The Future Of Fitting Rooms-Handbook- Part 1

THE FUTURE OF FITTING

P.g 4-7 - Introduction

P.g 8-9 - Understanding Customer Behavior

P.g 10-19 - Design and Layout

P.g 20-25 - Lighting and Ambiance

P.g 26-31 - Privacy and Security

P.g 32-41 - Technology Integration

P.g 35 - Bluetooth Speakers

P.g 36 - Wireless Phone Chargers

P.g 36-39 - AI in Fitting Rooms

P.g 42-45 - Accessibility and Inclusivity

P.g 46-49 - Staff Management and Training

P.g 50-55 - Customer Feedback

P.g 56-57 - Case Studies - Examples of Successful Fitting Rooms

P.g 58-63 - Sensory Branding

P.g 64-69 - Biophilia

P.g 70-73 - Analytics

P.g 74-75 - Checklists

P.g 76-77 - Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

The importance of fitting rooms in the retail industry.

Fitting rooms are sometimes disregarded in the retail business, despite being an important aspect of a brand’s shop design. Fitting rooms are renowned as the smallbut-mighty part of every retail store since they are one of the primary factors that contribute to increased sales and decreased returns. The majority of purchases are made when customers like what they see in the fitting room. With the development of internet shopping, physical retailers must reinvent themselves to locate fitting rooms in the centre of their spaces rather than the rear corners. People will spend less time searching for items in-store and will head directly to the fitting rooms to try on the goods they ordered, so the fitting room must be the place where the brand’s personality is fully expressed and where sales staff must focus.

Explanation of the purpose and objectives of the handbook

The goal of this handbook on the future of fitting rooms in the luxury retail sector is to give businesses with insights and methods for improving the fitting room experience and increasing consumer involvement. This manual focuses on how to enhance sales by combining sensory branding with AI technologies. This handbook’s goals include investigating virtual fitting rooms driven by artificial intelligence, emphasising the significance of fitting rooms, including sensory branding, utilising AI technology, and balancing physical and digital shopping experiences. It is a complete guide for high-end luxury retailers to understand the future of fitting rooms as well as how to use sensory branding and AI technology to increase sales and customer pleasure.

UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIOUR

Retailers need to pay attention to customer expectations, preferences, and behaviours in fitting rooms to enhance the overall customer experience. By doing so, retailers can increase sales, decrease returns, and build brand loyalty.

Customer Expectations:

Privacy: Customers expect fitting rooms to provide privacy so that they can try on clothes away from the eyes of others (Karolina, 2017).

Comfort: Customers expect fitting rooms to be spacious, enjoyable, and relaxing, with more seating furniture, smart mirrors, good lighting, good ventilation, and good colour (Kostic, 2021).

Personalization: Customers expect fitting rooms to provide a personalized experience through elements such as virtual fitting rooms powered by AI (Reader, 2017).

Customer Behaviours:

Purchasing Decisions: Most purchasing decisions are made when shoppers like what they see in the fitting room (Reader, 2017) (Asia, 2019).

Anxiety: Fitting rooms can be an anxietyinducing, ego-destroying location for the average customer (Steras, 2019).

Customer Preferences:

Lighting: Lighting is a key element of fitting room design, and customers prefer lighting that is flattering and natural (Reader, 2017).

Mirror: The mirror is the most important element of the fitting room, and customers prefer mirrors that are large, well-lit, and provide a 360-degree view (Reader, 2017) (Kostic, 2021).

Size: Customers prefer fitting rooms that are spacious enough to accommodate them and their belongings (Reader, 2017) (Kostic, 2021).

Colour: Customers prefer fitting rooms that have a neutral colour palette, as it creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere (Reader, 2017).

Sales: Shoppers who use fitting rooms are over 7 times more likely to make a purchase than those who don’t (Kostic, 2021).

Returns: decreasing returns, as customers can try on clothes before purchasing them (Karolina, 2017).

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

When designing fitting rooms, retailers need to consider the optimal layout and spatial design to enhance the overall customer experience.

Space and Placement: Determine the size and location of fitting rooms to ensure that customers have enough space to try on apparel without bumping into walls or fixtures (Hodge, 2021). Best practices for placing and spacing fitting rooms should also be considered (Hodge, 2021).

