We’ve all been to a store’s fitting room to try on clothes, whether out of pleasure or obligation. For many, this is the worst part of shopping: choosing items, asking about sizes and colors, and finally entering that small room in the back to try on clothes.
Sometimes, with the bad luck of not finding anything that fits well, which makes the experience even worse.
With over 22 years of experience, Plasmanodo has identified that the fitting room is often the last thing considered and is given little space and budget.
It is often thought of as an unnecessary and costly space. However, a well-designed fitting room can be key to closing a sale.
Here are the 5 most common fitting room mistakes and how design can solve them.
The 5 Most Common Fitting Room Mistakes That Cost you sales
1. Lighting: True Color and No Shadows
Lighting is essential in any commercial space, and even more so in a clothing store. We want colors and shapes to be true to reality, not distorted by poor lighting.
Our experience at Plasmanodo has taught us that a lot of attention is often paid to the lighting in the display area of the store, but fitting rooms are often left with inadequate lighting.
A harsh, cold overhead light can create shadows, change colors, and distort customers’ figures.
When a customer enters the fitting room, a large part of the sale is already made, but it is there where the deal is closed. If you see strange shadows, look pale, or the colors of the clothes are not the same as in the display area, the experience is ruined.
Proper lighting will make your customers look better. Use soft, indirect light with a neutral temperature close to 3500K and a warm one of 2700K.
This way, your customers will see the garments as they really are and will feel good about what they see.
2. Size: Not Too Big, Not Too Small
For a store, non-display space represents a cost, but an uncomfortable customer with a bad experience is much more costly.
Fitting rooms should be comfortable, allowing the customer to move freely and organize their clothes in an orderly manner.
At Plasmanodo, we know that fitting rooms should be designed to close the sale, acting as that silent salesperson that ensures the purchase.
It is common to find very small fitting rooms, with few hooks and just a small bench.
You don’t need to make the biggest investment in fitting rooms, but they should be a place where the customer feels comfortable and can take a break between changes.
Think of fitting rooms as another salesperson, not as leftover space.
3. Temperature: Heat, a Big Enemy of Sales
Plasmanodo has observed that, being located at the back of the store, fitting rooms are often forgotten when designing the air conditioning system.
Trying on clothes in a small, enclosed space generates heat, and without good ventilation, the experience can be unpleasant.
Make sure the fitting rooms have adequate ventilation and independent air conditioning outlets.
The right temperature will make the customer make decisions based on how they look and feel with the clothes, not because of the discomfort of heat.
4. Privacy: Peace of Mind at All Times
With more than two decades designing commercial spaces, Plasmanodo knows that privacy in fitting rooms is crucial.
It is not necessary to have completely independent fitting rooms, but the person should feel at ease when undressing and stepping out to receive opinions.
It is common to find fitting rooms with curtains that do not close well, doors without locks, or without occupancy indicators.
Peace of mind is essential for a good shopping experience.
Your customers should feel safe and relaxed, without worrying that someone might see them.
Ensure that curtains and doors close properly and that there is clear occupancy signage.
5. Mirror: A Silent Advisor
Plasmanodo, as an expert in store design, knows that a mirror that distorts the figure can make your customer run out of the store.
Mirrors are crucial for decision-making. A front mirror is basic, but more is needed for the customer to see the garment from all angles without doing acrobatics.
Place several mirrors so that your customers have a clear and complete view of how they look.
This will allow them to make decisions based on what they really see. These details are essential for effective store design.
It is vital that stores are designed to sell, and this includes all spaces, especially fitting rooms.
A good display window design will make people enter the store, a good layout and correct flow will take your customers where they want to go, and good lighting will guide the eye to the right places.
The same goes for a good fitting room: when your customer enters to try on clothes, there is a high probability that the purchase will be completed.
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If the experience inside the fitting room is positive, it is likely to be a sure sale.
Even if they don’t find what they need, they will be more willing to repeat the process.
At Plasmanodo, we firmly believe that planned design and attention to detail can minimize these mistakes and turn them into sales opportunities.
With over 22 years of experience, we know how to avoid these mistakes and create commercial spaces that really work, ensuring that every aspect of the store contributes to a successful and satisfying shopping experience.