The storefront must act as a billboard for the store, often employing large display windows that allow shoppers to see into the space and the product inside.
[5][8] Retail design first began to grow in the middle of the 19th century, with stores such as Bon Marche and Printemps in Paris, "followed by Marshall Fields in Chicago, Selfridges in London and Macy's in New York."
[9] The first retail chain store in the United States was opened in the early 20th century by Frank Winfield Woolworth, which quickly became a franchise across the US.
The first shopping centre in the Netherlands was built in the 1950s, as retail design ideas began spreading east.
This rise made retail design shift to compensate for increased customers and alternative focuses.
These standardizations range from alterations to the perspective of the structure of the space, entrances, circulation systems, atmospheric qualities (light and sound) and materiality.
By exploring these standardizations in retail design the consumer will be given a thematic experience that entices them to purchase the merchandise.
It is at this stage that logistics must be determined, structural features like columns, stairways, ceiling height, windows and emergency exits all must be factored into the final design.
This lighting should wash the structural features while creating vectors that direct the consumer to key merchandise selling areas.
To minimize the possibility of eye strain, the ratio of luminance should decrease between merchandise selling areas.
[28] Materiality is another key selling tool, the choices made must not only be aesthetically pleasing and persuasive but also functional with a minimal need for maintenance.
[29] Retail spaces are high traffic area and are thus exposed to a lot of wear this means that possible finishes of the materials should be durable.
The warmth of a material will make the space more inviting, a floor that is firm and somewhat buoyant will be more comfortable for that consumer to walk on and thus this will allow them to take longer when exploring the store.
The key factor is consistency exterior branding and signage should continue into the interior, they should attract, stimulate and dramatise the store.