When just starting out, many small business owners in the retail industry only think about what their storefronts look like in terms of visual appeal. They want to make their shops easy to navigate, as well as inviting and effective so they can sell the maximum number of products possible.

However, entrepreneurs should be aware that there are other elements at play when designing the layout of their stores. Every factor, from the location of shelving to signage can influence sales subconsciously. Should owners take a few easy design tips, they will likely see an increase in revenue.

Add color splashes
Entrepreneur Magazine reported many store owners think they have to keep walls neutral to achieve an air of professionalism. However, the source said painted walls may help make the storefront warm and inviting and add some personality to the location.

Retail consultant Debi Kennedy told the magazine that leaders should develop a brand palette of shades that can represent the company, such as the hues present in a logo or on newsletters, and go from there. They will tell a story, Kennedy said, and can help consumers make connections from colors to their favorite brands.

Invest in display cases
Store owners should consider looking into buying display cases or special platforms on which to place expensive and popular products. The Houston Chronicle said putting merchandise at an area of prominence can help draw shoppers' attention. The newspaper also said lighted cases are a good idea, as is placing these displays near registers in an effort to prompt impulse buys.

How to account for increased sales
After taking cues from other successful retailers and making the necessary changes to a storefront, a company will most likely see an increase in sales. To account for this, expansion must occur.

The business owner should consider overlapping shifts to make sure employees are always available to help consumers on the sales floor and at registers to help make transactions as quick as possible. Moreover, they may also want to implement the use of accounting software - not only will that make recording the influx of sales easier through automation, but employees and owners would save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent correcting spreadsheets, transcribing or manually writing figures into a ledger.