When you have a small business, every penny counts, especially when you have a public-facing shop front and daily customers.
So, when it comes to small business owners, the idea of upgrading their shop front to be more accessible can fill them with dread. Won’t that cost a fortune? In a word, no, and you can create a welcoming and inclusive shopping space that doesn’t have to have a major refurb or specialised equipment.
All you need is some planning and minor adjustments, and here, you will be walked through how you can achieve that.
1. Widen the Pathways
If your shop is on two levels, you may need to look into having platform lifts installed, but one of the cheapest changes you can make to both floors is to reorganise the layout to make room for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and walkers.
So, you may need to move displays, pick clutter off the floor, and create clearly defined routes for all shoppers. Overall, having this in your store will generally improve the customer experience and will likely lead to repeat customers.
2. Look at the Signs
Next, you should look at the signs in your shop.
Many customers who may struggle with low vision or even cognitive differences will need clear information to navigate the space. So, try to get your hands on some high-contrast signs with clear text and universally recognised icons. Make sure each room that is accessible has clear signs, such as the entrance, the fitting rooms, the restrooms, and so on. Consistent fonts will help to increase readability and will also make the space less overwhelming for people who have autism spectrum disorder.
3. Improve Lighting for Visibility
The last thing you want in your shop is poor lighting. This can lead to a higher rate of accidents and can also make your shop harder to navigate for people with vision impairments or sensory problems. However, the answer is not to create bright spots or harsh glare but rather to upgrade to soft white LEDs and use diffusers where you can create a welcoming shop environment. In fact, warm, balanced lighting has been found to improve accessibility to all customers as well as help with product appeal.
4. Add a Small Seating Area
A seating area is a must-have for cafes, but what about plant shops or book shops? This is a simple and inexpensive option to help customers who need rest and can make a huge difference for those with mobility limitations. Even setting out some seats can increase browsing time and highlight to your customers that their comfort matters greatly, leading to repeat business.
5. Offer Basic Accessibility Training for Staff
Accessibility is not just about the space in a shop. It is also about communication and customer service, so you can train your staff to speak clearly and offer assistance to help a wider range of customers. This can be brief and can even be put into staff meetings. Be sure to openly discuss invisible disability, as well as how to create an inclusive shopping environment, and you will see your shop bustling in no time!