Ben speaks to BFP on bakery trends

Ben recently sat down with BFP to talk bakery trends for counter displays and shopfitting. The ever evolving design, layout and locations of bakery shops were discussed amongst future trends that Ben expects to see creeping into the industry in the coming years. Check out the interview below;

The changing face of bakery shops & Bakery Shopfitting

The design, layout and location of bakery shops is evolving in response to changing customer demands, according to one of the UK’s leading bakery shopfitting businesses.

Ben Lord, director at Frimovel, also predicts automated ordering and self-serve bakeries will come to the fore in the next decade.

“In 10 years’ time, I think we’ll see more bakeries using automated service,” he says. “There was definitely more evidence of it at the Euroshop trade show in Dusseldorf this year. We know of bakeries in this country who are now trialling a McDonalds style of customer pre-ordering on screens, and the till company we use – C2Epos – has brought a system out that bakeries can use.”

Style council

In terms of style, bakery shop owners are currently favouring black and oak interiors.

“Silver metalwork on counters was popular eight years ago but now it’s black for a more contemporary look,” continues Ben. “Solid wood oak slats for feature walls look stylish, and, flooring-wise, try a grey tile effect or wood effect, using a hard-wearing product such as Karndean.

“If you want to add a bit of colour, consider tying in colours from your corporate branding. This can be achieved by adding strips of colour on your counters and shelving or coloured signage.

“Extra warm white LEDs bring out the warm tones and complement bread and pastry products well.”

Digital menu screens to advertise things like meal deals and special offers are also exciting new additions.

Go with the flow

Customer flow is key when designing the layout of your bakery.  “Make sure customers walk past all of your products before they pay,” advises Ben.  “Also consider having a pick-up display as soon as they walk in the door. The inconvenience of getting something after you’ve just paid usually means you’ll leave it.”

Accessibility is vital too. “Location is so important,” continues Ben. “People are lazy and want drive-up locations where they can park easily – and for free. We’re definitely seeing less bakeries on High Streets and more on retail parks.”

Frimovel is also receiving more requests to install air conditioning in bakery shops, for a better customer experience as well as to look after employees.

“On-site ovens, heated cabinets and fridges mean it is more of a requirement these days,” claims Ben.

Keep it clean

A typical complete shop refurbishment costs from £50,000 but sales increase as a consequence so it’s worth the investment.

Once done, it should last at least 10 years – but a lot of it comes down to cleanliness, says Ben. “If you keep on top of it, in five years’ time, it will still look brand new.”

Check out the interview through this link through to BFP’s website.