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Not every retail outlet should aim to be an IKEA store but the concept design of the renowned store, complete with idealistic model rooms, kitchenettes, laundry rooms, and kids' play spaces, are what attracts packs of customers every weekend.
Walking through an IKEA store as a customer might not result in a revamped retail outlet, bedroom or home, but it sure might inspire new ideas for your own home (without you having to purchase a bagful of its 10,000 products).
The mega-brand has nailed one thing about designing the perfect retail experience – it ensures that shopping in or browsing around the store is always fun and inspires a small-change sense of order.
They've basically made it possible to drop all your personal belongings and kids (in the lockers and playroom, I mean) before you excitedly embark on your weekend shopping escapade.
And might I just point out that everywhere you look, every square inch of space they have, which includes every wall and corner, is axiomatic of their main marketing strategy. It's amazing how much they, the interior designers, manage to fit so many features, tools, and furniture into each of their model homes. It'll never fail to impress me...every...single...time.
Take the IKEA concept and come up with your own customers' shopping experience by determining your customer traffic heat map to design your own ideal store.
So, let's start somewhere important – the walls.
A Pinch of Personality for the Walls
The best retail outlets in the world today share one thing in common - bare walls are rare. Often, there's a largesse of décor hanging all about to give it the store its personality. There's a poster, map or, sign. If there isn't a wall, there would be a strategically-built pillar or a lofting feature.
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What I am trying to get at is for you to not forget this - the walls of your retail outlet says a lot about your business.
Make use of some wall display racks, customizable or not, to show off your coolest products. Install shelves one on top of the other to get things off the ground. The most organized stores are ones that create the illusion of space and then inject it with a splash of personality.
You can easily do that with affordable wall panels, gondolas, island, and free-standing shelving units, cashier counters, magazine racks, garment stands, multi-tiered display stands, and deco boxes.
To take it a few steps further, enhance the wall panels with a range of accessories like hooks, arms, clips, baskets, shelves, boxes, acrylic holders and other creative Slatwall fittings.
So, even if the Slatwall panels are customized or standard-size, it's still possible to move things around when you want to change things up.
How to Add a Splash of Uniqueness
This list of ideas from Forbes Magazine shows homeowners how they can add their own personal touches to empty walls without straining the budget although I personally think it can get expensive.
Have a look at them a see for yourself.
Other alternatives:
- Framed pictures
- Wallpaper
- Plants
- Stand-alone shelves
- Paintings
- Mirrors
- Display of antiques
- Bookshelves
- Bright wall hangings
- Wall sculpture
For even more ideas, hop on over to this article from Elle Decor where they feature a Pinterest slideshow with 45 different ways you can fill up an empty, lonely, sad-looking wall.
If your store sells clothes and women accessories, I don't think it's all that hard to find inspiring photos and posters of fashion models in inspiring poses on the internet to print and display in your store. Alternatively, there are plenty of useful quotes out there you can use to create your own poster!
I'll show you two very quick ways to find and print out fun stuff to post of your retail outlet walls. One is to search for quotes....
...the other is to search for quirky, snarky comments made by celebs.
As effective it is to create an elaborate, crafty wall art statement like the ones shown in the above images, sometimes, it can be better to keep it downright and unashamedly simple and down-to-earth. It's also kinder to the wallet.
With the above illustrations, I am sure you're getting a little bit riled up with some of your own ideas and versions of the same thing. That's what inspiration is all about! If you're into DIY, get that idea to snowball into something bigger and more in-tune with your personal preferences and style.
Of course, if you're not the artsy kind, we always have your back!
And if you're actually a retail outlet, how about something neat, tidy, and absolutely spotless like this?
Or this?
Some of the wall decors may look as if it might empty out your bank account but in reality, it cannot be further from the truth. You'll have someone professional to look into the real estate with a laser-precision, advise you on the best options available, customize (if that's the best option) the design and panels, and then have it all fitted in for you.
Since you'll be saving quite heftily on time, professional interior designer fees, and effort, we say it's absolutely worth it!
Stand Out While Remaining Flexible with your Wall Decor
Using a wall-mounted display system like Slatwall can definitely redefine your store décor easily and affordably. You could end up with extra floor space to turn into a quick R&R spot for your customers' kids or add a free-standing gondola with nifty products on promotion.
If you decide to add new products or switch things around in your store, flexible wall-mounted display panels with grooves like Decowall allows for these changes quite seamlessly.
When used judiciously, you eliminate the need for new furniture or a new shelf!
Prime examples would be our Freewall and Wallnut series of wall-mounted display panels. They're slim, sturdy, and has an endless number of options when it comes to creating elegant-looking displays. On the surface, they look simple enough. But the powder-coated metal material can cater to many different looks.
Freewall panels are individual wall slats made of powder-coated metal material. Many of our happy customers agree that it is the best investment they've made for their businesses in a long time.
The same goes for our Wallnut wall panel display series. With almost the same flexibility as Freewall which conceals unsightly fixtures and imperfections on your wall, they're more modern, chic, creative and is absolutely straight-to-the-point.
The amazing thing about installing Slatwall panels in your store is that they're simple to adjust and offer a versatile solution. The grooves allow for repositioning, quick and effective adjustments to your selling space. How? Just take your pick from all the accessories we have in store which include shelves, hardware, hooks, brackets, baskets, acrylic displays, arms, clips, holders, and boxes and change them up as and when you like.
Designing your Own Concept Wall – Retail or Home
Having a concept wall is nothing new and, contrary to popular beliefs, it did not get its start from retail, commercial businesses, or the world of interior design.
It began in schools.
Remember that plain-looking board stuck with thumbtacks at the back of your classroom that your teacher consistently adds to over time? THAT's the original idea of a concept wall.
The idea behind a concept wall is for people, in this case 'students', to keep track of important details. They add new stuff to it as they go along to help gel everything that they've learned throughout the year.
The idea has, however, evolved. Today, it's quite common to see chalkboards placed either at the front or back of cafes or restaurants as a part of the design concept. The intention is for it to be a place for customers to leave supportive messages and relate their experiences while they were in the store, cafe or restaurant.
It's a living wall that changes because of new definitions, concepts, ideas, and key details.
The same way teachers and students add to their concept wall in the classroom, you can have your own living wall in your store too! The most important element to a concept wall is flexibility.
Just browsing through Pinterest and Instagram for concept wall alone will give you whiplash because of the sheer creativity and commitment of some people. Here are some examples I found intriguing.
With Decowall, you can easily and quickly create your own concept or display wall whether at home, in the office or retail outlet! The wall panels make it possible for you to create an art gallery, bookshelf, closet, storage space for your kids' toys, or a space to display your best products.
When placed in a strategic and prominent place, it creates a good impression and you know what they say about making a good impression...it counts!
Changing Things Up Without Straining your Budget or Wrecking your Wall
One of the biggest concerns about wall decorating is wrecking the paint job because of sticky tapes and nails. Many people I know would rather leave their walls bare because the thought of nailing in ten or twenty nails into the walls which may, at the end of the day, be temporary by nature, hurts not just their wallets but their hearts.
I feel you.
Repairing the walls will not only take much of your precious time and money but also some ingenuity. Patching holes up, filling up cracks, and slathering on a new coat of paint will cost you your business.
Apart from using our Decowall Slatwall panels with unique, versatile grooves, here are other ideas you may want to take into consideration as well.
- Using a clothesline
- Hooks with special adhesives. They, however, may not hold heavyweight objects like framed pictures too well
- Special tapes that don't leave a mark on the paint job, made especially for hanging light décor and items. Today, there are literally thousands of decorative tapes out there for you to choose from, especially in art-themed stores
- I've personally seen some really awesome decals in the market that are made for easy on-and-off pictures and posters that come in many different shapes and sizes. The idea behind the decals is that they're meant to be temporary, hence, the special adhesive
- Using magnetic paint and magnets to hang up objects around your home or store.
