Free-Form Layout
•A free-form layout, also known as boutique layout, arranges fixtures and aisles in an asymmetric pattern.
•It provides an intimate, relaxing environment that facilitates shopping and browsing.
•However, creating this pleasing shopping environment is costly.
•Because there is no well-defined traffic pattern, as there is in the racetrack and grid layouts, customers aren’t naturally drawn around the store, and personal selling becomes more important to encourage customers to explore merchandise offered in the store.
•In addition, the layout reduces the amount of merchandise than can be displayed.