Is it better to hire an interior designer, architect or just work with a fixture manufacturer?

The ideal situation would be to work with a store designer or an architect who has significant retail store design experience. Experienced store designers are familiar with critical retail issues such as counter heights, aisle widths, traffic flow, various lighting schemes, fixture accessibility, efficient cash wrap design, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, etc. Additionally, store designers are knowledgeable about how best to display and feature different types of merchandise. For example, book cases below waist level should be angled back slightly, it is best if jewelry cases pull out for easier access and display and the best showcase lighting is diffused. Working with a store designer will ensure that the sales space will have optimum aesthetic and thematic impact and that it will function efficiently for both shoppers and staff.  more