- If you don't have the time to do all of the above, wallpapers are fantastic options. All you need to do is to find out that suits your style and preference and stick it on!
The wonderful thing about all the ideas above can be applied across the board, be it your bedroom, office, store, or office cubicle. The key point is to play around with ideas and options, and own it.
Conclusion
- Think big, start small
- Adding a pinch of personality to your walls is easier than you think
- Creating the right impression means impressing your customers' socks off right from the get-go
- Adding a splash of uniqueness with anything from paintings to mirrors takes just a little bit of effort
- Use online resources to find inspirational ideas and stuff to print to add to your walls
- Keeping things flexible is important because you'll never know when you want to change things around
- Designing your own concept wall with Slatwall panels make life easy and simple
- Keep to your budget
- Think outside the box
- Use DIY ideas if you have to
We're into the 2nd day of a new decade and it's still not too late to think of something new for your retail outlet. If you'd like to have a look at some wall display racks in Malaysia or see what your options are for wall furniture for sale, you can always look us up at www.formedge.com.my, www.decowall.com.my, call us at +603-61566222, email us at enquiry@formedge.com.my, or pop by our showroom in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
If you're more an internet person, don't forget to follow us Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter. We're always online to keep our customers in the loop about the latest happenings and trends. So, hit us up.
Ready to revamp or reno your store to give it a new pow-wow look? Check out the video below created by Pitch.TV below!
Have an awesome new year ahead, everyone!
The whole point of a designing minimalist retail outlet is for the backdrop to be clean, orderly, clutter-free, neutral, and absolutely pleasing to the eyes. Some might say it works the way a museum does where everything is kept neutral but with a few key points that simply SINGS when they meet your eyes.
You've invested money into ensuring your displays are not only pleasing to the eyes but would also help your customers find what they're looking for. But along the way, there will be speed bumps for pause. Don't forget that.
So, it is absolutely crucial to take a clear look at your retail floor plan before deciding on the shelves and decor. This can still be done without the help of an interior designer, although it is, admittedly, much easier with the keen eagle-eye, and experience of one.
The Decompression Zone and Checkout Counter
One important element we must never forget is to focus on the position of your checkout counter and traffic flow.
- Position of the checkout and entry point(s) has a huge influence on the overall shopping experience of your customers and their behavior
- Traffic flow helps your customers instantly spot stuff they like. The reason they stepped foot into your store has to be apparent to them right from the start. These products should receive maximum exposure. For instance, stuff on sale.
- Place fixtures like gondolas, standalone shelves, wall-mounted shelves, and decorative displays to keep your customers from walking out. Every now and then, there should be something to catch their eyes.
Interior designers would often try to keep the space in front of the entrance approximately 5 to 15 feet wide...but it is OK if you don’t have that real estate luxury. Called the 'decompression zone', it's where people transition from the outside environment to a smaller, most probably, indoor one. It is common for them to either come to a full stop to take in the overall feel of your store or slow down to a sauntering gait to soak in the environment.
The truth of the matter is this is precisely where they make the most judgments based almost solely on their first impression. Simple things like lightings, the position of shelves, cleanliness of the retail store, coordination of your displays, the smile of your salespeople, and the color theme are all taken in in one sweeping glance.
This transition can be rather confusing and they’ll likely miss the small intricate details that you’ve gone the extra mile to do up which includes shelving decor, carpeting, posters and more.
That’s why it’s important to first have an as clear as possible interior decor plan in mind before purchasing shelves and display units.
Staying Organized in Style Without Splurging
Decorating a home or store doesn’t come easily to everyone. Otherwise, interior designers would not be able to place the kind of price tags on their services like they do today. As a beginner, the endless number of possible designs and concepts can be overwhelming.
So, if you want to keep things simply organized, appealing, and clean, instead of making a grand plan, it's better to start making a list of things you DON’T want.
For example, you don’t want it to have a rustic look so, you rule out browns, blacks, and wood furniture. If you prefer to keep things clear off the floor, you don’t want cluttered displays that take up a lot of space.
Many people opt for floating shelves which you can quickly hammer into the wall. Not only do they take up very little space, they're also easy to personalize. In fact, there are hidden brackets and accessories in the market to help you create the seamless, organized look you want. We know retailers who actually change up their displays every so often just to keep things fresh and to highlight new products!
A compact shelf design will allow you to decorate without taking up too much space or cut into your budget. These shelves use hidden brackets to create seamless looks enhances any room or space.
Don't forget to also do your own research online. Pinterest and Instagram are awesome places to scour and study retail outlet design. You might even want to organize your Pinterest boards with differently-themed designs so that you can change them as the year goes along. Have a board for Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali, Big Promo sale, etc...so that when the time comes, you'll know exactly what to do!
If you have a business partner, have him or her look at the designs for a different perspective. We’re also pretty sure your family and friends are more than happy to provide you with some feedback!
Mindful Minimalist Decoration
The best ways to achieve the minimalist look for your retail outlet is to utilize the walls, get things off the floor, keep to the same color theme, and ensure the decor on your display racks are skillfully organized.
Many interior designers will tell you the same thing: if you don’t want to confuse your customers when they walk through the door, choose white, off-white, or beige. It's hard to go wrong with these neutral colors.
Quote: “As a good rule of thumb, about 2-3″ between pieces is a great place to start but then play with your pieces and move them around until they look right to your eye” - Kris Jarrett
When your store has a minimalist look, whatever else you choose to place in your store tends to more easily snatch the spotlight. It sets the stage for them to shine even when there are a lot of products on display.
The theme can also change according to season and according to promo periods. You can decorate the walls and shelves with just about anything which includes feathers in vases, natural-looking wheat decoration, flowers, or posters of products on promotion. Pretty much anything goes with a minimalist design.
In fact, you can go even further with creative DIY ideas like using wrapping paper, gift wrappers, scrapbook paper, inspirational posters, gift bags, thank-you cards from your customers, kids’ art, original paintings and scribblings, dried leaves and flowers, old book (ripped ones too!) pages, antique documents and decor, printables, and of course, meaningful photographs.
The idea goes well if you’re trying for the eco-friendly store look.
You can also take your cue from The Zoe Report's 10 Designer-Approved Home Decor Gifts for the Minimalist In Your Life if you don’t know where to start.
The Wonders of Long-Lasting Wall-Mounted Shelves
Depending on the quality of the shelves, they can last up to a decade, with proper and regular maintenance. So, before you buy the shelves, find out more about the kind of material it is made of because some shelving systems, be it for home or retail, are not weather-proof.
Some shelving systems are merely made for indoor use. If it comes with a manual, read it. If you're visiting the showroom, have a long chat with the salesperson in charge before purchasing it. Many salespersons and designers are willing to share their personal takes on how to create the right ambiance for your store.
The less you move it around, the longer it will last. Most shelving systems come with good finishing touches so that all you need is a gentle detergent, a washcloth, and a quick wipe every now and then.
If the manufacturer's manual tells you to keep it in cool, dry storage spaces, heed the advice. How many times you clean it, however, is a personal decision. If the shelves are exposed to the elements, clean them every day. If they're located in an indoor shopping mall and in an air-conditioned environment, wiping it once every couple of days is often good enough.
Designing your Own Retail Outlet, Digging in your Heels
You don't really need to hire an interior designer to come up with the design of the store but go ahead if you have the budget for it. At the end of the day, we want to help you make sure the shelving system installed makes full use of the space you have to work with.
With the internet these days, you'll find tons of ideas and may even set you off to become your own interior designer!
The idea is to start with a blank slate. This way, you get an overall picture of the space you’re working with and decide an overarching theme.
