Choose the right counter to welcome your customers

Many elements are essential in a business, and the counter is the most important. The layout of your counter is a strategic point in your establishment and can influence your sales. This is why it is essential to choose its location carefully.

How to choose the right counter? 

In a previous article, we advised you on how to choose a good solid wood counter. 

The choice of counter is also important in attracting customers. The purpose of this area is to develop interaction with your customers. It is more than necessary that your counter be welcoming, warm and adapted to your needs. 

To build customer loyalty, make sure that your customers are well received and well advised during their visits by asking them, for example, if they have found what they came for in your shop. Your customer's checkout process should be quick and easy, and at the same time as smooth as possible. This is very important.

There are many variables that can come into play: the size of your shop, whether you will have impulse products and how you will present them, or exactly how you will use the counter. 

The size of your counter will depend primarily on the size of your shop. Don't go for a large counter if you don't have enough space to create a shopping flow in your shop. In this case, it would be wise to choose a compact counter so that it does not take up too much space, such as a corner counter. On the other hand, if your shop is spacious, there are wide counter models to make the best use of the space and optimise the flow of customers.

Where should it be placed in the shop? 

As mentioned earlier, the reception counter (or cash desk) is a real strategic point. It is a more than necessary element in the layout furniture. Your customers will be able to find all the staff of your business there. This counter has different roles: to welcome customers, to display part of your offer and in particular the impulse products, and to cash your customers. It is the point of contact where your customers will go if they need advice, or if they simply want to pay for their purchases. 

In many establishments, you will find that the checkout counters are located at the point of entry and/or exit of the shop. This is for security reasons. This makes it possible to control possible thefts, to better see the ill-intentioned and those who leave without a purchase. If you are alone in your business, this is an idea that should be favoured to better monitor your business.

However, it is recommended to place it at the back of your shop if you want to increase your shop's sales. Placing this essential piece of furniture at the back will allow your customers to walk past your entire range of products, and they can look at other items before going to the till to complete their purchase.

The checkout should be placed at a natural stopping point in the shopping experience that you have deliberately created. It's up to you where it will be!

Here are some tips to keep in mind when purchasing and placing the counter:

• It should be large enough for customers to put their bags and/or belongings on while they are at the checkout

• Take advantage of the checkout wall to put up some engaging posters or display products

• Encourage impulse or last-minute purchases by placing products on small displays for this purpose

What type of counter to choose? 

Once you've thought about where you want your counter to be, you can choose the counter that will best suit your business! 

Your counter is probably the last point of contact with your customers. It is more than necessary that it reflects the atmosphere of your business. And this goes through the choice of material: 

• Metal for a modern and sophisticated look

• Glass for a very contemporary design effect

• Wood for a chic and warm atmosphere

The type of base is also important. Here is what you need to remember: 

• Corner counters are functional, elegant and practical. Their return offers a little privacy when you need to isolate yourself to talk to a visitor while hiding a maximum of electrical wires

• Rectangular countertops are simple, compact and perfect for small spaces

• C" shaped counters: very open, they are perfect for receiving a large number of visitors

• O" shaped counters: with their circular shape, they offer a remarkable standing but are reserved for large spaces