Sustainability, eco-friendly materials (especially wood), integration of digital technology, ambient lighting, and thematic areas within fine food shops. Tradis, a specialist in furniture for grocery stores and other food businesses, shares its insights…

Founded in 2011, Tradis is a creator-manufacturer and a true European pioneer in the production of wooden store furniture with artisanal finishes. The Tradis range is certainly aimed at florists and ready-to-wear boutiques. But Tradis' core business is its offer for food retailers : wine merchants, cafés and restaurants, and of course, fine food shops. The company provides furniture made from noble solid wood, tailored to the needs of grocers.

The furniture dedicated to this sector is designed to accommodate local and regional products, as well as bottles of wine. With storage spaces designed to facilitate shelf refilling.

A fine food store with attractive furnishings and a well-thought-out layout is an advantage. Of course, the core business of a delicatessen will always be offering quality products and advice. But the store's layout and organization will also play a fundamental role in attracting customers. An attractive store, with well-defined decor coherent with the rest of the space (walls, floors, windows), makes customers feel at home. And to appreciate the investment made to create an exceptional setting. And build customer loyalty.

On its website, Tradis offers advices on how to design gastronomic spaces, breaking down current trends.

In 2024, a good layout must provide customers with an immersive, welcoming, and functional space that perfectly adapts to their needs. For instance, a clear and intuitive arrangement makes easier the customer journey, reducing stress and enhancing the enjoyment of the visit. This focus on the customer experience often results in increased sales and loyalty.

 

 

Sustainability and eco-friendly materials

 

Climate change is at the forefront of consumer concerns in 2024, and shoppers are considering the ecological impact of brands when making purchases. As a result, promoting the use of eco-friendly materials in store design is essential to meet these expectations.

Solid wood, for example, adds a warm, natural touch while being sustainable. Other eco-friendly materials, such as VOC-free paints (volatile organic compound) and low-energy LED lighting, can also be incorporated to reduce the store's environmental footprint. In addition to their attraction to an ever more environmentally conscious customer base, these furnishing initiatives also ensure the longevity of fixtures and furnishings thanks to their sustainability and superior quality.


Immersive and adaptable spaces

Spaces are a major trend in 2024, creating unique and memorable experiences for customers.

To create these immersive spaces, Tradis recommends that fine food store owners or wine merchants thematize certain areas of their store, to offer customers a particular atmosphere.

Interactivity is also key: integrating elements like virtual mirrors, information kiosks, or artistic installations engages customers and enriches their experience. In addition to immersive spaces, it's important to use adaptable furniture to regularly change the layout according to trends and seasons. Modular furniture allows for easy rearrangement of the space; a changing decor shows that the shop remains fashion-forward. A bonus that attracts customers and encourages them to come back.

 

Integrating technology in stores

Today, Tradis notes that the use of technology is everywhere and plays a crucial role in store design. To keep up with the trends of 2024, it's important to integrate the latest technologies to enhance the in-store customer experience.

Touch screens and Wi-Fi in shops have become almost standard in design. Many shops go further with variable ambient lighting and high-tech displays.

Adding interactive screens can showcase the product catalog for a fine food shop or highlight a specific wine region for a wine merchant. However, Tradis advises discretion in the installation of technologies. They must not be too many, and ultimately damage the desired ambience and distort the customer experience.

Customization in retail

Customization is another key trend for store layout in 2024. Offering a tailored customer experience is essential for standing out from the competition. By personalizing the shopping experience, you demonstrate to your customers that you understand and value their unique needs and preferences.

Offering customized products, like personalized wine bottles or personalized gift baskets, is an excellent way to build customer loyalty. Creating dedicated spaces where customers can personalize their purchases or discover products in advance adds extra value to their experience. For example, Tradis suggests having a section dedicated to product personalization in a clothing store to transform an ordinary purchase into a memorable experience.

Store design in 2024 is therefore characterized by trends emphasizing immersive spaces, sustainability and personalization. By integrating these elements, retailers can create attractive retail spaces that not only attract new consumers, but also build loyalty among existing customers.

For Tradis, the key is to remain flexible, attentive to customer needs, and to adopt a sustainable and immersive approach to store layout. Making a fine food shop, a wine shop, or any other food business an unmissable destination…

Credits : Tradis