After that, get to the larger stuff like furniture, shelves, display units, counters, storage space, kitchen, bathrooms, living space, rest areas, etc. As the picture gets clearer, you’ll get to move on to other things like books, vases, flowers, decorative items, plants, picture frames, poster stands, mirrors, lighting, candles, coasters, lanterns, orbs and many other things you can slowly add to the retail outlet design.
QUOTE: "When you’re shopping for frames, look more at the size and style of the frame than the color because the color is something that you can easily change" - DrivenbyDecor.com
Just remember that when you’re designing a minimalist or eco-friendly retail outlet, it doesn’t have to be expensive. Instead, the most expensive investment of it all should be effort and time.
As long as the store has a welcoming and comfortable ambiance as well as enough speed bumps, or what we call ‘merchandise outposts’, along the way, you're on the right route. Customers tend to pause and think a little more when they see something that wanders into the radar screen that encourages them to buy a little bit more....and yes, most of the time, on impulse.
Conclusion
So, before you go, here’s a recap. We hope we’ve been able to shed a better light on how to design your minimalist retail outlet better.
- Neutral colors and keep things simple
- Pay attention to the decompression zones
- Position the checkout counter strategically
- Determine the traffic flow within your store
- Use gondolas and wall-mounted shelving systems intelligently
- Make the right first impression
- Start with a list of things you DON'T want in your retail outlet
- Start with an empty slate
- Use the internet and social media to come up with an idea
- Ask for feedback
- Utilize the walls
- Set the stage for your promotional products and highlights of your store
- Make sure you're using quality furniture
- Ask the salesperson relevant and useful questions
- The most expensive investment for your store is time and effort
Find out more about what Formedge.com.my and Decowall.com.my has to offer if you’re decorating, redecorating, revamping, or renovating your retail outlet. With our decades of experience in the industry, we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your retail interior design needs in no time. Give us a call at +603-61566222, email us at enquiry@formedge.com.my, or drop by our showroom in Kota Damansara to speak to our personnel. For ideas, check out our Slatwall projects or Freewall projects. If you’re on social media, you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. We hope to connect with you and share some of our future projects with you!
Walking along the streets, you might unknowingly bump into one or two of your competitors. The market is saturated. But an exhibition is a gathering spot where all of your immediate competitors are invited and they’re ready for the game! All decked out, ready to pull punches and crush the game.
All under one roof.
That’s what it is like to participate in an exhibition as a merchant and a part of our jobs as a display panel supplier and exhibition display unit supplier is to help you make the most of the limited (and possibly expensive) real estate you’re paying to be a part of that exhibition.
Bear in mind that attendees of these trade shows and exhibitions spend approximately 9 hours traipsing around the exhibition halls. Information overload? Yes, definitely.
The cost of participating in a trade show, road show or exhibition
The cost of participating in an exhibition, of course, varies from one exhibition to another. You could rent out a smaller booth in a more hidden corner of the trade show hall, or you could pump all the cash into securing the massive booth right in front of the entrance (that coveted spot)!
Based on a study, it could cost a company USD100 to $150 per square foot to be in a popular trade show. So, if the trade show booth is about 20 x 20, we’re talking about shelling out to the tune of USD$40,000 to USD$50,000. Bear in mind that because of logistics and marketing, most of the cost would consist of purchasing hardware or mobile display panels for the exhibition.
That’s why some companies decide to put together an internal team of people (experienced or not) to hunker down together in the meeting room to hash out a marketing game plan while slashing away at the budget. Larger conglomerates have fewer things to worry about because they would either be already experts in participating (and rocking) trade shows or have agencies and specialists behind them.
The following ideas are not ground-breaking ones but we would like to remind participants of trade shows that you only have a fraction of a second or, at best, a couple of minutes, to capture someone’s attention. As attendees walk-in, they face, first, an overload of information. Their normal reaction would be to seek out either the quietest place within their line of sight or become encapsulated with something flashy right in front of them.
Invest in fun, colourful, vibrant, and informative ads to display on a loop
At most, you’ll have approximately 3 to 5 of your staff (and/or trained part-timers and assistants) at hand during the trade show or exhibition. During peak hours, their hands would be pretty tied. So, if you can mobilise a video presentation that can be played on a loop throughout the trade show, it'd be best to run that in the background.
Use a colourful foldable display panel to attract your customers’ attention with vibrant, enticing, and self-explanatory (or ambiguous - this depends on the angle of your marketing plan) ads and visuals.
If the budget permits, hire someone to do on-the-spot demonstrations and explanations to interested customers. In fact, if you want to really get serious about free promotions, do a live broadcast or a semi-live one on either Youtube, Instagram or Linkedin.
Stories and narratives have never been more important. It’s no secret that big brands are using storytelling as a part of their marketing gameplan to connect with their customers.
It's time to sit down and think of a way to connect with your customers, not in a company-customer way, but in a person-to-person way.
Give them something useful they can use on the spot
Within 5 minutes of walking around, an attendee’s arms would already be full of free stuff in the form of everything from brochures to notepads, t-shirts to umbrellas. So, the best thing you can give away is actually high-quality bags with your logo printed prominently across it.
Apart from promotional pens and bags, here are a few things to consider:
- A wallet or carry-all for smartphones and devices
- Fancy, cute, and memorable document clips to use on the spot
- Quality reusable water bottles in exchange for personal information
- A bright, quality tote bag
- USB chargers (because everyone needs them these days)
- T-shirts (still the best multi-faceted, long-lasting promotional gift in the world)
- Product samples - because nothing is more convincing than a small version of the product itself.
- Light refreshments - because it stops them in their tracks and the window of opportunity opens for them to have a look at YOUR booth and what you have to offer.
Bank on Unconventional, Targeted Giveaways and Brochures
If you’re a maternity wear store, don’t stop at just promoting your store as one, instead, get savvy with technology and have different booklets and flyers for different target markets. Dive deep instead of sideways.
Instead of promoting your store as a maternity store located in a such-and-such locale, hand them brochures about maternity clothing for working mothers and don’t forget to include links or QR codes that lead them directly to your website, Youtube video, or eCommerce website!
If you’re a company selling home and living products, choose one angle and go from there. How different are you from...say, IKEA or Home’s Harmony? And why? Why should you tackle these questions? Because that’s what they’re asking in their heads!
With a website, eCommerce site or an active Facebook page, participating in a trade show or exhibition is a sure-fire way to get the video views, eyeballs, and footfall up.
As for promotional items, spend money on products that are practical for everyday use - something they can bring home with them and use over a long period instead of wasting your money on stuff they’ll stick into the trash before leaving the trade show.
Focusing on modern technology
Back in 1998, trade shows and exhibitions were all about making connections, exchanging business cards, endless chats, discussions, and networking. As fleeting as modern people’s attention are whenever they’re browsing through their phones, their attention span is also just as fleeting when they’re in a large overwhelming trade show.
Apart from attracting them via an attractive booth with a colourful, vibrant display panel, help them remember you by catering to their modern needs. For instance, we’ve found people giving away headphones and USB chargers during exhibitions.
Who needs notepads nowadays when everything is a snapshot or a Whatsapp message away.
And honestly speaking, if you find the right suppliers, headphones and Bluetooth speakers aren’t expensive trade show giveaways. With your logo emblazoned on the set, they will not only continue using the item in their hotel room as they wait for their flight back home, but someone at home will also probably find them useful too.
Find the right balance between traditional and social media exposure
I know some of us are having trouble diving into this and I don’t really blame you. Do we start with promoting our Facebook page with a link and QR code? Do we collect email addresses and phone numbers right off the bat? What do we do with it even if they respond? How do I make them visit and follow our Instagram account? What do I write? What kind of live presentation should I carry out?
Let’s face the fact: you can’t do it all. You’ll have to pick and choose.
