Setting up shop

Resources
Blog
Setting up shop

There has been a fair bit of distressing news for the UK retail sector in recent months. We have seen profit warnings, store closures and well-known brands being wiped off the high street. As an antidote to that doom and gloom we have been pleased to be involved in a new retailing project that has seen us design a new canopy structure that will add practical, flexible retailing space to a commercial site.

We based the design of this new structure on a free standing Tarnhow timber canopy. This was not only cost effective but also robust enough to stand up to a tough retail environment. It also adds a nice visual focal point, as the natural materials not only fitted in with the products to be sold from the space, but also blended nicely with the surrounding buildings.

As the images show, in this case the additional space allows the supermarket to expand their gardening range and retail directly from the area, thereby freeing up space in the store and delivering a better shopping experience for their customers.

The new canopy is permanent, so as the seasons change so its use can change as well. For example, it will make an ideal Halloween or Christmas shop. The key for the retailer is to maximise sales space and meet customer need. With an easy to access area, that carries a good selection of the products that they are looking for, customers will be able complete their shopping quickly.

To ensure the canopy is secure we applied side fill panels and a lockable roller shutter was added to the door space. Access to power, lighting and water have all been added. The side fills add visibility for shoppers and the ability for point of sale material to be added to promote products and highlight pricing and offers.

We were able to carry out the installation in a safe and efficient way. A compound was created and foundations were then dug. The beams and roofing panels could then be manoeuvred with no disruption to shoppers using the main store.

Early feedback is positive and the new retail space is doing exactly as it was planned to – giving a new dynamic to the store that critically gives customers exactly what they want.

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install commercial grade canopies, shade sails,
awnings and shelters across the UK. We specialise in servicing the education, leisure,
healthcare and retail sectors and have extensive experience working with
schools, councils, architects and contracting firms.For more information on our products and services please contact us

Follow us on our social media accounts for the latest funding advice, new products & latest news:
Twitter | Facebook | Google + | Linked In

Back to Blog

Setting up shop

See also