Choice or minimalism?

Say a clothing shop, do you prefer the ones which are jam-packed with choice or minimalist layouts?

Same with a bike shop, do you prefer a simple one choice of each item or a crowded one?

Would love to know your thoughts and opinions, however big or small. I'd also like to know if you have any real problems with either layout, your deep loathes of either.

James

It depends.

I've been in shops that are jam packed with all kinds of things, none of which I want and shops that are very minimalist but have everything I want.

There's definitely a middle ground to be found where there's a lot of choice and desirable items but that aren't difficult to find.

I prefer minimalism, I find that shops with this kind of layout tend to spend more time thinking and talking to the customers about what they actually want. Sifting through rails or shelves of shite is a chore and just puts me off, most of the shops I go to for either bike parts or clothes generally have minimalist layouts where I can walk in and find what I want immediately or can browse with ease finding items I would want to purchase. That said there are some shots using a minimalist layout which are just full of crap and have nothing really on off, I think if it's done right its the key to success but if done wrong you may as well fill the store with crap to cover overheads.

Minimalism, as long as it's intelligent. You want the customer to see that you know your stuff, and are only stocking quality (for the price items). Generally if people want choice they buy online, so a real shop has to differentiate and offer something different

I like bookshops to be cluttered and the same with music and clothing but I think the cluttered only works when it's second hand or one off items because it's so difficult to have a proper system and it's so fun to rifle through different things hoping to find that one thing you've been looking for for years (never happens but usually you find something else) that might turn up in the mess because ANYTHING could be there. Minimalism I think works better for bike stuff usually as most cyclists either know exactly what they want or don't want too much choice if they're new to cycling. I think if you have good stocks but a tidy layout then more people will appreciate it than not, however there are a few people like myself who quite like cluttered everything even when wildly impractical because it makes them feel more comfortable about taking time browsing.

Pile it high, sell it cheap!

Shoplifting or knocking one out is a chore in a boutique with a one-to-one staff/customer ratio!

Carhartt as an example, along with many other shops, have absolutely everything they sell, but they only have never size on the she'll. If you want it in another size, you have to ask. I think this is the system, that works best.

opening a shop are we?

Minimal shops are wank, unless its really nice stuff. I like shops with loads of choice, and having a good long uninterrupted browse.

While we are on tbe topic, what's the deal with the lighting and music in clothes shops at the minute? - I don't want to feel like I am in a club, I am here to buy a belt ffs

Good stuff up front, boring crap out back.

Only arrospok, charms and fixeh bars needed.minimal.

.... and coffee, don't forget coffee!

Minimalism, but no bike shop is complete without a bargain bin ;)

As much choice as possible, and as little interference from shop assistants as possible while I browse

Minimal shops are wank, unless its really nice stuff. I like shops with loads of choice, and having a good long uninterrupted browse.

While we are on tbe topic, what's the deal with the lighting and music in clothes shops at the minute? - I don't want to feel like I am in a club, I am here to buy a belt ffs

You need to let go of your youth and come to terms with the fact that those shops are for the youngsters.

Get yourself a nice M&S cardigan...