patterns that have occurred over the last century. They have often been marked as indexes of
economical, technological and financial progress of an area and time. Successful chains in New
York City put great emphasis on designing their stores in a way that optimizes sales.

To accomplish a feasible building design that provides satisfaction to both owner and customer
and also complies by building code considerations an integrated design approach is adopted that
focuses on meeting a list of objectives. Typically, these designers apply life-cycle analysis to
minimize initial investments in architectural design and building construction and to confirm with
the code considerations.

A major question for designers is how narrow should a retail space be?

That is a tricky one and cannot be solved through a simple formula. Depending upon the retail
store, size and type of business retail space should be selected.

The retail building should be flexible in accommodating specific space and equipment
considerations. It must be aesthetically-pleasing and accessible. To attract visitors’ special
attention should be made on interior finishes and art installations, especially in entry spaces and
display areas.

1 Photo Courtesy: LuckyBrand LA

Main ingredients of successful retail design are:

1. Design a floor plan that etches the “Wow!” factor to retail’s brand.

Buyer’s attention should be grabbed right from the start when they enter the store with an eye-
catching display at front. To create best shopping experience for a customer display section should
be arranged in a way that buyers can see as much of your products as possible and are naturally
funneled to payment areas. The design must also be spacious enough to accommodate expected
clients with barrier-free accessibility.

2 Photo Courtesy: Pinterest

2. Use innovative techniques to grab your buyer’s attention such as Checkout Kiosk.

Technology innovations have changed the way people shop. Checkout kiosks are now being used
which allows store's staff to be on the floor assisting customers rather than behind a counter.

Most customer’s convenience and visibility the checkout kiosk is placed in the centre of the store
or near the entrance. Checkout areas should be placed in a positon that gives 360° view of the store
so that the staff can keep an eye out for theft and security concerns.
 3 Photo Courtesy: Linkedin

3. Use lightning to show off your products in the best possible way.

Proper lightning creates an inviting environment and showcases the chain’s goods. A good retail
design ensures abundant visibility throughout the store. For lighting, electrical design rules also
need to be considered.

4 Photo Courtesy: Design Curial

4. Make room for storage units, kitchens and change rooms.

The retail store should have some additional space for stockrooms, kitchen, change room and
toilets. Although selling floor is most important, but office areas and stock rooms should be
considered too to avoid any hindrance.

5. Produce a design per code considerations

The retail design must consider design rule requirements of New York City. This includes
operating hours, security issues, electronic equipment and technology requirements, storage
requirements, floor loading requirements, health hazards, use of vehicles and economic objectives.

Stores are encouraged to use natural lighting and increased natural ventilation rates, usage of toxic
free and environmental friendly materials and systems, and indoor air quality monitoring.