Store Planner

One of the most important requirements of retail store chains is a well-planned store. Placement of departments and items can have a large influence on how well stores perform. Store planners are responsible for all aspects of determining the appearance and layout of a store.

Store planners are often responsible for establishing the desired type of real estate location for their stores' locations. For example, they determine if the chain's stores will work best in mall locations, strip malls or in their own standalone building. They then help determine the outside appearance of the store, including the number and size of windows, appropriate signage and general curb appeal.

However, the most important aspect of the store planner's job is designing the interior of the store. There are two main pieces to address in the design; function and retail appeal.

The store planner's considerations in function include how much square footage is required, and how to make the most of this square footage. They must also consider the comfort of the shopper, including how wide the aisles will be and how high merchandise shelves will reach. They must consider the amount of storage space required, and the total number of shoppers the store can accommodate at once, so that there are a sufficient number of dressing rooms if the store sells clothing. They must also consider whether a loading dock will be required if the store sells large items that need special loading or cannot be stored on the sales floor.

The second important aspect of the store planner's interior design is retail appeal. The store must be organized in a visually appealing way, and in a way that can contribute to higher retail sales. Consider, for instance, how magazines are always placed right at the checkout counters. Store planners create space for this to encourage shoppers to peruse the magazines while waiting, in order to encourage impulse sales. Other types of stores take advantage of similar incentives, placing shoes and handbags close together, and DVD players near televisions.

Store planners address the overall visual appeal of the store using style, color and architectural detail. They pick paint colors that are flattering to the female skin for clothing store dressing rooms, and overall bright and cheerful colors to encourage a happy shopping experience. They create interest near the ceiling to ensure that you don't miss items for sale that are hung high.

Most store planners have degrees in Interior Design, Architecture or Construction Science. They typically perform internships for retail chains during their formal education to gain experience in their field. Their education should include classes in psychology that help them to determine how best to appeal to the shopper in addition to more typical classes such as drafting and architectural design. Compared to other architectural and interior design, there are relatively few jobs in store planning available. Competition can be stiff, ensuring that only the best and brightest get to work for the hottest retail chains. If you'd like to find out more about available jobs in store planning, visit www.archinect.com.

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