Retail

Despite the rapid growth in online shopping, physical retail stores remain the cornerstone of consumer commerce. More so than ever, retailers must attract and engage customers to make a purchase. Raised access floor systems provide the perfect solution for retail spaces, creating a serviceable void that permits rapid reconfiguration of displays.

All retail premises, from small boutiques through to large department stores need to be able to change display locations in response to promotions and consumer trends. This can often be carried out weekly or even more frequently. The advent of digital displays and counters requires maximum flexibility for power and comms distribution. Raised flooring, such as the AFD Indigo system allows visual merchandisers to make rapid changes. Data and power points can be provided anywhere, whilst cables are safely hidden away in the service void. This eliminates trip hazards and maintains a pristine shop floor.

Supporting retail design

Raised floors can also offer benefits to public spaces in shopping malls or areas such as food courts. AFD’s range of partial access hollow floors by Knauf GIFAfloor provides a dimensionally stable, smooth surface for continuous floor finishes. It is a particularly suitable substrate for natural stone and marble tiled finishes thanks to its load bearing, monolithic properties. The addition of frames and panels can be incorporated to give access into the void below the floor. So services can still be routed and maintained with ease.. Knauf GIFAfloor is also non-combustible, with an A1 fire rating, making it the ideal choice for public circulation areas.

Complementing interior style

First impressions count in retail. Shoppers are attracted by prestigious appearances and luxury furnishings. Natural wood delivers warmth, whilst ceramics and porcelain lend glitz and instant attraction. AFD can supply a wide range of factory bonded finishes to complement any interior design and branding theme. Alternatively, ultra hard wearing vinyls and laminates can be pre-bonded for long life and cost effectiveness. An added benefit is that if floor surfaces get stained or accidentally damaged, the panels can be quickly switched around. This maintains a pristine appearance for customers, whilst damaged panels can be renewed or replaced. All without any significant disruption to the Customer’s shopping experience.

Take a look at the RIBA NBS guide to discover more about applications using raised access floors.