Lighting: Lighting is a key element of fitting room design, and customers prefer lighting that is flattering and natural (ROI Advisers, 2022). Retailers should ensure that the lighting is bright enough to see the clothes clearly, but not so bright that it washes out the colours (ROI Advisers, 2022).

Mirror: The mirror is the most important element of the fitting room, and customers prefer mirrors that are large, well-lit, and provide a 360-degree view (ROI Advisers, 2022), (Kostic, 2021). Retailers should ensure that the mirrors are positioned at the right height and angle to provide the best view (ROI Advisers, 2022).

Seating: Fitting rooms should provide comfortable seating for customers to sit and relax while they try on clothes (Kostic, 2021). Retailers should consider adding seating furniture that complements the overall design of the fitting room (Kostic, 2021).

Ventilation: Fitting rooms should have good ventilation to ensure that customers feel comfortable and not overheated while trying on clothes (Kostic, 2021).

Smart Mirrors: Smart mirrors are becoming increasingly popular in fitting rooms, as they provide customers with a personalized experience and allow them to see how clothes look from different angles (ROI Advisers, 2022).

Colour and Design: The interior of the fitting room should be spacious, enjoyable, and relaxing, with a neutral colour palette that creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere (ROI Advisers, 2022). (Kostic, 2021). Retailers should consider adding design elements that align with the brand's personality and enhance the overall customer experience (Kostic, 2021).

Mirrors:

Mirrors should be positioned at the right height and angle to provide the best view (Merchandiser, 2017). Consider installing adjustable lighting on the mirrors to provide a quality touch that shoppers will appreciate (Hodge, 2021). Ensure that mirrors display full-body reflections to leave customers feeling confident and satisfied (Singh, 2022).

Lighting:

Lighting should be bright enough to see the clothes clearly, but not so bright that it washes out the colours (Merchandiser, 2017). Consider installing smart mirrors that can provide additional features such as adjustable lighting or virtual try-on capabilities (Hodge, 2021). Flattering lighting is essential to make customers feel beautiful when looking into the

Seating:

Fitting rooms should provide comfortable seating for customers to sit and relax while they try on clothes (Reader, 2017b). Seating furniture should complement the overall design of the fitting room (Hodge, 2021).

Hooks and Storage Areas:

Hooks should be provided for customers to hang their clothes while trying on new items (Hodge, 2021). Storage areas should be provided for customers to store their belongings while trying on clothes (Hodge, 2021).

Accessibility:

Fitting rooms should be designed to be accessible to all customers, including those with disabilities (Display, 2016). Consider providing grab bars or other accessibility features to accommodate customers with mobility needs (Display, 2016).

lighting, seating, hooks, and storage areas for maximum convenience and comfort. When designing fitting rooms in luxury retail stores, retailers need to consider the placement of mirrors, lighting, seating, hooks, and storage areas for maximum convenience and comfort.

The ideal number of fitting rooms for a luxury retail store depends on the store size and customer volume.

Peak Time Traffic: Analyse customer traffic patterns, especially during peak times, to determine the number of fitting rooms needed. For example, if Saturdays are the busiest day, consider allocating enough fitting rooms to accommodate the demand during those hours (Hodge, 2021).

Customer Groups: Luxury retail stores may consider offering larger fitting rooms for customers shopping with children, in groups, or with a wheelchair (Hodge, 2021). These rooms should be 1.5 to 2 times larger than standard rooms and able to accommodate several people and additional equipment such as strollers or wheelchairs (Hodge, 2021).

Consider Customer Preferences: Keep in mind that most people shop in pairs or as a family, so ideally, fitting rooms should be big enough to fit four people at once (Singh, 2022). This allows for a more comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience for customers who shop together.

Flexibility: Consider designing fitting rooms with adjustable partitions or curtains to accommodate different group sizes or provide additional space for customers with mobility needs (Singh, 2022).

