Case study: Acoustic walls in stores – Flexpanel in a large shopping center

In modern shopping centers, it's all about the experience. Customers want to feel welcome, be able to view products in peace, and experience a store without being distracted by noise or crowds. Noise pollution and a lack of clear layout are often a challenge, especially in large open stores or concept stores. Flexpanel recently completed a project that focused on this problem: the installation of over 100 acoustic panels to divide one large retail space into smaller, functional, and acoustically comfortable zones.

The challenge: acoustics and spatial layout

The client, a large shopping center, faced two problems. Firstly, the enormous open space caused a lot of echo and disturbing background noise. As a result, customers experienced less peace and found it difficult to fully concentrate on the products. Secondly, there was a lack of structure: the store was one large open space without a clear separation between the different product categories. This detracted from the shopping experience and sales.

The wish was clear: a solution that would both improve the acoustics and make the retail space more organized and attractive, without the need for expensive renovations.

The solution: Flexpanel acoustic walls

Flexpanel offered the ideal solution here with its modular system of acoustic walls in stores. In total, more than 300 panels were installed, strategically distributed across the store floor. This allowed for the creation of several smaller spaces, each with its own function and atmosphere. Think of separate zones for different product lines, more intimate presentation areas, and shielded spots for personal advice or service discussions.

The panels are not only functional but also visually appealing. Thanks to the modern and neutral finish, they seamlessly match the look and feel of the store. Moreover, the walls are reusable and easy to move, so the store layout can be adjusted at any time to accommodate seasonal promotions, new collections, or changing customer flows.

The result: more peace, privacy, and an enhanced shopping experience.

The installation of the acoustic walls immediately led to noticeable improvements. Customers now experience significantly less echo and background noise. This makes shopping more pleasant and provides more focus when viewing the products. The employees also notice the difference: conversations with customers are calmer and more confidential, without disruptive echoes from conversations in other zones.

In addition, the store space has become clearer. The division into smaller zones creates a natural routing, making it easier for visitors to navigate the store. Products are showcased to their best advantage, and the store exudes more professionalism and hospitality.

Future-proof and sustainable

An additional advantage is that Flexpanel's acoustic walls provide a sustainable solution. They are reusable, fire-resistant, and made from recycled materials. This contributes to the shopping center's circular ambitions and makes them a future-proof investment.

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