The Role of People Counters in Creating Accessible and Inclusive Retail Spaces

Table of Contents

• The Importance of Accessible Retail Access
• Creating Inclusive Retail Spaces Using People Counting Systems
• Accessible Design Aspects to Monitor
• Invest in Accessibility With Traf-Sys

Investing in retail accessibility ensures every customer can engage with a business and have a positive shopping experience. Discover how people counting systems can help drive your accessibility initiatives.

The Importance of Accessible Retail Access

The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 6 people experiences a significant disability. Inaccessible retail environments make shopping uncomfortable for some and prevent shopping entirely for others. Accessible spaces are designed to support individuals with mobility, auditory, visual or cognitive impairments. 

Creating accessible spaces also helps your business meet compliance requirements. For example, in the United States, businesses open to the public must adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The European Accessibility Act outlines the need to remove barriers for important products and services for businesses in the European Union. Failing to meet compliance requirements can result in fines or legal action that impacts your bottom line and brand reputation. 

Business Benefits of Ensuring Accessibility

Investing in accessibility is the right thing to do, but it’s also a smart business decision. Embracing accessibility initiatives and going the extra mile to create enriching experiences for every shopper has these additional benefits:

• Expanded customer base: Accessible stores have the potential to attract a wider customer base, including individuals with disabilities and their families and friends. Investing in accessibility could even unlock a new market segment.
• Improved customer experience: Accessibility can improve the shopping experience for everyone, ultimately enhancing customer loyalty. 
• Boosted reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can enhance your brand reputation. Satisfied customers may share their positive experiences in online reviews or in-person conversations with family and friends. It can also help you stand out from the competition and attract partnerships from entities that prefer to work with accessible businesses. 
• Future-proofing: Investing in accessibility now can prepare your business for tomorrow’s customers, technologies and regulations. As your target demographic ages, they may experience mobility or sensory challenges. Becoming more resilient and adaptable now can help you be successful in the long run.

Creating Inclusive Retail Spaces Using People Counting Systems

People counting systems utilize advanced technology to track foot traffic. Retailers can use this information to optimize product placements, experiment with store layouts and guide decision-making. 

Understand Customer Flow

People counters help you track movement throughout your retail space. Analyzing information about how many customers enter, exit and move around specific zones lets you identify peak shopping times, high-traffic areas and common pathways. This information can highlight where congestion occurs and how shoppers navigate a space to guide accessibility initiatives. 

For example, if a system shows that certain aisles face consistent crowding, you can assess whether these spaces are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs or people with mobility aids. Retailers can also use this information to ensure accessible routes are free of obstructions and to make the space more welcoming and efficient.

Identify Potential Accessibility Issues

This technology can also help you pinpoint specific accessibility challenges with a store. Tracking space utilization patterns lets you identify spots that may be confusing or difficult to access. For example, if the system highlights that customers frequently avoid a particular section, it may indicate that the area is inaccessible. 

Retail people counters can also reveal the helpfulness of new or existing features. For instance, if data shows that an elevator or ramp is underutilized, retailers can assess whether the feature is hard to find or in an inconvenient location. This data-driven approach empowers retailers to address concerns that might not be obvious through casual observation and make more targeted improvements. 

Create Better Experiences for All Shoppers

When paired with retail traffic analysis software, people counting systems deliver robust insights that empower retailers to improve the customer experience for everyone. Using real-time and historical data, you can make informed decisions about store layout, staffing and accessibility features. 

Optimizing flow can also benefit people without physical disabilities. Parents with strollers and individuals carrying heavy bags appreciate clear pathways and easy access to products. By addressing accessibility issues, you can demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and invest in changes that lead to higher customer satisfaction and a more resilient business. 

Accessible Design Aspects to Monitor

There are several critical design aspects to consider, regardless of your location, service offerings or product selection. Choosing the right people counting system ensures you can monitor all relevant aspects of your retail establishment, including: 

• Accessible entrances: Shoppers must be able to easily enter and exit your establishment. Step-free entrances and wide entryways help those with wheelchairs and mobility aids enter and exit with ease. People counting systems can indicate whether entrances are underused and peak usage times. Usage pattern information can guide improvements like relocating ramps or improving signage to ensure easy access. 
• Clear pathways: Pathways should be free of displays and obstacles that can impede movement. Flooring should be level and slip-resistant. You should also implement visual and tactile cues for navigation. Use people counting system data to track movement throughout aisles and pathways and identify frequent stops, congestion and any areas where customers frequently bounce or turn around. You can then use this information to rearrange displays, widen aisles and remove obstacles to maintain accessible routes. 
• Display design and height: Product displays should be within reach for all customers. Avoid placing popular items on high shelves or within deep bins. Signage should be large and high-contrast, and interactive displays should be usable from a seated position and include accessible controls. Analyze your people counting data to identify locations customers linger in or avoid to reveal whether certain displays are inaccessible. Adjusting placements and height can make browsing more convenient and boost sales by making products easier to see, interact with and purchase.
• Accessible checkout counters: At least one counter in retail spaces should be accessible to wheelchair users, meaning it adheres to all recommended dimension requirements and provides plenty of knee clearance and space for mobility aids. Make sure payment terminals are reachable and usable by people with limited vision or dexterity. Retailers can use people counting data to determine which counters are most used and at what times. If there are long wait lines for an accessible counter, this could be an indication that more are needed. 

Invest in Accessibility With Traf-Sys

Whether implementing a new accessibility initiative or measuring your current plan’s effectiveness, Traf-Sys people counting systems and retail traffic analytics software empower business owners like you to make high-impact decisions. Experience the power of traffic insights for yourself by requesting your free demo today.