Peak Utilization: Industry-wide, the average peak fitting room utilization is around 70%, but this can vary across retailers (alerttech, 2016). Factors such as the arrangement of fitting rooms, locked vs. unlocked doors, and store associate training can influence peak utilization (alerttech, 2016). Monitor and adjust the number of fitting rooms based on peak utilization rates.

Consider the Importance: Fitting rooms are considered as important as the front of the house, if not more so, in the retail experience (Vembar, 2019). Allocate sufficient space and resources to fitting rooms to reflect their significance in the overall store design and customer experience.

Interior design using AI for new innovative high-end luxury fitting rooms

Enhanced Visual Appeal: AI algorithms can analyse customer preferences, trends, and data to generate interior design concepts that align with the brand image and target audience. By creating visually appealing and luxurious environments, the fitting rooms become more attractive and enticing to customers, leading to increased foot traffic and potential sales.

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LIGHTING AMBIANCE

importance of appropriate lighting in fitting rooms:

Appropriate lighting in fitting rooms is of utmost importance for several reasons:

Enhances Appearance: Proper lighting in fitting rooms can significantly impact how customers perceive themselves and the clothes they try on (Hartigan, 2017). Well-designed lighting can highlight the colours, textures, and details of the garments, allowing customers to see themselves in the most flattering way (lighting, 2019).

Accurate Colour Rendering: Fitting rooms rarely have natural light, so the quality of artificial lighting becomes crucial (Tao et al., 2022). Highquality lighting with accurate colour rendering ensures that the garments look true to their actual colours, preventing any misperceptions or disappointments (Tao et al., 2022).

Create Ambiance: Lighting plays a vital role in creating the desired ambiance and atmosphere in fitting rooms (Reader, 2017b). The right lighting design can evoke a sense of luxury, comfort, and sophistication, aligning with the brand's image and enhancing the overall customer experience (Reader, 2017b).

Customer Confidence: Adequate lighting helps customers feel more confident and satisfied with their appearance in the fitting room (Hartigan, 2017). When customers can clearly see themselves and the clothes they try on, they are more likely to make a purchase and have a positive perception of the brand (lighting, 2019).

Accurate Evaluation: Proper lighting allows customers to accurately evaluate the fit, style, and overall look of the garments (Prolight Design, 2022). This helps them make informed decisions and reduces the likelihood of returns or exchanges, ultimately improving sales and customer satisfaction (Prolight Design, 2022).

Explanation of different lighting options and their effects on colour perception and customer experience.

Lighting is critical in retail areas for colour perception and consumer experience. When building their lighting systems, retailers should consider the impact of lighting on colour perception and customer experience. When designing fitting rooms, guidelines such as regulating the colour temperature, employing high CRI lighting, directed lighting, minimising harsh shadows, and providing consistent lighting should be considered. Retailers can improve the whole customer experience, boost customer happiness, and ultimately drive sales by doing so.

Suggestions for implementing adjustable lighting to replicate various environments and

Colour Temperature: Adjust the colour temperature of the lighting to create different moods. Warmer colour temperatures (around 2700K) can create a cosy and intimate atmosphere, while cooler colour temperatures (around 4000K) can create a more energizing and stimulating environment (J. Robertson, 2023).

Adjust the brightness of the lighting to create different moods. Higher levels of lighting generally produce cheerful effects and stimulate people to alertness and activity, whereas lower levels tend to create an atmosphere of relaxation, intimacy, and restfulness (Manager, 2019).

Directional Lighting: Use directional lighting to highlight specific areas or objects in the fitting room, creating a more dramatic and engaging atmosphere (Manager, 2019).

Colour Rendering Index (CRI): Use lighting with a high CRI to accurately render colours and skin tones. A CRI of 90 or higher is recommended for fitting rooms (Tallis, 2020).

Mix and Match: Mix and match different types of lights to create a unique and personalized atmosphere. Consider using adjustable mood lights that allow you to adjust the brightness, colour temperature, and colour of the light (Medlock, 2022).

More Than One Light Source: Use more than one light source to control the mood lighting. Add a light on the ceiling, corner, and wall to create a layered and dynamic atmosphere (Medlock, 2022).

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PRIVACY SECURITY

Ensuring customer privacy and security within fitting rooms.

