Retail flooring is a key part of a business’ design these days. It can be used to direct customers around a shop, to define areas within a shop, to improve safety and acoustics and, finally, to complete the design concept of the store as a whole.

Right Flooring, Right Space

Choosing the right retail flooring is actually getting harder because today’s customer is lucky enough to have a huge variety of finishes and flooring to choose from, from carpets and lino to screed and rubber.

There are plenty of things to think about too, and these factors will vary depending on whereabouts your shop is, what part of the country you’re in and what your customer base is. If your shop opens directly on to the street for example, or you have a lot of young children coming in, something easy to clean and non-slip will be a priority.

However, if you are positioned within a shopping centre, perhaps creating a distinct atmosphere and ambiance is more important, making your customers feel as if they have stepped away from the madding crowds.

Small spaces might benefit from light, glossy surfaces to give a feeling of spaciousness, and large echoing areas would be improved with softer surfaces such as carpet or rubber that deaden sounds of voices and footsteps.

Many retailers choose to use a variety of flooring. For high foot traffic areas such as entrances and tills, durability is the top priority, for safety as well as cost effectiveness. Softer finishes work well in changing rooms where you might want to create a warmer space for trying on clothes.

Ultimately it’s down to each retailer, as everyone’s requirements and tastes are different. At North East Flooring we have many years of experience working within the retail sector and can offer customers advice as well as huge variety of flooring. We pride ourselves on our customer service and work with clients from the start of the design process right through to the fitting.