Page 149 - DMGT552_VISUAL_MERCHANDISING

Visual Merchandising

Notes 10. Circulation plan is the violent guide.
11. The structure of retail space creates the constraints of the overall design.
12. Circulation is important because it ensures that the consumer moves through the store
from front to back, guiding them to important displays and in the end to the cashier.

7.3 Types of Circulation Plans

Following are the basic store layouts and circulation plans that all provide a different experience:
1. Straight Plan: The straight floor plan makes optimum use of the walls, and utilises the
space in the most judicious manner. The straight floor plan creates spaces within the retail
store for the customers to move and shop freely. It is one of the commonly implemented
store designs.

Figure 7.2: Straight Plan

Source: http://www.managementstudyguide.com/store-design-and-layout.htm
This plan divides transitional areas from one part of the store to the other by using walls
to display merchandise. It also leads the consumer to the back of the store. This design can
be used for a variety of stores ranging from pharmacies to apparel.
2. Diagonal Plan: According to the diagonal floor plan, the shelves or racks are kept diagonal
to each other for the owner or the store manager to have a watch on the customers.
Diagonal floor plan works well in stores where customers have the liberty to walk in and
pick up merchandise on their own. It uses perimeter design which cause angular traffic
flow. The cashier is in a central location and easily accessible. This plan is most suited for
self-service retail.
Figure 7.3: Diagonal Plan

Source: http://www.managementstudyguide.com/store-design-and-layout.htm

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