
Store interior for Generation Z – engaging and interactive
Is your store interior ready for Generation Z? Generation Z, also known as Gen Z, is now beginning to occupy the labor market, they are also increasing their purchasing power and are thus a key target group for retail.
Is your store interior ready for Generation Z? The digital generation born between 1997 and 2012, who are constantly connected to at least one screen. Smartphones, TVs, laptops, desktops and tablets are a big part of everyday life for this age group who have been dealing with information in a variety of channels since childhood. Generation Z, also known as Gen Z, is now beginning to occupy the labor market, they are also increasing their purchasing power and are thus a key target group for retail. For store owners, it is therefore of the utmost importance to understand and adapt their store interior to this new group of customers with strong purchasing power.
Gen Z's buying habits
To understand how Gen Z shops, we need to understand Gen Z as an age group. When it comes to the actual decision-making process, Gen Z are quick and can be experienced as more spontaneous and impulse buying than previous generations. They shop for satisfaction and the connection to the brand and its values is as important to Gen Z as the products. Therefore, they are more likely to support companies that share their own values of environmental responsibility, social justice and sustainability. In addition, Generation Z is highly influenced by social media. They follow influencers and brands they admire and are open to trying new products and trends that are recommended.
The interaction between physical store interior and technology
Contrary to what you might think, Gen Z is the age group that prefers to shop in physical stores. The market place Faire, with the help of Wakefield Research, conducted a survey How Gen Z Shops in which a thousand nationally representative adults aged 18 to 26 in the United States were asked about their shopping habits. A whopping 47% say they prefer shopping in-store over online. Gen Z sees the store as an opportunity to experience the products on site and interact with the brand, despite this, it is not certain that the purchase will be completed in a physical store. Because while Generation Z is known for what looks like spontaneity, they also have the ability to thoroughly research when it comes to something they really want. In the physical store, they can squeeze and feel the product to go home and read reviews and order it online. The interaction between the physical and the digital must therefore be as obvious to the retailer as it is to Generation Z.
6 tips on how to attract Gen Z with store design:
1. Interactive store interior
To attract Gen Z, offering an interactive store environment is critical. Gen Z grew up with technology and expect an engaging shopping experience. Integrate technological features such as free Wi-Fi, digital screens and displays into your store interior to capture attention and actively involve the generation in the shopping experience.

2. Photo-friendly store environment
Generation Z loves to share their experiences on social media and is always on the lookout for photo-friendly spots. With attractive zones in the store where customers spontaneously want to take photos and share their visits, you not only increase the store's visibility, but also attract more customers.

3. Personal commitment
Gen Z values authenticity and interaction. Design your store interior to encourage personal contact and engagement and create spaces where customers can relax and socialize.
4. Flexible store layout
Adapt your interior layout according to different campaigns, seasons and trends. A flexible layout shows that the store is dynamic and always offers something new and exciting. This keeps Gen Z engaged and curious.
5. Focus on sustainability
Gen Z is more aware of environmental issues than previous generations and values sustainable alternatives. Use environmentally friendly materials in your store interior and promote your sustainable initiatives to attract them as customers. This shows that you take responsibility for the environment and attracts more customers who share these values.
6. Smooth and fast payment solution
For Gen Z, smooth and fast payment solutions are a matter of course. Raised on digital payment apps and mobile wallets, they expect a seamless shopping experience both online and offline. This also gives your store a modern and forward-looking image.
Store interior with innovative technology
In order to attract the screen-raised generation, it is crucial to keep up with the latest technological innovations. One of the most exciting technological advances in retail design right now is the use of Beacons, small devices that utilize Bluetooth technology. The store can send signals to mobile phones and activate apps on the user's phone. By strategically placing Beacons in the store interior, messages about special offers or product recommendations can be sent to customers approaching specific departments or products. In addition, the technology makes it possible to send direct push messages with tailored offers to customers' mobile phones already at the entrance.
Branding platform
For Gen Z, an attractive storefront is not enough, they expect more from the in-store shopping experience. They have a strong interest in community and social interaction and want to be part of different communities and groups where they can share experiences, ideas and interests with like-minded people. The clothing brand Aimé Leon Dore is an example where the brand has become a platform where you create a relationship with the customers. ALD's shops and cafes are designed as cozy living rooms or dimly lit private clubs. These focus on creating community and an interactive Community rather than simply serving as places for shopping.
Here, Gen Z often queues around the block!
Generation Z grew up in a world of rapid change and technological innovation. For them, it is not only important to shop for products, but also to experience and engage with brands in a meaningful way. Therefore, creating an engaging and interactive store interior that combines the physical and digital worlds will be the key to attracting Generation Z. Norco Interior offers customized solutions for store interior. Contact us here to create a store interior that not only attracts, but also engages and inspires the modern Gen Z consumer.