Rising retail rents and increased competition make it harder than ever for brands to establish a physical presence. Concession stands offer a flexible, lower-risk way to reach customers without committing to a standalone store.
But, perfecting concession stand design while maintaining brand identity isn’t easy.
That’s why we’ve drawn on Ripple’s decades of experience to create your go-to guide to concession design…
What are Retail Concession Stands?
Retail concession stands are designated areas within a larger store. Often placed as a curated corner within a department store, they are similar to a pop-up shop but they are a flexible and scaleable version with a more permanent presence.
You’ve probably seen concession stands without even realising it. Retailers like Habitat at Sainsbury’s and Holland & Barrett at NEXT have all tapped into established retail spaces without needing to pay the full overheads of a standalone store.
Why Concession Stands are a Smart Move for Brands
Instead of waiting for customers to find you, a concession stand places your brand in their direct path. Whether it’s a beauty brand in Harrods or a fashion label at Selfridges, these partnerships boost visibility, drive sales, and often bring more traffic to your online store too.
Compared to the significant investment required to open a traditional store, concession stand ideas can be as complex or as stripped back as needed, giving you control over the level of risk you take on in return for improved brand awareness and instant exposure.
Don’t forget – the greater flexibility compared to traditional leases gives your business the chance to test the market and adjust your strategy in a fraction of the time typical of a traditional store.
Five Steps To A Standout Concession Stand Design
Your concession design is your brand’s opportunity to establish a strong visual identity. A key challenge is maximising space without overwhelming customers.
A cluttered concession stand can deter shoppers, so it’s crucial to strike a balance between showcasing your products and maintaining an open, inviting layout.
Designing a concession stand isn’t just about squeezing into a space, it’s about standing out.
So how do you make a statement without overwhelming customers?
1. Open and Inviting Concession Design
A concession stand should feel accessible rather than closed off. Open sightlines and well-placed lighting can make a small space feel welcoming. Strategic use of transparent materials, mirrors, and carefully selected colours can enhance the perception of space, drawing customers in.
Thoughtful integration can create a natural flow between the concession and the larger retail environment.
2. Space Optimisation: Maximising Small Areas with a Vertical Advantage
Space is always a challenge, but smart design can make all the difference.
You could use vertical displays to showcase your product in a way that feels premium, not cramped. Pegboards, sleek shelves, and clever lighting can turn even a tiny space into an eye-catching shopping experience.
This not only helps you make the most of limited space but also ensures smaller products are displayed at eye level, making them easier for customers to browse without feeling overwhelmed by clutter.
Ripple Top Tip: Explore creative storage solutions, such as drawer systems or hidden compartments, to organise and display products without compromising on concession design. We did this for Alchemy Infuzions – take a look here.Â
3. Clear Zones for Easy Navigation
A clear layout helps customers navigate effortlessly. Grouping related products together, using subtle dividers, and incorporating guided pathways can enhance the shopping experience. The goal is to make browsing intuitive and engaging.
For instance, Ripple’s work on Reprimo’s concession stand included high wall displays and large-scale visuals to ensure products were visible from a distance, capturing customer attention upon entry. Wayfinding floor markers in Reprimo’s brand colours created a clearly defined boundary, distinguishing the section from surrounding brands and making navigation effortless.
4. Interactive Engagement for an Immersive Experience
Your concession stand ideas should encourage customers to touch, feel, and experience your products firsthand. Try adding in touchscreens, rotating displays, or even live product demonstrations and engage shoppers with exciting concession design that showcases your products.
Ripple Top Tip: Captivating visuals across digital signage can be a great way to boost your concession stand design and provide engaging information on your brand and products.
5. Selecting the Right Materials
Material selection impacts both aesthetics and practicality. Lightweight yet durable materials ensure easy maintenance while reinforcing brand identity. Whether opting for sleek metal finishes, warm wood tones, or high-impact graphics, consistency in design strengthens the overall brand experience.
Beyond the Basics: The Power of Sensory Marketing
Successful retail spaces do more than look good, they create an atmosphere. A well-designed concession stand considers not just visuals, but also sound, scent, and texture to build a cohesive brand experience.
For example, soft lighting can create a sense of warmth, while subtle fragrances can reinforce brand identity.
When done right, these sensory elements enhance a space and make it unforgettable. A great concession stand doesn’t just sell products; it immerses customers in an experience they’ll want to return to.
Bespoke Retail Concession Design for Any Products
How to Perfect Concession Stand Design for Large Products
For larger products, keeping the space uncluttered is key. Mirrors, platforms, and modular shelving can help highlight features without making the area feel cramped. Interactive elements such as digital screens showcasing product variations, can enhance the experience without taking up additional space.
How to Perfect Concession Stand Design for Small Products
Smaller products can be lost in the concession stand design, so it’s important to prioritise clarity and give shoppers new ways to view products. Try using risers, shelves, and angled displays to showcase high-ticket products, and incorporate spotlights or touchscreens to showcase intricate details.
Key Benefits of Effective POS Displays In Concession Spaces
Point-of-sale (POS) displays are a critical tool for retailers to target potential customers without disrupting their shopping experience.
By strategically placing items near the checkout, businesses can capitalise on the “one last look” moment when customers are waiting to pay. These impulse purchases can make up 40% to 80% of all purchases, so your concession design should pay close attention to optimising this opportunity.
In certain concession stand layout cases, an interactive POS displays can be installed to capture attention and encourage customer interaction. This is a prime opportunity to highlight new products, limited-time offers, or seasonal items and generate excitement to encourage shoppers to try something new.
Concession Design Inspiration
Want to create a truly standout concession design? Explore our collection of successful retail spaces, analyse award-winning designs, and study the strategies of leading brands who have reaped the rewards of Ripple design.
By exploring our design examples, you can gather inspiration and create a unique and effective vision for your own concession stand.
Remember, inspiration can be found everywhere – from high-end boutiques to innovative pop-up shops. Take a look at the standout retail design of the Ripple team across our latest showroom creations…
Speak to Ripple’s Concession Stand Design Team
A bespoke concession stand design is the first step to championing a retail brand and giving shoppers an experience to remember.
At Ripple, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.
