Shop fronts are the first thing people see when entering your store and they give the impression of the type of company you run. It is important to have a unique and eye-catching design that gives customers the idea of what your business is about. Whether you have a small business or an established brand, the right shop front will give the right image to your clients and potential customers. At Huxley & Co, we understand the importance of the perfect shop front, so we have a team of professionals that are ready to help you design, manufacture, and install your new shop fronts.
A shop front’s aesthetic should reflect the kind of products or services you offer, while maintaining a balance with the surrounding buildings and the local area. A modern shopfront can have a clean, crisp look that is easily identifiable as your brand. However, it is also a good idea to add some traditional elements, such as stall risers, fascias, pilasters and ornamental features that echo consoles, cornices or fanlights.
If a historic shopfront has been altered, the original details should be retained wherever possible and replaced with items that match in material and design. Alternatively, where a shopfront is completely new, the design should take inspiration from the existing elements and incorporate them into the new front.
Shop display windows should be kept clear of cluttered signs and stickers to allow shoppers to see in and be invited into the shop. In most cases, new shop fronts should be well lit at night to discourage criminal activity and promote public safety. The lighting should be energy-efficient and low in brightness, avoiding the need to switch lights on or off frequently.
An effective shopfront should be able to resist attempted break-ins, whilst being attractive and welcoming. The use of shutters can reduce burglaries, but these should be carefully designed and positioned to avoid obscuring the shopfront or creating an intimidating fortress. Stylish security doors, incorporating windows to allow staff to check on shoppers at all times and to provide an emergency exit, can help with this and still look good.
Planning permission is generally required to install new shopfronts and to undertake most alterations to existing ones. This includes re-glazing, changing the materials used in the shopfront, altering the size or shape of the windows and doors, and removing a recessed doorway. If the shopfront is located in a listed building, listed building consent may be needed as well. If you are not sure whether you require permission, it is best to contact the local authority and find out what your options are.