That’s where the marketing strategy comes in and if you’ve decided to come up with an enticing video with a simple contest or quiz, hop on Instagram and Facebook and ask them to use a specific hashtag to connect with them online again once the trade show or exhibition is over.
You can still continue to delve into traditional media by sending out press releases to the local dailies to provide exposure to your booth at the trade show, or you can invite them for a demonstration so that you can post a video up on either Youtube or Linkedin live or after the trade show. Your call.
Conclusion - It’s time to get creative and crafty at exhibitions and trade shows
- The cost of participating in a trade show, roadshow, or exhibition can be hefty - so, make it count! Use every trick in the book and outside the box to make it count
- Invest in fun, creative, innovative, and social ways to engage with your potential customers
- Give them something free in exchange for their information
- Catch their attention as quickly as possible and give them reasons to stay
- Use stories and narratives that hit the right notes to draw people in
- Bank on unconventional, targeted giveaways, brothers and promotional items that they can use every day after the show is over
- Focus on modern technology and, if you want, go live
- Find the right balance between traditional and social media exposure.
I hope you found these to be useful in your bid to make every single sen and Ringgit spent on an exhibition or trade show.
If you’re looking for long-lasting, flexible, lightweight, and portable display panels and systems for a trade show or exhibition that you’re participating soon, please drop by our website to browse around. Better yet, email us at enquiry@formedge.com.my for more information or call us at +603-6156 6222 to get things moving along.
Of course, we're also on social media so, let's catch up over Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and our blog.
As usual, if you have questions, feedback or comments about this blog and its content, please shoot me an email at editor@formedge.com.my and I'll try to get back to you as soon as I can!
With the explosion of the internet, one thing’s for sure - it has leveled the marketing playing ground for both big and small businesses. The financial edge that large conglomerates and corporations used to have over small and medium businesses are now shaved off.
Although it’s going-too-far to say we now have the same footing as mega-million-buck organisations, what it does is give small businesses like us a better fighting chance. SMEs have a budget-friendly smorgasbord of options we never had before. Maybe it is wishful thinking but perhaps, one day, small business owners will stop being referred to as the “small fry”.
But what can you do as a small- or medium-sized business owner looking for windows of opportunities apart from throwing every door open?
The Internet is Jenga for Everyone
It’s safe to say that almost every small business owner, regardless of their geographical location, sighed with deep relief when online advertising proved to be far more cost-effective and efficient compared to traditional advertising and marketing. No longer are we slaves to conventional media which, suffice to say, continue to cost an arm, a leg and a kidney. There are piquant ways we can actually use to win this Jenga game.
And that is why it has never been more important to invest in a professional-looking website (or at least a blog or social media page) for your business. It’s no longer just a way to show off your winning strokes to impress potential clients/customers; it is now a NECESSITY. And once you’ve got that sorted out, you’ll also be investing in small-time ads on both social media and search engines.
For small to medium-sized businesses, it pays to spend time researching internet marketing because it’s something you can do for free. It’s a whole different ball game, I know, because the stage is so massively different. You’re fighting for the same keywords with not just your neighbouring competitors, but everyone else from all corners of the world. There is no more pecking order, but this means all chickens are out of the coop.
But it’s fair game, still. As long as you are patient, willing to learn and know your limits, search engine marketing is a doable task for small businesses.
Online information can make product research more efficient and it can be particularly useful for a feature-rich product. But it is not the only tool buyers use to gather information. - Pew Research Center
If you don’t have the time for it, scope out someone you can trust. There are right and wrong promotional techniques on the internet and, often times, these rules are unwritten ones. Becoming over-aggressive and using black hat tactics could land a company in a minefield of penalties from Google.
Connecting the Parade of Dots on Social Media
There are no Gurus on the internet, only lifelong learners, and successful experimenters. Remember that when you’re hunting for help. If someone tells you they’re a Guru at it, run the other way.
First, choose the right platform. With just one or two platforms, businesses can blossom from a home-based business to a flourishing retail outlet. This is the internet; anything is possible. If you’re are a corporation and organisation, focus on LinkedIn. If you’re dealing with everyday customers, sign up for Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and work it. If you’re a photographer, you should be on Unsplash, Flickr, Instagram, Pinterest or the up-and-coming Periscope. And if you’re a retailer, get yourself some eyeballs on sites like on Lazada, 11Street.my or Shopee.
Businesses are encouraged to cross-promote across as many platforms as they think fit, but with the limited number of hours and resources, learn how to prioritise. As long as you can diagnose what is working and what isn’t, crank things up on what you think will be your claim to fame.
According to an article written by Forbes, instead of thinking in numbers, when it comes to social media, we should measure by effectiveness and engagement. There are billions of blogs out there, each one vying for the same attention you are. If the stats are right, there is 1 blog for every 7 people out there....that’s a LOT OF BLOGS.
So, what secret ninja moves should we have up our sleeves?
“The most important thing about social media is that it’s not just about you! Social media is not a monologue where you tell the world about the awards you’ve won, or the special deals on your products and services. It’s an opportunity for you to connect, in a meaningful way, with the people who have helped you and supported you in business” - Brian Moran, SmallBusinessEdge.com
If you first think of how YOU can HELP the CUSTOMERS, you’re moving in the right direction.
Getting Personal
The biggest mistake for businesses on social media is to think of it as their free-for-all megaphone. That’s not it.
Ask questions and get personal opinions. Always listen out for reviews and do your best to be cordial and responsive to feedback. Ask for recommendations and referrals because we’re all humans. Share your personal story and don’t be afraid to get real. Knowing you more as a person encourages support for your business.
In fact, it’s been shown that being too “promotional” might yield a negative effect. If there was a kickback for being a small entity, this is it. We don’t have the red tapes, hoops, and ladders that larger corporations have to contend with.
And here’s what Neil Patel has to say about using LIVE videos to promote your products/services/brand/company.
“There’s just something about live video that makes it more appealing. Maybe it’s the chance that people will mess up. Maybe it’s the transparency. Maybe it makes us feel more connected. Whatever the reasons, the fact is the same. People enjoy live video far more than they do traditional videos. That’s particularly true on Facebook.” - Neil Patel, NeiPatel.com
It’s also more important now than ever before to be visual using videos, slideshows, and pictures. Yes, content is still king and words will never go away, but to stand out amongst your competitors, you need to hustle harder visually.
Inspire them, give them ideas, share links, create value for your brand and ask for their opinions. That’s the way social media is headed right now.
Perfectly Prettying Up Your Place
Once in a while, we pretty up our stores for special occasions and holidays, like this coming Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali, or Hari Raya. That’s the order of business and it is a proven method to increase footprint.
Other times, we just need to pretty a few things up, focus on redecorating your retail outlet with new ideas and innovative furniture solutions to draw the attention of new visitors or catch the attention of our regulars.
You can set up a simple gallery wall of the latest events in your shop, install a rainbow mobile to brighten up the room or make a bold statement with simple wall hangings.
And the surprising finding is that not only will small re-dos to your office or retail outlet attract the attention of new clients/customers, but it also boosts employee morale as well. A little bit of pizzazz goes a long way and employees naturally see the place with a pair of ‘fresh eyes’. So, instead of making drastic changes, all you might need is a new display unit, a table, a new poster, a coat of paint or just new decor items at the receptionist.
The words you may want to focus on are:
- Clean
- Comfortable
- Efficient
- Organized
- Inviting
- Good impression
- Space
Even if you don’t have the budget for major renovations, it pays to make your company look more organised and efficient, and all it really takes is some creativity and effort.
Fun fact: It costs companies hundreds of millions in interior decor fees for their award-winning looks.
For the rest of us without that kind of budget, there are cheap alternatives. For example, adding a mirror to your workspace or showroom. Mirrors make the place look more elegant and refined and, as an added bonus, it gives off the illusion of space.