Privacy Measures: Implement measures to ensure privacy within fitting rooms, such as providing solid walls, doors, (not curtains) that fully enclose the space (Karolina, 2017). This allows customers to try on clothes away from the eyes of others and promotes a sense of comfort and security.

Staff Monitoring: Assign staff members to monitor the fitting room area discreetly (Loss Prevention Systems, 2015). They can greet customers, count the number of items brought into the fitting room, and clear out the rooms promptly after customers leave to prevent theft or unauthorized activities (Loss Prevention Systems, 2015).

Appropriate Lighting: Ensure that the lighting in fitting rooms is adequate for customers to see themselves clearly without compromising their privacy (Karolina, 2017). Avoid overly bright lighting that may make customers feel exposed or uncomfortable (Steras, 2019).

Security Systems: Consider implementing security systems, such as surveillance cameras or electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags, to deter theft and enhance customer safety (Clavel, 2018). These systems can help identify and prevent shoplifting incidents within fitting rooms.

Data Privacy: privacy and security (Gerrish Legal, 2023). Ensure that customer data, including measurements and personal preferences, is handled securely and in compliance with privacy regulations (Gerrish Legal, 2023).

Customer Communication: Clearly communicate to customers the measures taken to ensure their privacy and security within fitting rooms (Wright, 2019). This can help build trust and confidence in the shopping experience.

Design considerations for door locks, curtains, or partitions.

ADA Compliance: Door locks in fitting rooms should comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations (VIZILOK, 2022), (Lacke, 2020). This includes ensuring that locks are easy to operate and accessible to people with disabilities.

Locking Mechanisms: Only one locking device is permitted on each door in the space or unit (CHRISMAN, 2022). The locking mechanism should be no higher than 48 inches above the floor (Lacke, 2020). A variety of ADA-compliant locking mechanisms are available, including large, flat keyheads for easy gripping or locks that require simple bumping action to enter a combination without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of

In an open facility like a locker room, there must be a minimum clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches that allows for either forward or parallel approach of lockers by a person using a wheelchair (Lacke, 2020).

Storage spaces such as shelves, hooks, coat rods, and lockers should be located between 15 and 48 inches above the floor (Lacke, 2020). If lockers are provided, five percent must meet ADA specifications (Lacke, 2020).

Curtains or partitions should be provided to ensure customer privacy (Lacke, 2020). The partitions should be sturdy and provide full coverage to prevent any gaps that may compromise privacy. Doors are best in these circumstances as curtains can be easily opened or

Consider reducing background noise, like piped-in music, which can make it harder for some people, such as those with hearing disabilities, to hear things like an employee knocking on the door to see if a fitting room is open (Lacke, 2020).

Understanding the security goal of providing a locked door is essential to designing a compliant locking arrangement (Peake, 2018). Consider implementing security systems, such as surveillance cameras or electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags, to deter theft and enhance

Recommendations for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in fitting rooms.

Continuous Cleaning: A best practice is to continuously wipe surfaces down throughout the day (Craig, 2021). This can be done using disinfecting wipes or sprays.

Discarded Clothing: Part of a fitting room's cleanliness plan should address what to do with the discarded clothing after it's tried on (Hamilton, 2020). Retailers should have a process in place to collect and disinfect the clothing before returning it to the sales floor.

Ventilation: To keep fitting rooms to a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene, a good extraction ventilation system that is well serviced and up to date should be in place (Quinn, 2017). This helps to remove any airborne particles and maintain a fresh and clean environment.

Fitting Room Greeter: A fitting room greeter can acknowledge customers and shoplifters, count their items before they enter, and clear out the fitting rooms when customers leave (Loss Prevention Systems, 2015). This can help maintain the cleanliness and security of the fitting rooms.

Privacy and Comfort: Ensure that fitting rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable to encourage customers to try on clothes (Karolina, 2017). This can help reduce the likelihood of customers leaving discarded clothing on the floor or damaging the fitting room.

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

Examples of interactive mirrors, virtual try-on options, or smart screens for product information and recommendations.

