Convenience stores fill a niche wherever they are located. However, these stores create special design challenges, because floor space may be limited. The customer wants to shop quickly without having to hunt for items, while issues such as security and maximizing sales also must be considered when running a store. Knowing how to lay out a store helps address these concerns when creating a floor plan, though occasional compromises must be made.


Store security dictates much of the layout, and visibility helps achieve this goal. Employees need to see the entire floor from the register, particularly all entrances and exits. If the registers are close to the door and visible from outdoors, this carries extra protection to employees and optimizes store access. As you create your floor plan, check for any blind spots on the sales floor. Moving a display rack or installing convex mirrors can keep these areas covered. A diagonal layout gives the employees better visibility.


Customers appreciate a store layout where they can get in and out quickly. Group merchandise in a logical pattern, with food items together and snacks together. Aisles should be placed so customers can tell what's there at a glance. The cashier's station should be easy to find, with enough clear floor space to accommodate a line of customers.

Using Floor Space

Maximize the utility of your floor space, especially if the store is small. For example, laying out display racks parallel to a wall makes better use of wall space. This layout makes it easier to use wall space for more store displays, increasing the amount of products you can offer.


Customers should be able to shop quickly in a crowded store. Make aisles wide enough so someone can pass through even if another shopper is there. Obstructions such as a customer kneeling to see items on a lower shelf, an employee stocking a shelf or a delivery being made should not block aisles to the point where other customers cannot pass.

Increasing Sales

Convenience stores thrive on impulse buys, and knowing how customers ship helps define a store floor plan. Someone picking up a case of beer may not think of snacks to go with it, but he may decide to buy a related product if he sees it right away. Sweet rolls make a natural item to have next to the coffee station. Place impulse items close to the register so a customer sees them while in line.

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