Store fixture updates and ADA compliance
In retail spaces in the United States, accessibility is governed by the ADA. In Illinois, we have the addition of the Illinois Accessibility Code. Accessibility is important in retail spaces as a business owner because members of the public may introduce litigation against your business when you do not comply with local and federal accessibility standards. Also, this deters users from shopping or dining with your business.
While 6points Architecture and any other prudent architecture firm should help your initial store or restaurant buildout with ADA standards, updating store fixtures offers another opportunity for accessibility to be limited.
ID: A grocery aisle with steel and glass doors inclosing the liquor selection. Bright red “Need Help"?” button boxes are mounted high off the ground.
In this example, theft deterrent cases and doors were added to liquor gondalas after the initial buildout of a store. This was most likely a project that involved only the in house store design team and not an architect. The buttons to ring for an associate are way too high.
ID: A label and red “need help?” button box are mounted upside down.
In this first example, the button box is installed upside down, making the text difficult to read. Additionally, while braille is not required for this use, including braille can boost accessibility.
ID: The upside down button box is shown next to a tape measure, showing the button height at 58” off the floor.
This first box has the button at 58” off the ground, a full 10” above the 48” max in the Illinois Accessibility Code.
ID: A second button box is shown next to a tape measure, showing the button height at 64.5” above the floor.
A second button box at the same location shows the button box at the height of 64.5”. This is another example of the help button not being accessible.
Even after the main store is built out and put into operation, it is important to continue to consider accessibility throughout the life of your retail space. This store and install is just one example where security was considered but not accessibility. Let 6points review accessibility on your next store project!
