Opening a new physical business in 2025 is both an exciting opportunity and a strategic challenge. While e-commerce continues to thrive, brick-and-mortar stores are making a powerful comeback — serving as experience hubs that connect brands and communities. But to succeed, today’s in-person spaces must deliver more than just products; they must create atmosphere, emotion, and authenticity. Here are three critical things to consider before you open your doors.
1. Location Is Still Everything
The golden rule of retail hasn’t changed: location determines visibility and accessibility. Even if you score a great deal on rent, it’s not a deal if your customers can’t find you. Choose a spot where your target audience already spends time — and where complementary businesses draw similar demographics.
“It’s important to get outside your head and think about this from your customers’ perspective,” says Mary Kay Sunset, Principal at Semple Brown Architects & Designers. “Who are the neighbors? How easy is it to find? How is the access to transit and parking?”
Proximity matters. A smoothie bar near a yoga studio, a boutique near a trendy coffee shop, or a dental practice near family neighborhoods — all these align the right foot traffic with the right audience. Take the time to map out your customer journey before signing the lease.
2. Design for Experience, Not Just Space
In 2025, retail design is about storytelling and immersion. Aesthetics aren’t just decoration — they’re communication. From lighting and materials to layout and flow, every detail should reinforce your brand identity and make customers feel something memorable.
“Think less about designing a space and more about shaping an experience,” says Mary Kay. “What’s the relationship you want to encourage between you and your customers? How do they feel in the space — and how do they remember it? We use lighting, texture, color, and shape as layers that all should contribute to a cohesive experience.”
Small touches can make a big impact:
- Lighting: Use warm, inviting tones to create comfort and highlight your best products.
- Spatial layout: Keep walkways open to encourage exploration without crowding.
- Biophilic design: Add greenery to improve mood, calm energy, and visual appeal.
And remember, design extends beyond visuals — sound and scent are equally important. That’s where music comes in.
3. Don’t Forget the (Properly Licensed) Music
Music is one of the most powerful elements in your space — and one that’s often overlooked until the last minute. It shapes emotion, influences shopping behavior, and builds the invisible thread between your brand and your guests.
“Make sure your audio systems are integrated into your design,” says Mary Kay. “Incorporate speakers subtly and take into account proper aesthetics. Your music should sound good and be visually pleasing.”
John Bradley, Chief Music Officer and Co-Founder of Custom Channels, agrees: “You need music as part of your business plan and business model. The right music can amplify the best parts of your company’s identity.”
However, not all music is legal to play in a business setting. Personal platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora are licensed for private listening only — not for public or commercial use. Businesses that play unlicensed music risk copyright infringement penalties from PROs like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.
The solution? Use a professional, fully licensed streaming music service built for business. That ensures compliance while giving you complete control over your in-store sound. At Custom Channels, we curate and stream branded playlists that reflect your business personality, customer vibe, and brand goals — all 100% legal and professionally managed.
Our music services include:
- ReMix — customizable playlists you control.
- Ethos — fully curated, hand-crafted music channels built by our expert music team.
We provide music to restaurants, retail stores, medical offices, gyms, hotels, and more — helping each business sound just as great as it looks. For a deeper dive into compliance, visit our Music Licensing Basics guide.
Build Your Business on a Strong Foundation
Location, design, and music — three pillars that define how customers experience your brand. When each is thoughtfully planned and executed, they work together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Ready to launch your business with sound strategy and style? Talk with our team at Custom Channels about how to create a licensed, branded music mix that fits your new space perfectly. Or start a free trial to hear what your business could sound like.
