Why the Right Paint Color Spells Success for Your Retail Space
We all know that things like music can affect our moods. For example, songs in a minor key tend to provoke feelings of sadness, while songs in a major key tend to be more uplifting. The same is true for colors and, more specifically, paint colors. Usually, the effects are so subtle that we aren’t consciously aware that we’re being influenced, but color plays a big role in shaping our emotions—and our purchasing decisions.
If you’re looking for a new way to make your retail space more inviting and encourage more sales, a different paint color might be the answer. Keep reading to learn how to have the effect you want on your customers.
The Psychology of Color
RED
Reds are most often associated with excitement and power. They tend to increase the heart rate and instill a sense of urgency, which is why so many businesses use bright reds to direct customers toward sales and promotions.
Best for:
- Accent walls
- Marking sales or clearance items
ORANGE
Like red, orange is a good color to use when you want your customers to act. Though it’s still considered an aggressive color, it is often used in lieu of red because of its vibrancy and energy.
Best for:
- Accent walls
- Marking sales or clearance items
YELLOW
Because of their brightness, yellows are great for grabbing your customers’ attention. Yellow is most often associated with youthfulness and optimism and frequently evokes imagery of the sun.
Best for:
- Children’s stores when used as a pastel
- Accent walls
GREEN
Green is frequently associated with money and wealth and happens to be the easiest color for the eye to process, so it’s often used to mark a good deal or sale and attract customers.
Best for:
- Outdoor equipment retailers
- Marking sales or clearance items
BLUE
Blues have been shown to evoke a sense of trust and security. They also have a calming effect and can encourage customers to relax and feel comfortable.
Best for:
- Banks
- Large department stores
PINK
Pinks are most frequently associated with feminine and romantic things, which can be useful for making a space feel more inviting and comfortable for women
Best for:
- Women’s boutiques
- Nail salons
PURPLE
Light purples have been shown to be soothing and calming, while darker purples are typically associated with luxury and opulence.
Best for:
- Salons
- Beauty product retailers
BLACK
Black is usually associated with power and luxury because it is bold and severe. It is most frequently paired with a minimalist style.
Best for:
- High-end retailers
- Men’s boutiques
WHITE
Whites are used to signify new beginnings and are most often associated with cleanliness and freshness.
Best for:
- Bridal shops
- Infant clothing stores
- Necessity stores
Where to Start
If you aren’t sure where to start, take a look at other stores in your industry and see if you notice any patterns. For example, baby store owners might notice that the most popular paint colors are pastels, while sports car dealerships might opt for bolder colors like black or red.
Another trick you can try is looking at your merchandise. If there are a few dominant and reoccurring colors, make sure to pick a wall color that is complementary—or at least one that doesn’t clash.
Still not sure? Study your target customers. If they’re mostly teens, you can opt for bolder, more vibrant colors. But if you’re catering to busy adults, cooler, calming colors will be a better choice.
Work With an Expert
A professional painting contractor will be your best resource for choosing the right color and achieving great results. A&K Painting Company has years of experience transforming retail spaces to attract more tenants and customers, so you can be confident you’re in the right hands. Reach out today to start your retail painting project.
