Furniture for a retail store contributes to the store's image. While you don't want to exceed what you can afford to spend on commercial store furniture, you do want to take into account the appearance and durability of the furniture that you select.
Consider the following before choosing retail shop furniture:
1. Make a furniture budget and stick to it. Quality furniture for retail stores is pricey, and you don't want to get carried away with all the enticing options.
2. Determine what you need to make your retail space functional and inviting for yourself, employees and customers. If your budget allows, hire a space planner, or look for a commercial furniture retailer who offers interior-design services as a courtesy.
3. Look for furniture that can stand up to daily use.
4. Check out your competitors' stores. Take note of their stores' ambiance and furniture choices, and incorporate the aspects you like best into your store.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Get quality retail store furniture that doesn't bust your budget
Consider saving money on the most expensive furniture for retail stores and pieces that are only used for storage by outfitting your space with used commercial retail furniture. For example, durable chairs, tables and display cases can be expensive, yet you'll want to select quality pieces to make the best possible impression on customers. You'll probably get more for your money by looking for top-of-the-line furniture at a used retail furniture store.
I recommend: BetterSourceLiquidators offers used seating, used filing and storage cabinets and more. This used office furniture store gets most of its products by purchasing office furniture from businesses that have downsized or closed.
Buy retail shop furniture that stands up to wear and tear
Retail shop furniture takes a lot of abuse. When purchasing commercial furniture for a retail store, it's important to consider whether the surfaces can be easily cleaned or wiped off if something is spilled on them. Choose pieces upholstered in fabric that resists dirt and stains, and opt for ones that have few small pieces and moving parts that can fall off and require numerous repairs.
I recommend: OfficeFurniture2go.com offers customers a lifetime warranty on all furniture as long as customers own the pieces they buy. However, warranties are limited to "single shift" office environments, and they exclude normal wear and tear.
Consider environmentally-friendly furniture
While buying used furniture is one environmentally-friendly way to outfit your space with retail shop furniture, new eco-friendly retail store furnishings are available as well. Additionally, making eco-friendly choices can be good for business, since many consumers seek to support retailers who make such efforts.
I recommend: Commercial Furniture Direct distributes environmentally-friendly products and partners with manufacturers committed to protecting the environment.
Expand your options and budget by renting retail store furniture
Renting furniture for retail stores from businesses that specialize in commercial retail furniture is another way to stretch your budget. However, reserve this option for the most expensive retail shop furniture and for pieces you may only need for a special event, as rental fees can end up costing you more than buying the furniture outright.
I recommend: Cort has rental-sales representatives who not only help you with furniture rental, but also can help you define your office furniture needs by designing functional areas that work within space constraints.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Buying a retail furniture grouping or set can be less expensive than buying individual pieces over time. Discounts are often offered when sets are purchased as opposed to individual items.
The official source of Retail Shop Furniture is the Furniture page at Business.com