The design of a retail store has a decisive impact on customers’ first impression and shopping experience. Attractive displays significantly increase the perceived value of products and lead to higher sales. The global DIY market shows impressive growth: forecasts expect a market volume of $0.87 to $0.92 trillion by 2025, with a worldwide growth rate of 6%.
Brick-and-mortar retail is experiencing a remarkable renaissance. In-store sales rose by 12% in 2024, outpacing online growth, especially among Gen Z. After years of uncertainty, the DIY sector recorded its first positive figures in Q1 2025, with a 0.7% increase in sales compared to the previous year.
This stabilization is reflected in sales channels: physical DIY stores generated 72.36% of industry revenue in 2024, while 36% of consumers use hybrid shopping paths, researching online but buying in-store.
A successful shop design combines functionality and aesthetics, creating an atmosphere that invites customers to linger. Companies with strong omnichannel strategies retain 89% of their customers, compared to just 33% for weak strategies, and achieve 30% higher customer lifetime value.
Visual design should match the brand identity and ensure a consistent, recognizable appearance. Modern design trends such as industrial or Scandinavian styles are very popular, as they are timeless and easily combinable. Flexibility plays a central role, as 83% of customers research products online before visiting a store.
European retailers achieve notable results with DIY approaches. At EuroShop 2023, award-winning small and medium-sized retailers demonstrated how modular shelving systems and self-built displays lead to measurable improvements.
A documented example shows investment costs between €10,000 and €35,000 for basic equipment with DIY materials and labor, compared to over €50,000 for a similarly sized store with fully outsourced shopfitting. Documented results include a 10–22% increase in sales per square meter within 6–12 months, as well as significantly higher dwell time and repeat visit rates.
A Dutch retailer implemented a circular economy concept with self-built shelves made from recycled materials. With an initial investment of €7,000, the company achieved a 15% reduction in operating costs and an 11% increase in sales compared to the previous year.
These success stories underline the potential of well-planned DIY strategies. Integrating self-built furniture and shelving systems reinforces an authentic, handmade flair and highlights the uniqueness of the store.
Retail design experts emphasize key considerations in DIY projects. As Marathon Business Environment warns: “Without professional guidance, a DIY approach can lead to awkward layouts, inefficient workspaces, and a disjointed customer experience.” DIY approaches often underestimate logistical and financial challenges.
Bridgewater Studio highlights that professional retail designers deliver solutions that “reinforce brand identity and values, maximize space and sales per square meter, support marketing and sales activities, and improve employee experience and retention.”
The most successful projects combine professional planning with DIY execution. A documented example shows a retailer who used commercial designers for the basic layout but handled DIY tasks such as painting, assembling modular furniture, and visual merchandising themselves. This hybrid approach reduced startup costs by 23% and enabled a high-quality, attractive retail environment.
Experts recommend modular fixtures and shelving systems as the backbone of flexible store design. These can be easily reconfigured to adapt to new product assortments or seasonal promotions without major renovation costs.
Sustainable materials are increasingly important. Retailers are choosing fixtures made from recycled metals, reclaimed wood, bamboo, FSC-certified wood, and biodegradable plastics to reduce environmental impact.
Natural and warm surfaces such as wood grains, matte finishes, and neutral earth tones create a welcoming, modern retail environment that encourages customers to stay longer.
Load calculations: Heavy products require stronger materials and solid construction. Wall conditions must be checked before drilling. Use a stud finder to locate wall anchors and mount brackets directly to them.
Precise measurements: Experts emphasize the rule “measure twice, drill once.” Use painter’s tape to visualize shelf placement and always use a level for perfectly horizontal lines.
Tools and fasteners: Basic tools include a cordless screwdriver, drill, saw, sandpaper, tape measure, and level. Special fasteners such as screws, dowels, and shelf brackets make assembly much easier.
Rack Modern positions itself as a leading Turkish supplier of customizable, modern shelving, typically 15–20% cheaper than established Western European manufacturers, with prices around €90–140 per module.
TSTLES is considered the largest shelving system manufacturer in Central Europe, with Central and Eastern European manufacturers often 10–15% cheaper than Western European brands, with typical prices of €70–120 per unit for DIY metal shelving.
German premium brands are recognized as market leaders and command a 10–30% premium due to high design and build quality, with modular DIY units starting at €120–180.
IKEA shelves are among the most affordable options, with basic units from €35–85, while more robust units can reach €110–150.
Certain aspects of store design absolutely require professional expertise. Electrical work, complex lighting systems, and structural changes should always be carried out by certified professionals. Safety and building codes vary regionally and often require professional knowledge.
Compliance and regulations: Accessibility (ADA), fire safety regulations, and local building codes must be followed. Professional designers ensure all regulations are met and liability risks are minimized.
Complex layouts: Major renovations, complex space divisions, or stores with special requirements (food, pharmacy) often require professional planning for optimal customer flow and operational efficiency.
Investing in professional consulting from experts like CAEM can save costs in the long term and ensure successful project implementation. CAEM Group’s consulting service offers 3D visualization and CAD rendering, where retailers can submit sketches or plans and receive detailed visual concepts.
Cross-border DIY e-commerce accounts for over 30% of the European online DIY market, enabling more fluid price comparisons through customization and modularity.
Successful DIY shop designs require careful planning, a realistic assessment of one’s own skills, and a willingness to seek professional help for complex tasks. Documented success stories show that well-thought-out DIY approaches can lead to measurable improvements in sales, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
The combination of strategic planning, quality materials, and professional advice for critical decisions offers the best cost-benefit ratio. With the continued growth of the DIY market and the renaissance of brick-and-mortar retail, retailers have excellent opportunities to transform their stores and gain competitive advantages with creative and cost-conscious solutions.