How to Design a Bookstore
A bookstore can be many different things to many different people. When opening a bookstore you have to judge your clientele above all else when making a decision as to style and design. Do you want cozy? Do you want modern?
- Sketch a drawing for the inside and outside of the store. You can go with modern or warm and cozy. For example, a cozy bookstore could have shelves along the walls and a few shelves scattered throughout the rest of the store with big comfy chairs arranged in a circle in the middle. This would make a great place for your customers to curl up and read on a cold rainy day. Add a coffee pot and some cookies and you are sure to have a winner.
- Install a café in the corner of the bookstore. This is a huge draw to customers. The reason being coffee, cookies and books tend to go together. If you do decide to open a café of sorts health codes do apply so make sure to consult someone who knows about such things.
- Create a 3D model of the store you are envisioning. Make sure that you leave plenty of window space and a few places for computer stations and also a place at the front of the store for a cash register.
- Rent a space that fits in with the design that you had in mind for your bookstore. Make sure to do your research and see how busy the location is before signing a lease agreement. It is also important to check for restrictions on remodeling in the area.
- Discuss your design plans with whatever contractor you choose. Of course you will need rest rooms and storage space for books that are not on the shelves.