Whatever your sector of activity, counter furniture is essential if you have a shop or premises that receive visitors. Both functional and attractive, a shop counter is also a powerful marketing tool. It can bring real added value to your shop in terms of merchandising.
There are several models to choose from, depending on the type of business. Shop counters are made from a variety of materials. Among these, solid wood stands out for its timelessness and its ability to adapt to any type of décor.
What is the purpose of a counter?
As well as the aesthetic appeal that customers appreciate, the role of the counter is particularly important. It's a multifunctional piece of furniture.
➲ The counter : a functional piece of furniture
Its primary role is to help customers find their way around your shop or reception area. As soon as they see a counter, they know they can get reliable information about your products or services. For this reason, the counter needs to be well placed to play its role effectively as a point of reference.
As far as the receptionist is concerned, the counter allows him to be well organised in his work. It allows them to cash in and have all the tools they need to do their job to hand.
➲ The counter : an excellent marketing tool
Another undeniable role of the counter is its marketing aspect. If you're in the sales business, you shouldn't take this aspect lightly. If the counter is used properly, it will benefit your business. In fact, it allows you to increase the visibility of your products. In this case, it has the capacity to better showcase the flagship products in your catalogue that you want to highlight. It can also be used to display announcements about your offers and other events.
The counter also adds a professional touch to your shop's image. It adds value to your point of sale. That's why design, material and size are all factors to consider when choosing a counter. To make the most of the aesthetic appeal and added value that a counter brings to your shop, opt for solid wood counters. They are imposing and add a natural charm to your shop.
Example of a Tradis solid wood countertop
Le bois massif : Solid wood : a timeless design
Si vous voulez faire bonne impression et marquez vos clients, soyez original en optant pour des comptoirs en bois massif.
➲ What exactly is a solid wood countertop?
Unlike other types of wood, a solid wood countertop is really authentic. It has a natural charm that stands out at first glance. More imposing than any other material used in furnishings, solid wood is a safe bet. When placed in the centre of your shop, it creates a serene, soothing atmosphere that suits all types of decor.
To be sure that your counter is genuine solid wood furniture, look at the grain of the wood. If you can see that it maintains the same direction in the corners, then your counter is really made from solid wood.
➲ Solid wood countertop: aesthetic appeal and durability
When crafted by professionals, wood is particularly impressive for its aesthetic appeal. It becomes a real work of art that adds charm to your shop. It also has the advantage of being hardwearing, making it ideal as a professional countertop. It's also highly adaptable and can be modified and given a new look to add punch to your decor.
Finally, one of the advantages of opting for solid wood countertops is that they are resistant to insects and fungi. They're also easy to maintain. All it takes is a good varnish coat to restore the wood's charm and natural beauty.
Tradis wooden counters are made using wood from sustainably managed forests and solvent-free products.
Which are the different types of counters ?
There are many different types of counters to choose from, depending on your work field.
➲ The shop counter with angle
The angled counter offers a wide range of storage options to optimise the welcoming of your customers. It allows you to welcome them in different ways. With its 3 levels of storage, it encourages impulse purchases at checkout, helping to boost your sales. Finally, the angled shop counter allows you to better define your reception area.
Tradis solid wood shop counter with angle
➲ Checkout counter with storage
The checkout counter with storage combines design and functionality. It can have a pull-out shelf, drawers and shelves. It also has vertical compartments that provide good storage space for the receptionist. Ideal for shopfitting, it is ideal for fitting out ready-to-wear shops, beauty salons, hairdressing salons, etc.
Tradis 2-door, 2-drawer solid wood checkout counter
➲ Shop counters to PRM standards
A shop counter that complies with standards for people with reduced mobility is sophisticated. It must be usable by a person in a standing or seated position. It must be able to accommodate the feet and knees of a wheelchair user. It must be easy to use for reading a document, writing, using a keyboard, etc. It often has a sliding shelf, shelves and drawers.
Tradis 2-level counter to PRM standards
Tips for choosin the right shop counter
While the quality, design and finish of a wooden countertop are important factors in its choice, its practicality is equally important.
➲ Taking functionality into account
The counter is a piece of furniture that must be easy to use for both the customer and the sales assistant. It should therefore be chosen first and foremost for its functionality. To choose your counter properly, you need to take into account aspects such as its design, which should be as simple as possible. This way, the shopkeeper can easily get to the shelves to adjust the layout of the products. It must also meet accessibility standards for people with reduced mobility.
Finally, the interior layout of the counter is essential. It must meet a number of criteria. These include the display window, cashiering, packaging requirements, etc. It must also have a pull-out shelf, computer and electrical equipment, etc.
➲ Taking the decorative aspect into account
The shop counter helps to convey the brand image of your shop or company reception area. By extension, it reflects the personality of your sales space. As far as storage accessories are concerned, the choice of colours should be taken into consideration. It must be consistent with the concept of the shop and the products sold there.
➲ Being mindful of safety and counter size
The counter must play a security role. It should conceal items that should only be accessible to the shopkeeper. You should also consider the size of your counter. There are large counters, corner counters and even very small counters that you can choose depending on how you want to use them. However, your choice should fit in with the space you have available.