Another good example would be lighting. Even with enough sunlight coming into the office, showroom or retail outlet, a down-light spotlighting a new product in a classy glass cabinet will make it look so much more polished.
You can also re-purpose old decors and ideas like retro stuff from the 1980s and 1990s. It can make a drastic comeback because who knows!
Say what you will, your customers might love it!
You’ve Got eMail!
Although many people argue that email marketing is dead because of strong spam filtering systems and the penchant to immediately delete emails before reading them, the fact remains that 2.5 billion people in the world continue to use them.
Between social media and email marketing, many internet experts contend that the latter will come out on top in a straight fight, especially viewed in the context of converting fence-sitters into customers.
And that is why email is not dead! As we step deeper into the social media vortex, having an email list will become ever more important in creating brand awareness, finding qualified leads, driving engagement with your target market and growing a loyalty base.
Promotions and Discounts, Help Your Customer Save Some Pretty Pennies
The honest truth is that people appreciate all kinds of discounts and any savings they can get their hands on. The same level of joy is achieved with a massive 70%-off warehouse sale as with an RM5 discount voucher. Studies show that the more your customers are exposed to promotions and discounts, the more aware they become of your company (dependent on brand, product category, etc).
And as small business owners, we know the margin for profit is probably really slim and we can sometimes ill-afford even the smallest of discounts. But let’s think about things a few months down the road, or maybe even a couple of years from now. People tend to remember businesses that offered them a deal, big or small, rather than the hi-bye ones.
On top of that, try your hand at establishing yourself as the go-to or authority in your area of business. Authorities don’t always have to make a case of everything they say, do, or touch. You’ll see that most effective leaders and authorities have a way of connecting with common folks.
Authority is a currency. The more of it you have, the more you can cash in on opportunities for growth of all kinds.” - Josh Elledge, upendPR.com
The Stage is Set for SMEs Regardless of Where You are
You don’t have to wait for a new year to make changes to the nuts and bolts of your business. One thing that needs to be like clockwork is change.
Google is set to change the rules (yet again!) for 2019, and marketing experts are already on their toes about the ever-changing social media landscape. And word has it that LinkedIn is going to massive for businesses and working professionals from here on.
So, we hope everyone had an amazing break over the weekend and raring to go!
For everyone else whose business remains open throughout the holidays, grind on!
If you have questions or feedback regarding this article, kindly send a shoutout to editor@formedge.com.my. But if you are interested in some of the products featured either in this article or website, send an email to enquiries@formedge.com.my. We love hearing from you! And oh, if you're on social media and would like to keep updated with what's in the pipeline and our promotions, head over to our Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter accounts. After all, we live in a connected world. See you there!
xxx
There’s no denying the facts – data tells us that more and more people are on their smartphones to mine the news for the latest prices of their favourite products, read reviews and ultimately shop for their favourite products online.
A study by Bigcommerce revealed that over half of the American population prefer to shop online, with a whopping 96% of those surveyed saying that they’ve bought something online. That’s 4% shy of 100%, people. So, does this spell the death of retailers?
While it is hard to deny that malls are seeing a smaller number of footfalls over the years, reports from the business world show that it is NOT the death of the industry but a loud, roaring call for action.
Are we overestimating consumer fidelity to mall-crawl weekends and personalised shopping experiences?
This call to action is meant to appeal to retailers and brick and mortar stores so that plans can be promptly put into place to ramp up marketing, provide better customer experience, and fill in the gaping holes that were ignored before.
Although 67% of Millennials report that they prefer to shop online rather than walking into a store to buy their everyday stuff, shopping malls continue to thrive in this day and age.
Going that Extra Mile for World-Class First-Hand Retail Experience
This is one for those who are in the clothing, garment, decor, furniture, and personalised items industry. No IKEA can beat this because we’ve all probably been there before, purchasing something online or on our smartphone only to be disappointed by the product when the delivery guy gets here.
Par for the course, e-commerce sites now have the ability to provide detailed measurements, zoom-in tools, user reviews, stunning videos, useful demos, and solid return policies but nothing beats being able to try on the clothes in a fitting room before parting with our hard-earned cash. Seeing it in front of you in the clothes rack will, one way or the other, beat seeing it under the ‘Trending’ or ‘Most Popular’ scroll bar on an app.
Some consumers have also expressed discontent in the descriptions of colour and sizes in an app store compared to what they receive in the mail. Hot pink is not baby pink. What’s seen as ‘white’ on an RGB monitor might appear to be a few shades off when placed in your living room.
Yes, over 70% of consumers might be inclined to complete the purchase on an app or webstore if there was a video or good reviews, but many industry observers argue that first-hand experience beats them hands down.
Offering the Personal, Human Touch in your Retail Outlet
A picture may tell a thousand words but nothing beats being able to run your hand over the hardwood furniture or marble tiles before deciding to invest on them. Being able to test out kitchen appliances before paying for them at the counter will also leave you less infuriated. And if someone’s planning to buy a vacuum cleaner, you can provide zippy service with a quick demonstration.
So, while e-commerce businesses are still punching in the numbers in an effort to enhance consumer shopping experience through their apps and online stores, retail outlets, showrooms and malls retain their position. AND we should do everything we can to wring it for what it’s worth by providing top quality customer touch-points whenever we can.
Provide the Comfy In-Store Ambiance Consumers Seek
In most countries, studies show that the shopping mall industry is still far from being in its twilight hour. Only approximately 10% of businesses have their businesses running on an e-commerce platform completely.
Everyone single one of us has, at least, one favorite mall that we frequent. THE place we meet up with friends for coffee and cakes. THE mall we visit when we’re running out of butter and soy sauce.
Until and unless e-commerce and apps can find a way to replace the experience of shoppers being physically present with their friends or chatting with the salesperson about which angel figurine sitting on the shelves is prettier, it’s hard to completely replace the mall-crawl experience with online shopping.
Shopping malls and their retail outlets are no longer just a place designed purely for shopping. Instead, it offers an umbrella of experiences for visitors with their indoor theme parks, arcade game centers, spas, cafes, and co-working spaces.
So, yes, e-commerce is on the rise, it is a hard-to-deny fact, but we, humans, still have our habit-worn ideals of using all of our five senses to experience a product or scout out services before signing on the dotted line. Shopping malls and retail outlets provide us with the all-essential final litmus test experience before every purchase that is still hard to replicate in the digital world.
Will Customer Service be Replaced by Robots?
If you’ve ever had a chat with a chatbot, you’ll know what the experience feels like. AWK…WARD…even speaking to Siri or Galaxy gives us a somewhat out-of-body experience.
Using an e-commerce platform or our online presence can, however, provide a launchpad to delve into deeper conversations, gather data, read reviews, and initiate offline communication with real people IRL.
More and more retail outlets and shopping malls are undergoing some form of evolution to offer a more comprehensive experience for their customers, be it delivery after shopping or taking online orders in person. Providing quality customer service is not science but it is a trainable skill.
Being able to connect to a real person remains high on the list of priorities for shoppers. Even with that said, it is quite unusual for a major retailer to not have an internet presence these days, whether it is a Facebook account or a full-on 24/7 online store. In order to remain competitive in 2019 and the coming years, the divide between digital and human realms are quickly merging and we need to keep the ball in the air to remain in the game.
And if you’re a retail business owner, it’s heartening to know that with personal attention and service, customers tend to spend up to 6 times more than they would have if they were browsing through an online store.
Beat The Risk and Regret of Reckless Online Purchases
This goes without saying but consumers don’t mind the risk of buying something tacky, fake, or of low quality online from an e-commerce store. But when it comes to something more functional, lasting and costs more, they prefer to purchase it in-store.