Smart Mirrors: Smart mirrors, such as those mentioned in (Wong, 2022) and (Walk-Morris, 2022), utilize augmented reality (AR) technology to provide virtual try-on experiences. Customers can see how garments would look on them without physically trying them on. These mirrors can also provide personalized product recommendations and styling suggestions based on customer preferences and data.

MySize Smart Mirror: MySize, as mentioned in (Wright, 2022), offers a smart mirror that enables virtual try-on. It utilizes AI-driven sizing technology to provide fit recommendations and eliminate the guesswork in selecting the right size. This technology aims to maximize purchase size and reduce returns, benefiting both customers and retailers.

Magic Mirror: Magic Mirror, as described in (www.magicmirror.me, 2023), is an interactive digital signage solution that can be used in retail stores. It offers virtual try-on capabilities for makeup and other products. The mirror is equipped with a touchscreen, body sensor, and powerful processing unit, allowing for a variety of customizable apps and installations.

PICTOFiT, mentioned in (RactiveReality, 2022), offers a smart mirror solution that enables seamless virtual fit experiences for in-store shoppers. Customers can view, customize, and try on clothes using their personalized avatars, providing them with confidence in their online purchasing decisions.

Interactive Fashion Mirror: The interactive fashion mirror, mentioned in (Virtual On, 2023), allows customers to virtually try on clothing without physically trying them on. It provides an entertaining and innovative addition to retail stores, particularly in fitting or dressing rooms. Customers can explore different styles and outfits, and even share their virtual try-on experiences on

By offering virtual try-on alternatives, personalised recommendations, and interactive elements, these technology solutions improve the fitting room experience. They want to boost consumer happiness, increase buy size, decrease returns, and make shopping more entertaining and convenient.

Exploration of technological solutions

Bluetooth speakers

Bluetooth speakers and music connecting to customers' phones in soundproof retail fitting rooms can provide several benefits for overall foot traffic and sales increase.

Improved Customer Experience: Playing music through Bluetooth speakers can create a more enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere for customers trying on clothes (Khadka and Maharjan, 2017). This can lead to a more positive experience and increase the likelihood of customers returning to the store.

Increased Sales: Playing music can create a more engaging and entertaining environment, potentially leading to increased sales (Khadka and Maharjan, 2017). Customers may be more likely to spend more time in the fitting room and try on more clothes, leading to increased sales.

Customizable Experience: Bluetooth speakers can provide a customizable experience for customers, allowing them to play their own music or choose from a selection of preset playlists (Khadka and Maharjan, 2017). This can help create a more personalized and enjoyable experience for customers.

Easy to Set Up: Bluetooth speakers are easy to set up and can be moved from room to room as needed (Khadka and Maharjan, 2017). This makes them a convenient and costeffective solution for retailers looking to enhance the fitting room experience.

Accessibility: Bluetooth speakers can also benefit customers with hearing impairments, as they can be used to amplify sound and make it easier to hear (www.amazon.com, 2023). This can help create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all customers.

Wireless phone charging

Improved Customer Experience: charging in fitting rooms can create a more convenient and enjoyable experience for customers (Granger, 2023). Customers can charge their devices while trying on clothes, reducing the need to leave the fitting room to find a charging station.

Increased Sales: Providing charging ports and wireless charging can increase the amount of time customers spend in the fitting room, potentially leading to increased sales (Granger, 2023). Customers may be more likely to try on more clothes and make more purchases if they can charge their devices while doing so.

Customizable Experience: Providing charging ports and wireless charging can provide a customizable experience for customers, allowing them to charge their devices and use them while trying on clothes (jcreasy7, 2021). This can help create a more personalized and enjoyable experience for customers.

Easy to Set Up: Charging ports and wireless charging are easy to set up and can be integrated into fitting rooms with minimal effort (Nonstop Products, 2023). This makes them a convenient and cost-effective solution for retailers looking to enhance the fitting room experience.

Accessibility: Providing charging ports and wireless charging can also benefit customers with disabilities or specific needs, as they can use their devices to assist with communication or other needs (Granger, 2023). This can help create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all customers.

FITTING ROOMS

By offering virtual tryon alternatives, personalised recommendations, and interactive features, AI technology is revolutionising the fitting room experience.

