Retail Shops
Checkout Counter Floor Plan for Retail Shops
Draw three layers on the measured plan: fixed points, activities and movement. Move the activities around before moving any walls.
Explore the ideas
Plan in this order
- Start with columns, windows, door swings and service points on a single measured drawing.
- Place the highest-frequency activity first. Put the equipment or storage it uses within the same zone.
- Trace the longest everyday trip and any crossing routes. Show both with furniture and doors in use.
Worked example
A home laundry room handles sorting, washing, folding, and cleaning supply storage in a narrow space.
Sequence hampers, machines, and folding surface along the work path, with cleaning supplies in a separate closed zone. Draw appliance doors open and check the person can still pass.
How to test it
Ask someone unfamiliar with the plan to walk through a normal visit and point out where they would hesitate.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Place the counter near the exit but angle the queue along a wall away from high-interest displays.
- Detail
- Provide concealed storage for bags and supplies with task light on the transaction surface.
- Trade-off
- A larger counter improves service capacity but can feel imposing.
- Form a short queue and test aisle clearance
- Check staff can see the entrance

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