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Claus Ebster

Have you ever wondered how stores influence your shopping behavior?

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Have you ever wondered how stores influence your shopping behavior?

In an age of self-service stores, saturated markets, and ever more demanding customers, the creative and science-driven design of the point of sale has become a crucial success factor for both retailers and service businesses. In this course, you will be introduced to shopper marketing. I will reveal the marketing secrets of how our purchase decisions are influenced by colors, scents, store layouts, and merchandise presentations. You will learn to understand shopping behavior and how to optimize the design of retail stores and service environments to increase customer satisfaction and sales.

Some of the questions addressed in the course are:

  • How can store design trigger impulse purchases?

  • How are visual merchandising and theming used to create irresistible shopping experiences?

  • How can stores be designed to make shopping more convenient for senior citizens?

  • What are the best (and the worst) selling zones in a store?

  • Why are men (but not women) seduced by red sales signs?

The intended audience of the course are entrepreneurs, marketers, and retailers, but also interested consumers who want to learn how shopping behavior can be influenced.

After participating in this course, you won’t ever look at stores the same way again. You will automatically analyze every store you enter to discover the psychological techniques used to make shoppers buy.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Appreciate the relevance of shopper marketing and store design
  • Understand the goals of shopper marketing and store design
  • Understand the effect of music, scents and colors on shopping behavior
  • Use the principles of experiential marketing and store design
  • Be able to trigger emotions in shoppers
  • Understand and influence shopping behavior
  • Apply the knowledge gained in this course to evaluate your own retail spaces and servicescapes

Syllabus

Introduction
Close examination of an endcap
Find out how shoppers navigate the store, how they search for products, and how you can make them find the products you want them to see and buy.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the psychology behind consumer behavior in retail environments, which is valuable for entrepreneurs looking to optimize their store layouts and marketing strategies
Examines the impact of sensory elements like music, scents, and colors on shopping behavior, which is useful for marketers aiming to create immersive brand experiences
Discusses visual merchandising techniques, including shelf placement and in-store graphics, which are essential skills for retailers seeking to maximize product visibility and sales
Presents the Mehrabian-Russell Model, which is a framework for understanding how environmental factors influence emotions and in-store behavior
Teaches how to design retail spaces that cater to specific demographics, such as senior citizens, which is important for businesses aiming to create inclusive and accessible environments
Examines the concept of 'experiential retailing' and themed experiences, which can help businesses create memorable and engaging shopping environments that stand out from competitors

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Reviews summary

Insights into store influence on shoppers

According to learners, this course offers a clear and concise overview of shopper marketing, store design, and visual merchandising. Many found the content engaging and the concepts explained in a way that was easy to grasp. Students appreciate the practical insights and techniques taught, noting they can immediately apply what they learned to analyze retail environments. Reviewers frequently mention the course provides a solid foundation in understanding consumer behavior within stores. While the course is widely seen as a positive experience and valuable for understanding the psychology behind shopping, some advanced learners felt it might be more suited for beginners or those new to the topic, suggesting a desire for more in-depth coverage on certain complex areas.
Ideal for those new to the subject.
"While I found it informative, I felt it was quite basic and better suited for someone new to marketing or retail."
"If you have prior knowledge, some parts might feel like a review, but it's excellent for novices."
"Great entry-level course, but perhaps not deep enough for experienced professionals looking for advanced strategies."
Topic is interesting and well-explained.
"The course was very engaging, covering fascinating aspects of shopping behavior."
"I found the topics incredibly interesting and relevant to everyday life."
"The explanations were clear and kept me interested throughout the modules."
"Learning about the psychological techniques used in stores was captivating."
Provides a clear and accessible introduction.
"This course provided me with a strong foundation in understanding shopper psychology and store layout."
"It's a great introduction for anyone new to the concepts of shopper marketing and visual merchandising."
"I gained a solid basic understanding of how stores influence purchasing decisions."
"The material is well-structured and easy to follow, making it suitable for beginners."
Gain actionable knowledge for analyzing stores.
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
"After taking this course, I now analyze every store I enter, noticing design choices."
"It provided me with very useful and practical techniques for evaluating retail spaces."
"The content was directly applicable and gave me a new perspective on shopping environments."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Shopper Marketing, Store Design and Visual Merchandising with these activities:
Review Basic Marketing Principles
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental marketing concepts to better grasp shopper marketing strategies.
Show steps
  • Review key marketing terms and definitions.
  • Study the 4Ps of marketing: product, price, place, and promotion.
  • Examine case studies of successful marketing campaigns.
Read 'Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping' by Paco Underhill
Gain a deeper understanding of shopper behavior through a classic text in the field.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Why We Buy' by Paco Underhill.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key observations and insights.
  • Reflect on how the concepts relate to your own shopping experiences.
Analyze a Local Store's Design
Apply course concepts by analyzing the design and layout of a local retail store.
Show steps
  • Choose a local store to analyze.
  • Observe shopper behavior within the store.
  • Document the store layout, visual merchandising, and sensory elements.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Shelf Placement Optimization Exercises
Reinforce your understanding of shelf placement strategies through practical exercises.
Show steps
  • Create a mock shelf layout with various products.
  • Experiment with different product placements based on eye-level principles.
  • Evaluate the impact of placement on product visibility and sales potential.
Design a Store Layout for a Specific Target Audience
Apply your knowledge by designing a store layout tailored to a specific demographic.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific target audience (e.g., senior citizens, millennials).
  • Research the shopping preferences and needs of your chosen audience.
  • Create a store layout that caters to their specific requirements.
  • Present your design with justifications for your choices.
Read 'Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds and Persuade Us to Buy' by Martin Lindstrom
Understand the ethical implications of shopper marketing by exploring the techniques companies use to influence consumer behavior.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Brandwashed' by Martin Lindstrom.
  • Read the book, paying attention to the examples of manipulation.
  • Reflect on the ethical implications of these techniques.
Develop a Shopper Marketing Campaign
Solidify your learning by developing a comprehensive shopper marketing campaign for a product or service.
Show steps
  • Choose a product or service to promote.
  • Define your target audience and marketing objectives.
  • Develop a shopper marketing strategy incorporating store design, visual merchandising, and sensory elements.
  • Create a presentation outlining your campaign and its potential impact.