With online shopping, we’re basically taking a guess and a gamble that it will be what it says it is. AND, to add salt to the wound, we have to wait a few weeks to find out about it. NOT. IDEAL.
If the product turns out to be inadequate, then we might yield ourselves to it being a ‘big mistake’ and discard the item without so much as a second look, albeit with much self-berating. We would then never shop at the online store again and forget about it until it becomes a distant memory.
What’s encouraging is the fact that more retail outlets are investing funds in better logistics and consumer experience. There’s a major boom in the storage and shipping industry right now, thanks to the mushrooming of online stores, and conventional retailers should hop on the same bandwagon too.
Some innovative storefronts display a small number of products in their storage space and yet allow their customers to make instant purchases on-the-spot (via cards, apps, Paypal accounts, and smartphones) then have it delivered to the customers’ homes at a predetermined date and time. It saves the retail outlets space and manpower while customers love the fact that there is no need to lug their bulky new couches or bookshelf home themselves.
Boost Personal Attention to Enhance the Shopping Experience
Companies that train their sales force to enhance relationship-based retail instead of one-off business transactions stand to win in the near future. People are tired with sub-par customer service not when they can get better service (via online chat, instant messaging, email and phone call) with an e-commerce store.
They’re looking for that waitress with that brilliant smile, extra clean plates, instantly refilled drinks, the immaculate decor, samples, and the manager who is pedantic about your in-store experience.
So, if you want to beat the beast, pay extra attention to providing your customers with exemplary shopping experiences and you’ll be moving the needle in the right direction.
It may seem like a smackdown between brick-and-mortar businesses and e-commerce stores in the next few years, but there ARE loopholes that an online store can’t seem to fill right now, and if you’re a retail store, doing everything to fill in the gaps should top your list of priorities to keep your loyal customers by engaging them without pushing them into corners.
For questions relating to this article, get in touch with us by sending an email at editor@formedge.com.my. We'll get back to you as soon as we can!
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xxx
The world is at the confluence of active conservation of natural resources and preserving the environment. No matter which side of the world you’re living in, it affects you because earth is the only home we have and we must put on some elbow grease to do our partwhether in our personal life or professional lives.
Many retailers think that going green is restricted to their homes and buildings. Since most retailers are either located in a mall, business lot, or in a space that they have little control over, the most we can do is to watch the news. That cannot be further from the truth and we’re here to show you how you, too, can do your part, as a retailer, to contribute towards the green movement no matter how small you think they are.
According to a 2017 study conducted by Dodge Data & Analytics, in partnership with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), about one third of home builders (33%) report that they are currently doing green builds for more than a majority of their projects – LotNetwork
Federal governments all around the world have ramped up efforts to help businesses and consumers become more involved in slowing down the earth’s deterioration.
You don’t have to hop into the pool if you’re not ready. Small baby steps are all that’s required.
Projects, money, and programs are already underway to move the business world towards the construction of zero-energy buildings, homes, condos, and retail outlets. We should be proud of the fact that Malaysia is one of the biggest movers and shakers in this respect.
Not only are we clamping down on countries dumping their wastes on Malaysian soil, our Energy, Science, Technology and Climate Change Ministry is all claws and daggers in promoting aggressive moves to help Malaysian consumers and businesses adopt solar panels.
In Europe, governments are continuing with their efforts to bring down the cost of building more energy-efficient homes and buildings. This trend, many predict, will only spread further to the rest of the world. As soon as the cost of building more eco-friendly homes and buildings drop, retail businesses will also start enjoying the same benefits, reducing the cost of turning green.
It was reported that about 3/4 of construction companies surveyed believe that the cost of building a green home or building has dropped by about 10% in recent years. Yes, we are more bound by rules than homeowners, but this shouldn’t stop us from doing our level best to reduce waste and making our stores more eco-friendly.
It’s part and parcel of not just doing our bit for the environment, but it will also present a better front to our customers/clients.
And if you’re ready to show your customers and clients that you’re more than ready to stand up and speak out about helping the environment, here are some nifty, quick, and absolutely do-able ideas!
Making the Most of the Space
If you’re a retailer moving into a new office space, THIS is the perfect time to think about green ways to make your business a more earth-conscious one. One easy way is to make the most of the space in the office or retail outlet by first planning and designing with what you have.
Begin by thinking of each wall, every inch of the floor, imagining the placement of the counter, type of flooring, display units, shelves, posters, and the paint you’ll use. Even if it means conjuring up pictures of a bouquet on the coffee table in your head.
Focus on each panel or wall and try to come up with ideas on how to maximize its space instead of expanding your ideas in every direction. Worry not if you have a small retail outlet or office because the smaller it is, the more creative you can be and the less impact you’ll make on the environment.
According to reports, tiny homes and spaces is all the rage right now because it forces people to come up with impressively creative ways to make use of the space they have.
Another good idea is to always look around you, in your local market, to find good quality locally-made products that will last for a long time to come. Skimping on the initial cost might cost you more in the long run.
Mind the Water and Electricity
Remember, one person is a drop of water but together, we’re the ocean.
The average Malaysian uses up to 300 liters of water every day, almost double of what our country’s set out to do during United Nations conferences and meetings. It could be something as simple as not to leave the tap running, or to fixing a leaky sink. There are many low-flow faucets aerators and tankless water heaters out there in the market so, get them! Water heaters are real energy-suckers, so, invest in one that will automatically pause the heating process once the water temperature is right.
You can also set buckets out (if you’re on landed property or at the ground floor of a building) to catch rain water to use it for general cleaning purposes. In fact, consumers are encouraged (whenever possible) to use rainwater to top up water features like the toilet.
And this one goes without saying but it needs to be said anyway because we’re not as mindful as we think we are – switch off all appliances when they’re in use. Leaving it on standby mode still consumes electricity and it includes the television, lights, fans, computers, laptops and other electronic appliances. If you want to go a step further, unplug them before you leave the office or store, even when going out for a lunch break!
It sounds tedious but once it is a habit, it will be a breeze.
If you have the budget for it, replace old appliances because older electrical appliances tend to suck up energy much more than newer models. But since this is a major move not just for general consumers, even big businesses need to work this into their annual budgets so, take your time to deliberate.
Say ‘NO’ to Plastic Bags
Although Selangor and Penang states in Malaysia were the first in the country to refuse single-use plastic bags (or charging consumers for plastic bags), Bangladesh was the first country to impose a ban on them. Hot on its heels was countries like South Africa, China, the Netherlands, Morocco, Albania, Sri Lanka and many more.
While the move is lauded by many around the world, other earth contaminants would soon be added to the list which includes plastic straws, coffee cups and lids, sweet wrappers, water bottles, earbuds, and takeaway containers.
It is, therefore, to the surprise of none that young consumers, the Millennials and Generation Z, are more willing to pay a premium price for not just better quality products but also environmentally-friendly ones.
Not everyone was happy with the move because it was a radical shift of mindset. What consumers began doubting was claims of scientific research being done. The new generation is the most well-informed, well-educated and skeptical bunch we’ve seen thus far. You can read more about Millennial shopping habits and their loyalty here.
A company with a well-rounded corporate social responsibility program also enjoys a better rate of return business and loyalty.
What YOU can do for your business is to call in for a meeting with all the directors, managers and key staff members of your company for a discussion about potential plans of becoming a greener business. Pinpoint what can and cannot be done and put it in black and white. You can also use this time to get your employees to come up with innovative green ideas. Input from your employees is important because they know the inner workings of your company and have a better idea about what will or will not work.
