WE CHALLENGE CBSF’S CEO, BUD MORRIS, TO ANALYZE A RETAIL DESIGN WITH ZERO PREP.

Prototype Stores: Form Meets Function

We’ve all seen them. Those stunning retail stores that dominate design blogs. They promise a futuristic shopping experience. Or they’ve wrapped all surfaces in plush. Or they’ve re-created a 19th-century library.

But when considering an over-the-top retail environment, or even simply a new endcap design, the question remains: are design-rich prototypes simply eye candy or can they actually function in the real world and drive business?

This question recently sparked a lively debate within our team. While these designs are undeniably captivating, it’s unclear if they can withstand the daily grind of a bustling retail environment.

The Challenge: Real-time Analysis

To investigate further, we decided to put a prototype store concept (and CBSF’s CEO, Bud Morris) to the test. 

As a man with 30+ years of experience, we challenged Bud to share his thoughts in real time, with zero prep so we could get answers to questions every retailer needs answered. Questions like:

• How does a professional look at a prototype store design?
• What works?
• What doesn’t work?
• How could this be built on a budget?
• How could it be improved?
• Is the design practical?
• Would it drive value back to the business?  

Curious to see how Bud did? Watch the video above to see how Bud reacts to a new Swedish grocery store design.

Why Retailers Leverage Prototype Stores

Standard Store Layouts at Scale: As chain retailers grow from a handful of stores to regional or national rollouts, standardizing store formats, layouts, and design is critical. Standardization allows retailers to replicate store models as cost-effectively as possible. This approach also ensures brand consistency and streamlined operations.

Focusing on the Shopping Experience: With the development of technology, a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour, and the need to compete online, retail has shifted over the years from “getting as many goods into a space as possible” to “the shopping experience.” This move saw retailers focus more on creating a destination, brand, and experience, and less on function.

Modern Prototype Stores: A Blend of Innovation and Practicality: As retailers continue to experiment to stay ahead of evolving consumer trends and competitors, Pop-Up Stores and Flagship Stores have become part of their business models.

Pop-up stores give retailers a temporary, low-risk, low-cost way to experiment with ideas, concepts, and designs, while Flagship Stores allow retailers to justify investing in a unique, brand-focused retail environment that would be impossible to replicate chain-wide.

These unique retail environments have emerged as testing grounds for new concepts, products, and technologies.

Focus on Experience: Today, prototype stores continue to evolve, blending innovative design with practical considerations. This creates a buzz-worthy environment for retailers to engage shoppers and the media, while also serving as a platform for retailers to innovate and test new ideas.

CBSF WILL HELP YOU DESIGN AND BUILD YOUR NEXT PROTOTYPE STORE

If you’re considering a new retail design, remember that it’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about creating a space that looks amazing, functions, withstands abuse, is practical, and is cost-effective.

Our team specializes in turning design ideas into practical realities. Contact us today to learn more or get a quote.