Career center

Learners who complete Shopper Marketing, Store Design and Visual Merchandising will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Visual Merchandiser
A Visual Merchandiser is responsible for creating visually appealing displays in retail stores to attract customers and promote sales. This course is designed to help you become a Visual Merchandiser. Its focus on visual merchandising, store design, and how these elements influence shopping behavior makes it directly applicable to this role. Knowing how to create visual magnets, use in-store graphics effectively, and understand the principles of product presentation are all critical skills for a Visual Merchandiser. This course equips aspiring Visual Merchandisers with the knowledge to design displays that capture attention, communicate product value, and enhance the overall shopping experience.
Store Planner
A Store Planner designs the layout and flow of retail spaces to maximize efficiency and customer experience. This course helps one become a Store Planner. The course's emphasis on store design, shopper movement, and the psychology of shopping behavior makes it invaluable for this role. A Store Planner will learn how to create store layouts that guide shoppers effectively, optimize product placement to encourage purchases, and design spaces that cater to the needs of different customer segments, including senior citizens. The course provides a foundation for creating retail environments that are both functional and appealing, driving sales and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Retail Manager
A Retail Manager oversees the daily operations of a retail store, ensuring smooth functioning and profitability. This course may be highly beneficial for anyone aspiring to be a Retail Manager, as it delves into the nuances of shopper marketing, store design, and visual merchandising. Understanding how store layouts, merchandise presentations, colors, and scents influence purchase decisions, as explored in this course, helps a Retail Manager optimize the shopping environment to boost sales and customer satisfaction. The course content on influencing shopper movement, shelf placement, and creating engaging store atmospheres is directly applicable to the responsibilities of a Retail Manager.
Customer Experience Manager
A Customer Experience Manager is responsible for ensuring positive customer interactions across all touchpoints, including the in-store experience. This course is designed to help you become a Customer Experience Manager. The course's focus on understanding shopping behavior, creating engaging store atmospheres, and designing memorable shopping experiences directly contributes to the responsibilities of this role. A Customer Experience Manager can leverage the knowledge gained to optimize the in-store environment, create sensory experiences that resonate with customers, and design spaces that cater to their needs and preferences. The course also provides insights into influencing wait time perceptions and encouraging impulse purchases, enhancing satisfaction.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager develops and oversees marketing campaigns to promote products or services. This course helps professionals in the marketing field. The insights into shopper marketing, understanding consumer behavior, and optimizing the point of sale are highly relevant. A Marketing Manager can leverage the knowledge gained from this course to create more effective in-store marketing strategies, understand how sensory elements like music and scents impact purchase decisions, and design shopping experiences that resonate with target audiences. By understanding how to influence shoppers at the point of sale, a Marketing Manager can significantly improve the success of marketing campaigns.
Sales Promotion Manager
A Sales Promotion Manager develops and implements strategies to boost sales through various promotional activities. Understanding shopper behavior and optimizing the point of sale environment, as taught in this course, will help a Sales Promotion Manager design more effective in-store promotions. The course will enable Sales Promotion Managers to understand how colors, scents, and store layouts influence purchase decisions, and how to create visual magnets that capture attention. By applying the principles of experiential marketing and store design, a Sales Promotion Manager can create engaging promotional campaigns that drive sales and enhance the shopping experience.
Brand Manager
A Brand Manager is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the reputation of a brand. For a Brand Manager, this course is highly relevant. The course's focus on shopper marketing and how the store environment influences consumer perception will allow a Brand Manager to use the store to enhance the brand. Brand Managers will discover how to design themed experiences, use visual merchandising to communicate brand values, and create in-store environments that reinforce brand messaging. By understanding the psychological techniques used to influence shoppers, a Brand Manager can create more impactful brand experiences at the point of sale.
Space Planner
A Space Planner optimizes the use of space in buildings and other environments. This course helps one become a Space Planner, especially in retail. The principles of store design and the study of shopper behavior can be applied to best use retail space. Space Planners will learn how to create store layouts that guide shoppers effectively, optimize product placement to encourage purchases, and design spaces that cater to the needs and preferences of customers. The course provides a foundation for creating retail environments that are both functional and appealing, driving sales and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Entrepreneur
