Question

Store layout/Design and Visual Merchandising

One of the fastest growing sectors of the populations is the over 60 age group. But these customers may have limitations in their vision hearing and movement. How can retailers develop store designs with the older population's needs in mind? Assume you have been hired as a consultant to assess a local discount store's floor plan and space productivity what analytical tools and ratios you would use to assess the situation.

Answer 1

Designing stores keeping in mind older population:

Following can be done by the retailers while designing their stores:

• The entrance of the store should contain a plain platform along with the stairs, for old people using wheel chairs.
• The store should be spacious enough so that old people do not feel suffocated while in the store.
• Extra space should be provided in the store, specially for the old people, where they can shop easily.
• Extra billing counter, specially for aged people should be made, in order to avoid rush while payment.
• Lifts can be used in the store so that the old people need not walk up and down the stair case.

Analytical tools and ratios used to access the situation:

• Sales per square foot can be used by the organizations in order to find out the number of items sold and revenue generated, by using the available space.
• Sales per hour can be calculated in order to find out number of sales achieved on hourly basis. Estimate can be made that by how much the sales can be increased if the store space is increased.
• Liquidity ratio will help in finding the rate at which assets can be converted into cash, and how will it help the business use the money for expansion or modification in the store.