How to have the best store design and cabinet security

As we know, not all retail store environments are the same.  A retail store’s design and environment is carefully crafted to maximise the potential sales of the products being offered. Luxury products such as jewellery and watches require a very specific store design to ensure the products are showcased effectively.

A study conducted by the International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research in 2014 showed that the design / layout and atmosphere are two of the main attributes that affect the consumer when visiting a store.This highlights the importance of the roles conducted by the architects, furniture designers and shop builders to ensure a store is attractive, welcoming, interesting and functional so shoppers browse for as long as possible.

One of the most aesthetically significant aspects of a store, is the design of the display cases in which the products are presented to the customer. They must be attractive and must not obscure the potential buyers view of the products inside.However, due to the value of the goods they contain, they must also be very secure.

There are two main ways to effectively secure a cabinet.The first is by using appropriate construction materials such as reinforced wood and specially toughened laminated glass.  Using the appropriate construction materials can make it very tough to smash your way into a cabinet with hand tools.

However, if the cabinet cannot be breached by the initial method of attack, the perpetrators will move to the second method, the locking mechanism. This is where specialist cabinet security systems such as those supplied by Elelock Systems can help by providing secure electronic cabinet locking systems that are invisible from the outside. Unlike mechanical locks that use conventional keys, a well designed electronic locking system provides no indication as to where the locking points are thus making an attack much more difficult.

By working together, architects, designers, cabinet and furniture manufacturers and security specialists can ensure that the client’s store is developed to be cohesive and engaging to the consumer. Involving as many members of this ‘virtual team’ together as soon as possible is the best way to ensure a finished store truly meets the requirements of the client.

The advent of new manufacturing materials and methods have recently resulted in more innovative store designs using materials such as resins, concrete, specialist glass with designer inlays and even 3D printed stores manufactured on site. This in turn has resulted in more novel and unconventional designs being generated which can create a stunning environment for potential buyers to visit.  

So, with an interesting and attractive environment, the next aspect of the atmosphere to master is the buying experience.

For years, retailers have invested millions in staff training to ensure the customer is cared for appropriately. Despite this, a consumer study conducted by the UCLA Anderson School of Management revealed that 46% of consumers feel that the buying process can be too slow and 32% dislike waiting for a display cabinet to be unlocked. Once again, issues like this can be overcome by ensuring cabinets are easy to open and keys are easy to access. A friendly, subtle chime emitted by opening an electronically locked cabinet can be a surprisingly satisfying addition to the buying experience. Some stores have made the cabinet a central part of the product presentation by utilising motorised opening mechanisms or disappearing windows to really impress the client without compromising security.

High street and luxury retailers are moving quickly to adopt new materials, designs and technology systems in their stores. By engaging with specialist suppliers, manufacturers and designers early in the design process, retailers can maximise their sales potential and ensure their store is best in class the moment it opens.

Chrys Chrysostomou is the managing director of Elelock Systems, a UK manufacturer and supplier of specialist electronic locking systems for the retail industry.