Abingdon Eye Centre, Abingdon
Dipple & Conway Opticians, Diss
Mewscraft helps transform an old bank into a beautiful new home for opticians practice
Mewscraft recently completed the refurbishment of an old bank in the heart of Ilminster. Transforming the beautiful listed building into a wonderfully modern and calm home for Richard Stent Optometrists.
For more information and photographs, see the Case Study page here.
Mewscraft Fits Optical Practice in Listed Building in Norfolk
Mewscraft are proud to offer a sneak preview at one of our latest optical practice fit-outs. Located in the beautiful village of Bungay, Norfolk, this practice is based inside a Grade II listed building, Originally two cottages previously being used as a cafe, our client undertook the challenge of renovating them into one optical practice.
Having met our client at 100% Optical earlier in the year, Mewscraft were involved from the beginning, working on lighting and electrical plans, as well as displays, furniture and flooring.
A cosy feel was vital for this village location. The red wallpaper, dark woods and our clients excellent attention to detail have helped transform this building into a beautifully, warm and modern practice.
Keep an eye out on the website for a full case study with photographs coming soon!
The importance of customer flow
Customer flow enables you to focus on the movement and experience of your customers. In doing so, it provides you with a great insight into their journey which can in turn, help you develop your business. Small changes to a spatial layout can increase your sales by providing customers with a more satisfactory experience.
When clients ask us for a refurbishment they want to offer a new experience to their customers. When we design a layout that involves a space that has face-to-face dealings with customers. We don’t only think about the overall aesthetics (colours, finishes, lighting, etc.) we also need to imagine we are a customer within the space. A part of this exercise includes considering how we would feel and react in that environment, what would draw our attention and how we would move through the space.
The customer flow process encompasses the entire customer experience including the pre-arrival, when customer arrives on site, the service point and the after-service. These are all key areas to take into account within the design.
Every business has different target goals. Not all our clients are looking at increasing their sales, so first of all we need to know what their top priorities are:
- to increase sales?
- To increase customer satisfaction levels?
- To maximise staff efficiency?
Finding out what their needs are allows us to tailor the design and hopefully achieve this target goal.
A thorough analysis of our current clients situation may lead us to conclude how we could improve the customer flow, including the location of the existing entrance, the waiting area, reception area, the main retail area, how their products are displayed (by Price, target, sex, …) etc.
Designing a new practice isn’t just about how the space looks, it is equally important to design the space according to the customer journey.
Customers don’t just remember how a space looks, but how it makes them feel.
Mewscraft supports Rodericks Dental diversification into Optical
Mewscraft are very pleased to announce the completion of the displays and furniture refit at Rodericks Optical in Buckingham.
The attractive new refit aims to help Rodericks break into the optical market by introducing a contemporary opticians into the existing dental practice.
This was a great project for Mewscraft as it allowed the design team to use their creativity to develop bespoke furniture to fit the space and specialist requirements and Rodericks are very happy with the results.
Maximise the power of window display
Your window is one of the most powerful tools to help your business stand out from the crowd and lure in those important customers. Not only do you face competition from the small shop next door, but also from the big retailers and chains, therefore this is your perfect opportunity to capitalise on your product and position.
Rule number one, less is more.
The biggest mistake in window display is attempting to fill every last available space with merchandise. It may seem obvious but this method is just overwhelming and ends up looking unfocused and unprofessional. Keep your display simple. Some of the best window designs I’ve seen showcase only one or two items, but do so impeccably. The main objective of your display is to turn the heads of those passing by, engage them enough to stop what they are doing, become curious, and walk into the store to find out more.
Ensure you design has balance. You should be thinking of your window as a frame for a piece of artwork. Avoid displaying everything at the same level, create some interest by placing items at different heights, grouping products in aesthetic compositions and use complimenting colours to tell a story.
Don’t forget to add some personality and individuality to your window, after all this is one of your unique selling propositions, offering something different to the chains and making your customer feel special.
Lighting is key. Despite this, lighting is often an afterthought, it should be at the top of the list when it comes to planning your window display. Not only are we naturally drawn to light, but good quality lighting will really make your merchandise sparkle.
To summarise, attempt to view your window as a potential customer, how would you want a shop window to make you feel? Keep designing, until you achieve that feeling. Then its done!
Mewscraft completes project for Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Caledonian University was a great project to work on. Mewscraft is developing a considerable track record in the public sector where we are able to apply all our extensive experience acquired over 25 years and our cutting edge design passion.
See our latest work for Hynes
Mewscraft was very pleased to complete the impressive redesign of Hynes Opticians. See our before and after shots here