Artificial intelligence-powered virtual fitting rooms provide an immersive, personalised try-on experience (Brown, 2023), (Sharma, 2021). Smart mirrors, like those described in (maadaa.ai, 2022) and (Poornima Apte, 2017), use augmented reality (AR) technology to enable virtual try-on experiences. AI technology can also collect client feedback and allow them to post it on social media in real time (Sharma, 2021). The technology has the potential to minimise the frequency of returns due to ill-fitting clothing while also increasing customer happiness (murf. ai, 2018). Retailers should ensure that the technology interface is simple to use smooth, and trustworthy in order to incorporate technology while keeping a seamless and user-friendly experience (maadaa.ai, 2022). Retailers may provide a good and engaging consumer experience in fitting rooms by adopting AI technology (Kostic, 2021).

Intelligent Inventory Management:

Utilize AI algorithms to optimize inventory management in fitting rooms. Develop a system that uses real-time data to track clothing items brought into fitting rooms, analyse customer preferences, and suggest replenishments or alternatives based on

Data Collection: Collect customer data, including body measurements, fit preferences, and previous purchase history, to build a comprehensive dataset (Brown, 2023). This data will serve as the foundation for the AI algorithms to analyse and generate personalized

AI Algorithms: Utilize machine learning algorithms to analyse the collected data and generate accurate recommendations (Okhrem, 2023). These algorithms can identify patterns and correlations among customer preferences and inventory availability, enabling the system to suggest suitable clothing items.

Real-Time Tracking: Implement real-time tracking of clothing items brought into fitting rooms (anton, 2022). This can be done through RFID tags or other tracking technologies. By monitoring the inventory movement, the system can keep track of the availability of specific items and suggest replenishments or alternatives based on real-time data.

Availability Analysis: Analyse inventory availability throughout warehouses and channels using AI (Okhrem, 2023). This analysis can help forecast demand patterns and optimize warehouse replenishment plans. By understanding inventory levels and demand, retailers can ensure that popular items are always available for customers to try on.

Integration with Point of Sale: Integrate the virtual try-on system with the point of sale (POS) system to ensure seamless inventory management (anton, 2022). This integration allows for accurate tracking of inventory movement and enables the system to update availability in real-time.

Personalized Recommendations: Utilize AI algorithms to provide personalized outfit recommendations based on customer data and inventory availability (www.pixyle. ai, 2022). By considering individual body measurements, style preferences, and previous purchase history, the system can suggest clothing items that are likely to meet the customer's needs and preferences.

AI-Enabled Queue Management:

Implement AI algorithms to optimize the queuing system in fitting rooms. Develop a system that uses real-time data on customer arrivals, fitting room availability, and duration of usage to predict and manage waiting times, ensuring efficient customer flow and minimizing queues.

Real-Time Data Collection: Collect real-time data on customer arrivals, fitting room availability, and duration of usage (Okhrem, 2023). This data can be obtained through sensors or monitoring systems that track customer movement and occupancy in the fitting rooms.

AI Prediction Models: Utilize AI algorithms to analyse the collected data and predict waiting times (Okhrem, 2023). Machine learning techniques can be employed to identify patterns and correlations between customer arrivals, fitting room availability, and usage duration. This enables the system to make accurate predictions and manage customer flow efficiently.

Implement a queue management system that dynamically assigns customers to available fitting rooms based on predicted waiting times (Experience, 2023). The system can prioritize customers based on factors such as the number of items to try on or the urgency of their needs. This ensures a fair and efficient allocation of resources.

Provide real-time updates to customers regarding their estimated waiting times and fitting room availability (Experience, 2023). This can be done through digital signage or mobile notifications, keeping customers informed and reducing perceived wait times.

Optimization Strategies: Utilize optimization strategies to minimize queues and maximize fitting room utilization (murf.ai, 2018). This can involve dynamically adjusting the number of fitting rooms open, optimizing the allocation of staff resources, and identifying bottlenecks in the process.

ACCESSABILITY AND INCLUSIVITY

Considerations for designing fitting rooms that are accessible to customers with disabilities or specific needs.

Clear Floor Space: accessible fitting rooms (evstudio, 2019).

