At Rundoo, we know that every square foot of your store matters. Independent paint and hardware retailers face unique challenges—tight margins, specialized inventory, and a customer base that values both expertise and inspiration. That’s why an effective store layout isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a powerful sales tool.
Here’s how you can design a store that doesn’t just look good, but also drives real business results.
The way customers move through your store directly impacts what they buy. A well-designed layout gently guides them through key product categories and encourages discovery. Consider using a racetrack or loop layout that naturally leads shoppers through the space, exposing them to high-margin items like premium brushes, tools, and seasonal displays.
Pro tip: Place your most popular or newest lines near the entrance to draw people in, while keeping everyday essentials toward the back to encourage browsing.
Thoughtful product placement can boost cross-sells. Position complementary items—like painter’s tape, drop cloths, and rollers—near your paint displays. Make it easy for customers to grab everything they need in one go.
Planograms, which are visual representations of product placements, are a great way to ensure consistency and maximize shelf space across all store locations.
Your mixing station is more than a workbench—it’s a showcase of your store’s expertise. Place it in a visible, central location to spark curiosity and conversations. Customers are more likely to ask for advice or explore custom color options when they can easily see the action.
Customers often walk in needing more than just paint and screws, they’re looking for ideas. Mini-showrooms or vignette-style displays showing how different colors and finishes look in real settings help customers visualize the end result. This not only boosts confidence but can lead to more purchases of premium products.
Good lighting doesn’t just make your store look better—it helps customers make better decisions. Well-lit color chip walls and spotlighted displays improve the shopping experience. Meanwhile, clear signage helps people navigate the store easily and highlights promotions or new arrivals.
Paint and hardware is personal—and often, so is the buying process. Set aside a cozy, well-lit corner for one-on-one consultations. Whether it’s choosing the right finish for a nursery or matching trim to a specific wall color, these moments of connection build trust—and loyalty.
The beauty of a smart store layout is that it becomes even more powerful when paired with smart data. Rundoo’s all-in-one POS platform lets you track what’s selling, identify your best-performing zones, and optimize accordingly. It’s a perfect marriage of physical layout and digital insights.
At Rundoo, we go beyond software. We partner with independent retailers to streamline operations and drive growth. Whether you’re rearranging your store or scaling to new locations, our POS, inventory, and accounting solutions give you the visibility and control you need to succeed.
