Customer Quote by Herb Sorensen
““5. Open space attracts! Shoppers compete with products for space in the store. Good retailers might be oblivious to this competition, and freely tip the balance in favor of the products over the shoppers. Jamming the store with products leads to lots of narrow aisles (“aisleness”) and psychic discomfort for shoppers. Great retailers refuse to sacrifice shopper space, and use wide promenades to lead crowds of shoppers through a speedy, efficient, high-dollar trip. The allocation of open space is of paramount importance in store design—and there is no single recipe for success.””
About This Quote
Retail spaces should prioritize open areas for shoppers, as cramped aisles cause discomfort and reduce sales.
In simple terms: Open store layouts improve shopper experience.
Key Takeaway
Design spacious aisles.
Themes
retail design
customer experience
space utilization
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
business
design
When to use this quote
- grocery stores
- shopping malls
- pop‑up shops
- e‑commerce fulfillment centers
Key Concepts
environmental psychology
store layout
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance space with product density?
- What metrics guide optimal aisle width?
A Different Perspective
Too much space can increase costs and reduce product visibility.