Door Swing: positioned for parallel approach to the short end of the bench, along with a 5’ diameter turning circle (evstudio, 2019).

Privacy: on clothes away from the eyes of others (Karolina, 2017). To let them debate, experiment, and make decisions without feeling self-conscious.

Accessibility: disabilities or specific needs (Lacke, 2020). This can involve providing ramps, wider doors, and grab bars to assist customers with mobility issues.

Noise Reduction:

piped-in music, which can make it harder for some people, such as those with hearing disabilities, to hear things like an employee knocking on the door to see if a fitting room is open (Lacke, 2020). Additionally, train employees to use a visual alert (such as waving under a door) before opening a locked fitting room, in case the person inside can’t hear the knock.

Comfortable Environment: interior of the fitting rooms is spacious, enjoyable, and relaxing, with more seating furniture, smart mirrors, good lighting, good ventilation, and good colour (Kostic, 2021). This can help create a comfortable and inviting environment for customers to try on clothes.

Recommendations for wheelchair accessibility, adjustable features, and signage for visually impaired customers.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Ensure that fitting rooms are wheelchair accessible, with enough space for a wheelchair to manoeuvre and a bench that is at a suitable height (Emagispace®, 2018). Automatic door openers can make it easier for wheelchair users to move through hallways, and textured, colourful floor mats can enable visually-impaired customers to navigate the space (Emagispace®, 2018).

Adjustable Features: Provide adjustable features in fitting rooms, such as adjustable mirrors, hooks, and shelves, to accommodate customers with different needs (Emagispace®, 2018). This can help create a more inclusive and comfortable environment for all customers.

Signage for Visually Impaired Customers: Provide signage that is visible and readable for visually impaired customers (Wagner, 2021). This can involve using highcontrast colours, large fonts, and tactile elements such as braille or raised lettering (www.access-board.gov, 2022). Clear entrances wide enough for a wheelchair or other assistive device, accessible signage, and raised toilet seats with appropriately placed grab bars are some of the features that can help improve physical accessibility at your health care facility (CMS, 2022).

Lighting: Ensure that the fitting room is well-lit, with lighting that is bright enough for customers with low vision to see clearly (Arditi, 2017). This can help create a more accessible and welcoming environment for visually impaired customers.

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STAFF

MANAGEMENT TRAINING

Importance of well-trained and knowledgeable staff in aiding within fitting rooms.

Assistance with Sizing and Fit: Staff members can assist customers with sizing and fit, helping them find the right size and style of clothing (Anon, 2018). This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and sales.

Product Knowledge: Staff members should have a good understanding of the products in the store, including the features, benefits, and pricing (Staff, 2015). This can help them make helpful upsell recommendations and provide valuable information to customers.

Customer Service Skills: Staff members should have excellent customer service skills, including communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution (www.zippia.com, 2020). This can help them provide a positive and enjoyable experience for customers.

Technology Assistance: Staff members can assist customers with using technology in the fitting room, such as smart mirrors or virtual try-on systems (Poornima Apte, 2017). This can help customers feel more comfortable and confident in utilizing the technology.

Well-trained and knowledgeable staff can lead to increased sales by providing personalized recommendations and excellent customer service (Josue Ortega, 2023). This can help create a positive and engaging customer experience that ultimately drives sales.

Personalized Assistance: Train staff members to provide personalized assistance based on individual customer preferences and needs (Steras, 2019). This can involve offering styling suggestions, recommending complementary items, or providing guidance on fit and sizing.

Respect for Privacy: Staff members should respect customers' privacy and personal space while helping (Singh, 2022). They should wait for customers to request help or knock before entering a fitting room, ensuring that customers feel comfortable and respected.

Maintaining Cleanliness: Staff members should regularly check and clean fitting rooms to ensure they are tidy and well-maintained (Singh, 2022). This includes clearing trash, wiping mirrors, and organizing items. A clean and organized environment enhances the customer experience.

Accessibility Awareness: Train staff members to be aware of accessibility needs and aid customers with disabilities or specific needs (Wagner, 2021). This can involve offering support with wheelchair accessibility, aiding visually impaired customers, or accommodating other accessibility requirements.