When you own a small retail business, you’re constantly living under the threat of being overwhelmed by a bigger fish. Although the personal touch and unique inventory, and the layout of your retail store can give you an advantage over big-box stores, they can’t be your only selling points. No matter how personable your employees are or how unique your merchandise may be, shoppers also look for convenience. If the act of shopping in your store is too confusing or takes too much time, you risk pushing people into the arms of the nearest competitor. This makes your store’s layout one of the most crucial aspects of its success. For example, there are various ways you can arrange your aisles, and each one best suits a specific type of retail environment. For example, a standard grid layout creates clean sight lines, which is why grocery stores use it so frequently. In contrast, a free flow arrangement gives browsers lots of…