Ergonomics can be described simply as suiting the job to the person, rather than suiting the person to the job.
In retail interior environments the relationship between the user and the space is vital to understand in order to run a successful business. The relationship between eye level, visibility, shelf height and the customer is important because a display is of no use to a business if the customer cannot see or access the goods.
Every retail business needs to provide a safe and comfortable environment for both staff and customers. From the handling of goods from suppliers through to the sales transaction and delivery of those goods to the customers’ home, ergonomics will play an important role.

Knowing the physical capabilities and dimensions of people, designers can optimise the design and selection of retail equipment and the retail environment to give a retail business the advantage of:

• Increased productivity and reduced fatigue and human error

• Better quality of service to customers

• Less staff absence due to injury

• Improved staff attitudes and well-being

• Less likely occurrence of compensation claims

• Eliminate expensive mistakes in equipment purchase

• Compliance with health and safety directives

As in the example below, by knowing the optimal conditions for performing repetitive tasks, designers can create the best working conditions for all expected users.

In each area of retail, the objective is to ensure that the people involved can do what they have to do effectively, safely, efficiently, and comfortably. These main areas are usually at checkouts, counters and shelves, and self-service equipment.

Examples of how ergonomics can be incorporated into shop design include:

1. Proper positioning of shelves so that items are within easy reach and do not require the person to over extend themselves by stretching themselves or stooping. Consideration should also be given to the weight of objects, and how they should be positioned on shelves. For example, heavier items should be stored at around waist height so that it is not necessary to bend the back which would cause strain, or stored overhead, which could fall on the person trying to retrieve the object.
2. Shelving should be reachable for tall and short people as well as those with different physical statures.Refrigeration cabinets should well designed for customers to ensure they can see and reach the product. Similarly, good ergonomic design of the same equipment for staff should permit easy cleaning, loading and maintenance. Counters should be at a height that is within comfortable reach for both customer and staff. For example, a counter may be at different working levels at either sides, depending on the type of activities performed – as in the case of a seated cashier serving standing customers at a pay-station. Also, the keypad or till should be within 500mm of the cashier.
   
3. There should be allowances made for adequate circulation space, for example between aisles, to prevent people colliding with each other. Whilst the optimal body-widths might be measured to allow people to pass side-by-side, in a retail environment measurements may need to take account of the extra widths of people with carrier bags on either hand, or adults walking with children. Larger retail stores will need to accommodate shopping trolleys or mobility vehicles.
4. Proper visibility to allow the customer to see their approach into, and make their way around the store easily and safely, will permit them to look at the displayed products without worrying about where they are treading. The customer can then focus more attention on the products for sale.
5. A fully adjustable chair with swivel seat and castors should be provided for seated operatives. All essential work equipment should be within easy reach. The body should be able to maintain a fairly upright posture and angle of the arms and the elbow should be around 90° without shoulders being lifted. The height from the floor to the work zone should be about 720mm ( or a range of 660- 750mm) for  a seated operator.
6. Staff need to be able to move stock around the store easily, and access it readily, when needed. Checkout operators need a well-lit environment to read labels and prices, and scan and move items at a safe and comfortable height.
7. Changing rooms and cubicles need to be big enough to accommodate all sizes comfortably, and also make people look well in what they are trying on  through the use of  flattering lighting.

The knowledge of ergonomics and anthropometrics is very useful in determining how best to display their products – to be seen by the greatest number of different customer types. This  knowledge is essential in retail for a sucessful and profitable business.