The shopping landscape in the UK is more competitive than ever. There is a big fight between traditional high streets, out of town shopping centres, and ecommerce. One thing to look at here is the shop front. It may need a makeover to give you the best chance to attract people. When it comes to the commercial architecture, you should never overlook the frontage.
Think about the value
The biggest thing here is to look at how much value the front offers. It is the first thing people see. Even if they recognise your brand from your sign, will they want to step inside if the frontage looks old and dishevelled? They might just go somewhere else instead. So, make sure the front is presentable and gives the right impression.
On top of that, you need to think about the impact on the wider shopping area. A bad frontage could have a negative effect on the quality of the whole street or shopping centre. It could deter people from visiting the area in general, harming all the businesses.
Think about what makes a good shop front
There are lots of things here you can do to enhance the frontage of your commercial architecture. Firstly, make sure it is in line with the area. If there is a modern theme, a more traditional look can be very out of place and might be jarring. It is better to be consistent with the wider area but still ensure you can stand out.
A good sign is important for every shop. However, again it must be a good fit. The most important thing to do here is ensure signs are clear and clutter free. Make them legible so people know who you are.
Lighting is also very important. You don’t want to go too extreme here or it can be offending to look at. Neon lights in particular should be used sparingly. It can help you to stand out but make sure it isn’t for the wrong reasons.
Most shop fronts will need some sort of security too. It could be anything from a shutter to a window grille. Whatever the case, you need to try your best to make it functional but limit how intrusive it is. People might not want to shop if it looks like an armoured fortress.
Different types of shop fronts
One of the best things about commercial architecture in general is there are so many options. With shop fronts you can look at a variety of materials.
Aluminium is one of the most popular choices at the moment. It has a modern, stylish look that a lot of people appreciate. At the same time the metal is light and strong. That is really good for things like thinner door and window frames.
Glass is a common sight in every shopping area. The majority of shop fronts now feature massive glazing systems. They are great for letting people see inside to view a lot of what is on offer. Plus, glass is excellent for the shop because it will allow in a lot of natural light. However, you need to think about cleaning and security.
Another option is timber. Wood is great for a classy, traditional or natural look. You can also choose a distinctive, handcrafted style. If it suits your brand and the area, this is a wonderful choice.
Talk to us about any aspect of commercial architecture
Coffey Architects knows how powerful a good shop front can be. In fact, we have had the honour to design a few incredible ones. Our goal every time is to promote the brand and make the property stand out in the right way. We can be creative here but also factor in the surroundings and theme.
So, if you want help to enhance this key part of your commercial architecture or any other aspect, please contact us. We are confident we’ll find the right design for you and can even take on entire regeneration projects.