The main objective of a retail space is to offer an environment in which the retailer can effectively promote and sell goods to the consumers, and where the customers can purchase those goods with ease. This is why the design of retail areas and shops, that is the retail design, is comprised of features of graphic design, ergonomics and marketing, along with the typical aspects of interior designing and architecture.

It is essential for a retail area to be designed taking into consideration the particular requirements it is meant to cater to. Art galleries and supermarkets act as good examples of retail spaces that have entirely distinct requirements for their design. A number of aspects have to be considered while working on the design, such as the type of goods being sold, the level of involvement of shop assistants in the purchasing process, the number of goods that have to be displayed, and so on. Certain retail spaces only need to show some samples of merchandise, while, others allow trial of the items by the buyers prior to sale. Therefore, the retail design changes depending on specific requirements.

Apart from the utilitarian features of retail design, the attractiveness of the retail space to the consumer is also extremely significant. It is essential that customers feel welcome in the store once they walk in, and are inspired to make purchases before leaving. The designing of the store can immensely contribute in this respect. There should also be place within the store for promoting the goods through advertisements to increase the likelihood of a sale.

In addition, the retail store must impress the buyers so much that they are compelled to visit the store again for further shopping. Hence, an expert retail designer will always give due importance to the ambience of the shop that would ensure that the buyers have a good and pleasant time in the shop.

To ensure that the retail design is effective, the designer must be aware of fundamentals on optimal utilisation of space, marketing and psychology of the customers. These factors need to be understood both by the owner of the retail space, so that the precise needs can be communicated properly, and by the retail designers, so that the design effectively meets those needs.

Finally, it is not only the designing of interiors of the store that requires special attention. The exteriors of the store are equally important and should be attractive so that the buyers are tempted to come in and look at the merchandise.