An Entrepreneur starts and manages their own business, often in the retail sector. This course may be particularly helpful for any Entrepreneur. The course's comprehensive exploration of shopper marketing, store design, and visual merchandising provides valuable insights for creating successful retail environments. This course can assist Entrepreneurs in understanding how to optimize store layouts, product presentation, and sensory elements to attract customers and drive sales. The course also offers practical advice on creating unique shopping experiences and influencing shopper behavior, equipping Entrepreneurs with the knowledge to create a competitive edge.
Retail Consultant
A Retail Consultant advises retailers on how to improve their operations, sales, and customer experience. This course may be useful for a Retail Consultant. The course provides a comprehensive overview of shopper marketing, store design, and visual merchandising, which are all key areas of focus for a Retail Consultant. The course content enables consultants to assess existing retail spaces, identify areas for improvement, and recommend strategies to optimize store layouts, product placement, and the overall shopping environment. The course also provides insights into influencing shopper behavior, which can be used to develop targeted recommendations for retailers.
Retail Buyer
A Retail Buyer selects and purchases merchandise for retail stores to meet customer demand and maximize profit. This course may be helpful in becoming a retail buyer. The understanding of shopper behavior and preferences gained from the course can inform purchasing decisions and help Retail Buyers select products that are likely to resonate with customers. This course provides insights into visual merchandising and product placement, which can help Retail Buyers understand how to present merchandise effectively. By applying these principles, a Retail Buyer can optimize product selection and presentation to drive sales and meet customer needs.
Exhibition Designer
An Exhibition Designer creates visually appealing and engaging displays for trade shows, museums, and other exhibitions. This course may be helpful for becoming an exhibition designer. Understanding how colors, scents, and layouts influence behavior, as discussed in this course, can be applied to exhibition design to create memorable and impactful experiences. The course's focus on creating themed experiences and capturing attention through visual merchandising can inspire Exhibition Designers to create exhibits that are both informative and visually stunning. The course also provides insights into understanding audience needs and preferences, which can help Exhibition Designers tailor exhibits to specific audiences.
Service Designer
A Service Designer focuses on creating and improving service experiences for customers. This course may be helpful for the service designer. The principles of experiential marketing and store design can be applied to create service environments that are both functional and enjoyable. Service Designers can leverage the insights into influencing wait time perceptions and creating memorable experiences to enhance the overall customer journey. The course also provides insights into understanding customer needs and preferences, which can help Service Designers create services that are both effective and customer-centric.
User Experience Researcher
A User Experience Researcher studies user behavior to inform the design and improvement of products and services. This course may be useful for the user experience researcher. The knowledge of shopper behavior and how the shopping environment influences purchase decisions can be applied to understanding user behavior in other contexts. User Experience Researchers can apply the principles of visual merchandising and store design to create user interfaces that are both visually appealing and easy to navigate. The course also provides insights into understanding user needs and preferences, which can help User Experience Researchers create more user-friendly products and services.
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst studies market conditions and consumer behavior to advise companies on product development, marketing strategies, and pricing. This may be a useful course for a Market Research Analyst, as studies on shopping behavior may be useful to this type of analyst. A Market Research Analyst may be able to use insights from this course to create marketing strategies that optimize sales in different retail environments. The course also provides a foundation into research of behavior, including research on the movement of shoppers. This research knowledge can be used to create more effective analysis of commercial environments.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Shopper Marketing, Store Design and Visual Merchandising.
Underhill's book classic in the field of shopper behavior, offering insights into how consumers interact with retail environments. It explores topics such as store layout, product placement, and the impact of sensory cues on purchasing decisions. provides a deeper understanding of the psychological factors that influence shopping behavior, complementing the course's focus on shopper marketing.
Delves into the psychological techniques used by companies to influence consumer behavior. It explores how brands use sensory marketing, emotional appeals, and subconscious cues to persuade us to buy their products. This book provides a critical perspective on the power of marketing and its impact on our purchasing decisions.

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