Things your business can do for the environment:
- Things your business can do for the environment:
- Say ‘no’ to plastic
- Choose paper over plastic whenever possible
- Put up giant posters and signs that encourages your customers/clients to bring their own bags when shopping
- Sell reusable containers, cups, bags, tumblers, straws, and utensils at an affordable price
- Only print out receipts upon request
- Reduce printing on paper by going electronic
- Reuse paper, plastic, aluminum, ink cartridges whenever possible
- Reuse packaging materials (no, your customers won’t complain if they’re clean and in good condition)
Implement a Corporate Lifestyle Change
A word of warning: this could get uncomfortable and unsettling in the beginning. If your employees are used to leaving the air-conditioning on the whole day, asking them to switch it off during lunch hour or a few hours before closing shop will put your working relationship to the test. If they are used to leaving the retail outlet completely lit up, they’re bound to forget once in a while despite repeated attempts to remind them.
It takes patience and practice.
When there’s low foot traffic in your shop, use the ceiling fan instead of leaving the air conditioner on. It could also be time to invest in good energy-saving light bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs. If your employees keep forgetting to switch the lightings and air-conditioning off, use a timer. Depending on your budget, install a hand dryer in the restroom of your office building and then set all computers to power-down when not in use.
Other business lifestyle changes you can implement includes:
- Print only when necessary (I know this can be impossible sometimes but do this as many times as you can)
- Print double-sided instead of lazily printing everything on a single side of the paper
- Ask your customers if they require a printed receipt before giving them one
- Email your transactions and confirmations
- Equip your pantry or kitchen with washable plates and utensils instead of disposable ones
- Use rechargeable batteries for your devices whenever possible
- Scope out local businesses to see if they offer refillable non-toxic, eco-friendly, biodegradable detergents
- Donate electronics like laptops, computers, monitors, printers, speakers, etc, instead of throwing them away
- Regularly maintain all the mechanical equipment in your office or retail outlet
These are the small steps which may culminate in massive leaps in the future.
Explore Solar Power
This topic can be sketchy and touchy for many because not everyone is rich enough to purchase a personal plot of land, build a home or office building from scratch, and install whatever solar panels we want onto the premises.
It is expensive, we’ll admit that.
But if your business is in the position to do that, there should be nothing standing in your way. It’s a good investment in the long run! With restrictions, keeping yourself informed about the latest technology and offerings is the only way to go.
If you’re not in the position to make a complete overhaul to your business or home, one simple change you can make to your new business lifestyle is to change all the light bulbs in your store into energy-efficient LED ones. These powerhouses pack 25 times more power and consume up to 75% less energy! A good LED will slowly dim out instead of instantly leaving you in the dark when burnt out. However, it takes a pretty long time for the LED light to actually completely expire.
So, it is a good, inexpensive change indeed.
Focus on Quality, Long-Lasting Products, and Materials
I know how easy it is to cave into cheaper products in the market but if you looked at it financially, investing in good quality, long-lasting products, and materials for your shop or home will save you quite a hefty amount of money in the long run.
AND you’ll be doing the planet a huge favor.
Did you know that most paints are not kind to the environment? Not many people do. Not only will your choice of paint affect the environment but it might also affect indoor air quality. If it smells like a petrol station or glue, chances are, it’s not good for your health. With many employees working within the walls for long hours, it could be long-term jeopardy on their health. Most famous paint brands carry an eco-friendly line, anyway, so, invest a small sum in them instead of going for the cheaper ones. Consult the salesperson for paint that is low-odor, free of toxic chemicals and VOC-free.
Business owners should also put a few extra thoughts into investing in quality furniture pieces, office shelving units, and high quality counters.
Even when you plan for future revamps, you can resell or donate quality furniture so that they will get another chance to enhance others’ lives instead of an unnecessary early demise in wastelands.
Go Natural with Plants and Flowers
Go to any website or social media platforms that deals with interior design, home decoration, office revamps, renovation or DIY projects, you’ll come across the same thing over and over again – the usage of plants and flowers to enhance the look of a drab office or a plain-looking home.
And the reason is simple. It works…EVERY SINGLE TIME, like magic.
A splash of green, a hint of sunflower yellow, or a tint of purple in the corner of the living room or reception area can work wonders.
Aside from the superficiality of natural plant prowess, having plants indoors have many other benefits.
- Improve indoor air quality
- Reduce stress
- Boost productivity and performance
- Reduce noise
- Improve your health and well-being
- Acts as natural air fresheners
- Acts as air filters
- Removes toxic indoor vapor (NASA)
Toxic air could be coming from outdoors when customers walk in and out of your retail store. It could also be internal because of VOCs, dirty air-conditioners, or simply airborne pollutants floating about the office or store as we move from one place to another.
Most people spend approximately 57% of our time at work and we’re expected to be alert, positive-minded, productive, efficient, creative, social, friendly, and affable all the time. And the design of your office will greatly affect the way we think and feel.
Instead of making everyone fight for the window seat or commit to a roster or seat rotation, it is a better idea to add some color to the walls, on top of the desk or in small corners of the space. If you’re redecorating your office or retail outlets, here are some deco cues to come up with the perfect office space…according to science.
Help Out with Recycling Efforts in your Community
Not every company or family have the budget or time to recycle because let’s face it, it takes effort.
Looking at it as a team or company project, it makes things not just more appealing but also more fun!
Have meetings with your staff, discuss small ways you can contribute to your community’s effort to go green. Although using recycled materials might not be on the cards for you, we’re pretty sure we can squeeze in one weekend of group recycling project into our respective busy schedules.
If you run a store, stop handing out plastic or paper bags and, instead, ask if your customers brought their own bags. You can also designate a space in your office (most likely a storeroom) to keep old newspapers, magazines, paper cups, plastics, aluminum, glass, unwanted clothing, etc. Assign one weekend and make it a group effort to bring all collected items to the recycling center.
You can also partner-up with a local recycling organization like the following companies and organizations:
- IPC Recycling & Buy-Back Centre
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle)
- Tzu Chi Malaysia Taman University Recycle Center
- Community Recycle for Charity (CRC)
- ALH Group Of Companies
- Pertubuhan Amal Seri Sinar
- TMC Metal (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
- Global Environment Centre
- Smart Ranger
Many of these organizations are actively on the look-out for help from commercial companies and groups. You can easily schedule a collection time or help out with some volunteer work.
And remember, millennials and Generation Z, your new bunch of consumers, are all-in when it comes to saving Mother Earth. Giving back, remember, is never TOO much work.
Shoppers all around the world are developing a more green attitude when they shop, so, businesses and retailers must rise to meet their needs. If you have a website or social media account, call or email green businesses to see if they’d like to exchange links or be featured on your website.
There is a whole long list of new businesses and retailers with their prime focus on being greener.
- Flea and farmers’ markets
- Organic food stands
- Organic food caterers
- Green bloggers
- Eco-friendly fashion social media influencers
- Beauty salons that use natural and environmentally-friendly products
- Mobile apps that help consumers find the nearest recycling centers, or provide information about the best eco-friendly practices and news
- Package-less soaps and refillable washing products companies
- Eco-friendly or pre-loved toys and clothes groups
- Juice or smoothie bars
- Green B&B or AirBnB
Green Marketing Benefits Everyone
Generally, more than 50% of consumers are willing to pay extra for products and services from companies that are committed to improving their community. Companies that care beyond the dollar sign has a positive impact on the company’s loyalty and image.
Interestingly, while about 52% of consumers in the West are willing to part with their hard earned cash for better, more eco-friendly products, over 63% of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East say they would support a socially-responsible business over companies offering cheaper options. You can read more about the report and its findings here.
The problem with green marketing is when companies fail to live up to their claims, or when the overall cost seems too high at the start.
However, it’s been shown that a move towards an environmentally-friendly business model will have a positive effect on the bank balance in the long run. Not only will it increase brand loyalty, but it also reduces expenses, and companies spend less on the packaging, marketing, transportation, energy, and water.
After climbing over the short-term budget hurdle of going green, the long term benefits will become clear as day.
For your own personal lives, read up on how small spaces are all the rage right now.
