FLOORING IN RETAIL & SHOPPING LOCATIONS
AS the charity retail sector becomes increasingly popular, flooring is playing a growing role in helping stores compete with the high street.
At Shelter’s Botanics Community Shop in Glasgow, a recent refurbishment demonstrates how carefully selected flooring can contribute to customer experience and operational performance.
Completed through a collaboration between Shelter and Karndean Commercial, the project forms part of Karndean’s annual charity partnership.
The refurbishment has transformed the store into a contemporary retail space designed to increase visitor appeal, improve accessibility and drive sales for Shelter’s ongoing work addressing homelessness across the UK.
The project reflects wider trends in the charity retail sector, where organisations are moving away from traditional thrift-store environments and investing in more curated, design-led spaces.
As customer expectations continue to evolve, interior finishes such as flooring are becoming increasingly important in creating attractive shopping environments that encourage longer visits and repeat footfall.
Richard Allen, vice president of sales at Karndean Commercial, explains that the design brief focused on creating a boutique-style retail environment that aligned with Shelter’s contemporary brand while remaining practical for a busy community space.
The flooring specification needed to balance aesthetics with durability, particularly given anticipated visitor numbers of more than 500 people each week.
To meet these requirements, Karndean Commercial supplied and installed its Opus luxury vinyl flooring in the Avena wood design.
A key consideration for retail flooring is delivering visual appeal without compromising performance. Used throughout the Glasgow store, Avena combines soft beige-grey tones with subtle wood grain detailing to create a light, contemporary finish that is said to complement a range of merchandise displays.
Says the company: ‘The design is supplied in an extra-wide 9inx48in plank format, helping create a spacious appearance while reducing installation time. The finished scheme creates a cohesive retail environment that supports the store’s repositioning as a welcoming, modern shopping destination.
‘Clothing displays, homeware sections and book areas are visually connected through the consistent flooring design, providing a strong foundation for the store’s refreshed appearance.
‘Beyond aesthetics, the flooring was selected for its suitability in demanding retail environments. The Opus collection features a textured surface designed to deliver enhanced slip resistance, achieving an R36 rating.’
Continues Karndean: ‘The flooring also incorporates a waterproof, hygienic surface that is easy to clean and maintain, helping retailers manage day-to-day operational demands.
‘For high-traffic retail settings, durability remains a critical specification requirement. Opus features a 2.5mm overall thickness with a 0.55mm wearlayer and is backed by a 15-year commercial guarantee, providing long-term performance in busy shopping environments.
‘The refurbishment also incorporated accessibility improvements, including the replacement of a step with a ramp, helping ensure the store remains welcoming to all visitors. Combined with the contemporary flooring finish, the result is an environment that feels inclusive and professionally designed.
‘Sustainability formed another important element of the project. Shelter highlighted the flooring’s durability and long-life performance as factors that can help reduce replacement cycles and associated environmental impact. The approach aligns with the charity’s broader sustainability commitments, while also delivering long-term value through reduced maintenance and lifecycle costs.’
Adds Karndean: ‘The completed Glasgow Botanics store offers an example of how flooring can contribute far beyond surface appearance. By combining design appeal, accessibility, durability and sustainability, the project demonstrates how modern flooring solutions can help retailers create engaging customer environments while meeting the practical demands of daily operation.
‘For Shelter, the transformation has delivered a shop environment that not only supports the charity’s brand but also helps generate the revenue needed to fund its vital work.’
www.karndean.com
