Most shop owners and customers are familiar with the traditional external awning which is still probably the most common way for a shop to provide shade to its frontage and interior. However, window blinds are also used effectively in many retail premises, particularly in shops with south facing shop windows. Most often this is where window blinds take on a functional role to protect stock and fittings in a window display or close to a shop window from being damaged by the harmful effects of solar radiation. Alternatively, blinds may be used to prevent glare from the sun negatively affecting the shopping experience or staff members’ work operations. Window blinds used in this way will also help protect the shop unit from overheating due to solar gain. These installations are usually roller blinds made of specialist mesh screens and films, as they most often provide the best solution to keep out harmful radiation from the sun whilst maintaining a view through the window both for staff working inside the shop premises to lookout as well as for customers to look in. Venetian blinds can also be used effectively in this way too. Window blinds used in this way are a great solution if a traditional shop front awning is impractical, perhaps because of insufficient horizontal space or vertical head room.
As well as providing protection from the sun, a window blind in a shop can take on a variety of other functions. In some shops window blinds are used to create awareness by displaying the shop’s advertising logo at night when the window display might be withdrawn for security reasons, but when there is still footfall passing the shop front. In other shops window blinds are used to provide privacy for staff members undertaking duties within the shop unit when the shop is closed.
In whatever way a window blind is used in a shop or retail environment, the operation of the blind needs to be practical for staff members to use to be usable and effective. Therefore, most window blind installations in shops and retail premises will incorporate some form of motorisation, usually with automatic or remote operation.
Whatever your window blind requirements for your shop or retail premises, please get in touch. At Chorlton Blinds we are experts in the equipment, systems and controls for solar shading and privacy control for shops. We would be happy to walk around any of your existing shop or retail premises with you to discuss any issues you may already be experiencing due to poor solar or privacy control and shading.
