Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about commercial interior design, branding, store merchandising and display work.
Our Services
What services does Retailworks provide?
Retailworks offers comprehensive commercial interior design, branding, signage, visual merchandising, and bespoke display solutions. We specialize in creating engaging branded environments for single and multi-location retail and hospitality businesses.
What makes Retailworks different from other commercial design firms?
Our Founder, President and Principal Designer, Lyn, brings over 30 years of expertise in consumer behavior science and interior design. Our design and display decisions are grounded in factors that positively influence customer behavior, enabling us to create intentional environments that are not only beautiful but drive business results.
What industries does Retailworks specialize in?
Retail and hospitality are our main industries. We have worked in over 35 different retail industries, but have extensive experience in: jewelry, shoe, specialty foods, and housewares. Our consumer behavior-based approach translates across a broad range of categories to elevate the customer’s experience.
Do you work with single or multi-location businesses?
We design to leverage the strengths of each individual location in accordance with the established brand but are experienced in developing prototype designs for regional and national rollouts.
Our Process
What does the Retailworks design process look like?
Our proven workflow includes: Exploration & Discovery, Brand Development, Interior Design Development, Design Refinement, Construction/Project Management, Store Setup and Turnover, and Store Design Guidelines/Toolkit materials. This process has been proven with over 30 years of work on over 100 client initiatives across industries.
How long does a typical project take?
Project timelines vary based on scope and complexity. During our discovery phase, we’ll provide a detailed timeline specific to your project need. Typically our projects can take between 6 weeks and 6 months.
Do you handle project management and construction coordination?
Yes. We provide full project management services and coordinate with contractors to ensure your design vision is executed properly from concept through completion.
Can you work within our existing brand guidelines?
Absolutely. We can work within your established brand standards, or help you evolve and refine your branding to better connect with your target audience.
Is there a waiting period before my project can begin?
We will work with you to align our project schedules with your timeline. Historically we have been able to get started on projects within weeks of a contract being signed.
Geographic & Logistical Questions
Where is Retailworks located?
We’re headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with satellite locations in Arizona and Florida. We are accustomed to traveling and meeting our clients throughout the United States and Canada.
How do you manage multi-location projects across different regions?
We create prototype designs and comprehensive design systems that can be efficiently implemented across locations while maintaining brand consistency. We also provide project management support to ensure quality execution through various partnerships we have developed over the years.
Investment & Budget
What is the typical investment for a design project?
Project budgets vary based on scope, square footage, and complexity. A 1,500 sf redesign can start at $12,000, and a 12,000 sf store can run around $30,000. We provide examples of design deliverables ahead of time so you know the comprehensive set of drawings, specification schedules, and 3-D renderings you’ll receive.
Do you work on a project fee basis or hourly?
We customize our fee structure based on project scope. Smaller consulting projects are often hourly, larger projects have estimated project fees. Monthly retainers and time and materials agreements are also available.
Can you work within our budget constraints?
Yes. We’re experienced at maximizing impact within various budget parameters and can help you prioritize elements into a long-term plan with phases that will deliver the strongest return on investment.
If I have a limited budget, what are the most critical elements to change that make the biggest difference?
Lighting, layout, merchandising, and signage. Lighting is the most critical element of any interior, and is especially important in retail and hospitality settings. How customers navigate your space and process your environment is also extremely important when it comes to purchase and interaction behavior. Our team is experienced in helping you design your environment so it works for you and your visitors.
Results & ROI
How does consumer behavior science influence your designs?
Our designs are grounded in 30+ years of consumer behavior research. We strategically plan sight lines, focal points, traffic flow, product placement, lighting, signage, and sensory elements to guide behavior and increase engagement, dwell time, and sales.
What kind of results can we expect from a design project?
While results vary by project, our clients typically see improvements in customer traffic, dwell time, increased sales per square foot, stronger brand recognition, and enhanced customer experience. We design with measurable business outcomes in mind. Some clients have experienced up to 45% increase in sales.
Can you help with outdated store designs that aren't driving traffic?
Yes. Refreshing outdated retail environments is one of our specialties. We analyze what’s not working and create proven, customer-centric designs that reignite interest and drive foot traffic.
How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple locations?
We develop comprehensive design systems, brand standards, and prototype designs that ensure your brand experience is cohesive across all locations while allowing for necessary regional adaptations.
Specific Service Questions
What is visual merchandising and why is it important?
Visual merchandising is the strategic presentation of products to maximize appeal and sales. It includes display design, product placement, signage, and creating compelling visual stories that guide customers through your space.
What are bespoke displays?
Bespoke displays are custom-designed, one-of-a-kind installations created specifically for your brand and products. These thought-provoking pieces become signature elements that differentiate your brand, create customer experiences, and often become Instagram-worthy photo ops (promoting your brand even more).
Can you help with signage design and implementation?
Yes. We design comprehensive signage systems including exterior signage, wayfinding, promotional signage, and branded environmental graphics that enhance navigation and reinforce your brand identity.
Do you provide branding services?
Yes, we offer branding services and believe it’s important for the interior space to align to the brand. Whether you need a complete brand refresh or want to translate your existing brand into physical spaces, we ensure your environments authentically reflect and strengthen your brand.
Why are the window displays so expensive?
Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, every Retailworks display is completely custom-designed for your brand, meticulously sized and engineered for your exact window dimensions and structural configuration. We account for sight lines, lighting conditions, architectural elements, and mounting requirements unique to your space while ensuring every element aligns with your brand identity, values, and current marketing initiatives. Our displays utilize premium materials and specialized construction techniques performed by skilled artisans. We believe your windows are valuable real estate and help create that all-important first impression.
Getting Started
How do I know if Retailworks is the right fit for my project?
Visual merchandising is the strategic presentation of products to maximize appeal and sales. It includes display design, product placement, signage, and creating compelling visual stories that guide customers through your space.
What information do you need to provide a proposal or quote a price?
We’ll want to understand your business goals, current challenges, project scope, timeline, budget parameters, and brand positioning. The more you share, the better we can tailor our approach and estimate cost.
What's the first step to working with Retailworks?
Contact us via this online form to schedule a video call. We’ll discuss your needs, challenges, and goals to determine how we can help bring your retail or hospitality environment vision to reality.