So, what do you think about going green? How have YOU been doing your part for the environment, we’d love to hear your ideas, so, share on!
If you have questions or would like to contact us regarding this article or blog, we would love to hear from you. Just email editor@formedge.com.my. For information regarding our products and services, send us an email at enquiry@formedge.com.my. We've been in the industry for decades and you can read more about us on our About Us page or visit our showroom in Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia!
Formedge.com.my is one of the leading slatwall display system manufacturers and distributers in the region. You can find out more about our products and services at www.formedge.com.my or www.decowall.com.my. If you’re active on social media, we appreciate a follow on our Instagram account, Facebook, Twitter or just this blog! Our showroom is in Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia so, if you’re around, do drop by to see an amazing array of decor and ideas!
Sometimes people make the mistake of thinking decorating their homes, retail outlets, offices and showrooms take a long time and will eat up a huge chunk of their budget. This can’t be further from the truth and we’re ready to show you how and why.
In a home, you’d want your family members to feel safe and comfortable. In the office, you’re standing on a balance beam trying to strike the right note by making everyone feel productive, inspired and yet have the space to get in their zone for work.
Retro is over, we know that. What worked in the 1990s no longer work today. There’s a stark difference in office space designs when you compare the drab, grey, colourless 4×4 cubicle spaces of way back when to the new, innovative spaces today.
Today’s working spaces are colour-themed, spacious, filled with greens and fountains, pool tables and gyms. It’s obvious these companies, backed by the padded pockets of investors, has the budget to not only experiment with how to come up with the best wall décor ideas for their offices but also to strategically design TV rooms and daycare centres.
It’s hard not to be impressed with AirBnB’s camping-style ‘meeting rooms‘.
So, here are some tips and advice YOU to help you push forward with redecorating and revamping your own office, be it a home office or retail outlet.
1. Rules of Thumb
Before we roll out all the scroll of creative ideas, it’s important to start with some ground rules. These are basically ideas that most people in the creative and interior design industry agree on. It’s important to have an office space that is organized, clean and clutter-free. If there’s clutter, find a small room to keep them in, away from your customers and employees.
Although you don’t have to have camping-style meeting rooms, a nice, roomy, quiet space for brain-storming sessions and meetings should suffice. Most offices have a time-out spot for employees to stop their derailing brains from going off track so that they can enjoy a simple conversation with their colleagues over a hot cup of coffee.
These are just a few of the basic rules of thumb and they’re pretty simple to keep.
2. Your Customers and Clients are Everything
Some customers may like your wall-mounted wood panel display decoration adorned by plants, cute little trinkets from cheap vendor sellers, or elaborate themed meeting rooms. Others may prefer something simpler and less distracting. You know your customers best, so, sit down and think about what you’ve heard in the past from your customers and clients when they walk in and out of your office.
Did they give you any ideas? Were there criticisms you remembered and wanted to implement? Did they show you Pinterest-perfect vertical plant wall decor ideas on their smartphones or tablets?
Write them down and deliberate. When you’re done, hit up the internet for ideas and scout for items that will work for you.
Consumer behaviour dictates that customers are less likely to buy anything in the store, no matter how much they like the products, if there is a large crowd in there or they might find themselves butt-brushing with other customers.
Having a space with chairs or table will give the consumers time to take in the overall ambiance of the store and products while avoiding other customers for a few short seconds.
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3. Redecorating with Wall-Mounted Displays, Space is
Whether you’re starting from scratch, working on a blank canvas or redecorating your office space, have an overall picture or theme in mind. Start operating from there and divide the spaces into smaller spaces you can jump into immediately.
For instance, most people start with the reception area, meeting room or big offices. And then tackle them in small baby steps.
Add a new rack, install a wall display system. Buy some eye-candies from stores like IKEA or nifty décor items from hallmark stores. Give the walls a new coat of paint. Rearrange the reception area and move things around to better locations. In fact, tried and tested methods like placing a new poster stand or an advertising light box works wonders!
4. Naked with Nature – Installing a Nature-Themed Plant Wall
This article about creating a living wall is awesome for those who are thinking of injecting their office or living space with some life.“Once you realize the actual conditions of your wall, you’ll be able to pick your plants much easier,” says Waldman. For instance, if your wall gets a lot of light, cacti and succulents will be much happier, but if the space is humid and damp, consider tropical plants instead” – Jesse Waldman of Pistils Nursery
Needless to say, giving your office or retail space the natural look takes up space unless it’s a vertical wall, one which can be achieved using systems like the Decowall system on our website. Once the system is up with the right slatwall accessories, your focus would then be on maintaining and upkeeping the plants themselves. So, choose the type of plant with care and after deep consideration. After all, showcasing dying plants isn’t the best way to win your customers or clients’ hearts.
5. Go Tech – Print and Place QR Codes to your Website for Information
When a company has the all-hands-on-deck approach with tech, people are more easily impressed. One example would be using QR Codes. Having QR codes or self-explanatory printed labels beside the product displays, or posters on the walls around your retail outlet will make a world of difference.
If you have a page on your website dedicated to information on your products, print out a QR Code (3out) (they’re free to make, by the way) and stick it around the products. This way, even if your staff is busy with other customers or there’s heavy footfall during lunch hour, curious customers who happened upon your store can not only load information up on their smartphones or tablets and save them, they can share the info out with their family and friends on social media and online messaging systems like Whatsapp, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and Messenger.
To a business like yours, that just spells FREE promotion.
Your sales might even get a boost if the QR code leads the potential customers to your e-commerce site where they can purchase it right off the bat without having to queue up to pay for it.
6. A Window of Opportunity – Create Head-Turning Window Displays
Although redesigning the interior of your retail outlet will take up most of your brainpower and budget, don’t forget to pay some attention to the very window to your business’ soul – the window display.
Just think back to a time when you were mall crawling. Do you remember something edgy, unique or creative catching your eye while you’re not paying attention? Was it a mannequin or a huge thought-provoking poster? Perhaps it was a bold picture with a creative slogan or a promotional sale.
The window display will be a devil that draws while the space between the entrance of your store to the first cluster of products they encounter will be automatic reference point. Consensus reveal that most people take a right after walking into your store, regardless of where your main display or counter is.
Rearrange your retail space with that in mind. Track their possible paths within your store. Where do you think they will turn, what will they see, what is eye-catching, is the space creative and enticing, what can you add (or remove) to make the experience more alluring? The old saying of ‘where the eyes go, the legs will follow’ is true when it comes to retail shopping.
Giving your Retail Outlet a Brand New Look is a Worthwhile Investment
No matter what your business is about and the perks you offer, the design of your store’s role is to pique potential customers’ interest. What you first present to people walking past your retail outlet should align with their interest and make them curious.
After your customer walks in, it’s the job of some merchandise outposts within the store.
Whether with a colourful, thoughtful poster or a clean-as-a-whistle wall-mounted display system, retailers would imagine their customers paths within the store. The design would have intermittent displays to pause the journey. During these pauses, the clients would make impulse-based decisions.
Another important spot to pore over would be the exit. It’s the ‘Oh, and by the way, have a look at these before you go’ stopover. Their job is to appeal to the emotions of the customers and encourage last-minute impulse purchases.
Say what you will, it works.
So, there is no need to shut the whole store down to make major adjustments to your retail outlet or splurge on major upgrades. In fact, it could be something as simple as adding a low table with a few cushioned seats near the aisles in your store.
Once you understand what hits home with your customers, the next round of redecorating and revamping would be an easier ride.
Find more retail outlet design ideas, wall-mounted display panels and accessories, and shopfitting products on our website, www.Formedge.com.my or www.decowall.com.my. If you’re on social media, stay in the loop by hitting the like button on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest. Stay in touch!
Featured image credit: howling red on unsplash
