Retail Layout Design

Date: August 3, 2008
Time: 11 PM
Place: Kitchen

Servicescapes are an interesting component of retail layouts. A definition of servicescapes that's listed in the attached article is "the design of buying environments to produce specific emotional effects in the buyer that enhance his or her purchase probability."
The text states that this can be accomplished through ambient conditions, spatial layout & functionality, and through signs, symbols, & artifcats.

It is so true that the general atmosphere can affect purchase decisions. Everything from the lighting, music type, cleanliness, and scents come into play.

Servicescapes is particularly important for service businesses. Many banks such as Citibank & Washington Mutual have tranformed their environments to be less formal and stiff to being more relaxing & comforting in order to appeal to consumers.