Transforming Retail Spaces: The Benefits of High-Performing Storefront Framing Systems

For buildings in the retail sector, storefronts are more than just a first impression; they are a powerful statement of a brand’s identity and can be a crucial element in attracting new foot traffic. High-performing storefront framing systems have evolved over time, offering a blend of design aesthetics, functionality and sustainability features to enhance retail projects.  

As pioneers in manufacturing storefront framing systems since 1906, Kawneer’s industry-leading architectural products and storefront solutions help create distinctive buildings in the retail environments. In this article, we will explore the key benefits storefront systems and entrances bring to retail projects. 

1. Enhanced Design Aesthetics: A well-designed storefront can significantly enhance the visual appeal of a retail space. High-performing storefront framing systems offer sleek, modern designs that can be customized to fit a brand’s image. With options for various products and finishes, these systems allow architects and brands to create unique and inviting storefronts that stand out in a competitive market. 

2. Improved Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is a common top priority for modern buildings. Kawneer offers a variety of high-performing storefront framing systems are designed with advanced thermal breaks and insulated glazing, which help reduce heat transfer, maintain a comfortable indoor environment for customers and employees alike and lower overall energy costs of the building.  

Kawneer’s aluminum frames can also handle heavier glazing to improve the thermal efficiency of the facade, which enhances the insulation value and reduces a building’s energy usage. 

Retail spaces can require high thermal-performing entrances to help minimize reliance on AC/heat while accommodating the heavy foot traffic often experienced in stores and restaurants. Our 250T/350T/500T Insulpour® Thermal Entrances feature innovative IsoPour™ technology can be incorporated in our storefront framing systems and provide superior thermal performance for a range of retail applications. These entrances offer a triple pane insulating glass unit (IGU) option to meet enhanced thermal requirements. This infill choice can provide U-factors as low as 0.42* BTU/hr/ft2 /°F to meet progressive energy codes. Learn more about the product.  

3. Increased Durability: Retail environments demand materials and architectural solutions that can withstand heavy foot traffic and varying weather conditions, while having the ability to maintain a fresh look and clean aesthetic. Kawneer’s high-performing entrances and framing systems are built with aluminum, a material known and specified for its strength, durability and low-cost maintenance requirements. Discover the benefits of aluminum in the building and construction industry.  

4. Standout Building Performance: Restaurants, stores and other retail spaces designed with high-performing architectural systems have reduced environmental impact and increased building performance, longevity and resilience.  

Multiple Kawneer products can be integrated to enhance facade performance and energy efficiency. For example, our sunshades and sun control devices attach to our storefront systems to reduce heat transfer while also optimizing occupant comfort and energy efficiency.  

Our Versoleil® SunShade Outrigger System for storefront framing system offers a standard 30″ depth with outrigger arm, blade and fascia options to provide superior shading capabilities, reducing solar heat gain to help maximize energy savings and reduce glare. Browse our sun control products to learn more about our variety of sunshades and other sun control devices. 

Kawneer has a range of high-performing storefront solutions that deliver resilience. We offer blast mitigation and hurricane impact tested solutions, and our products can accommodate larger seismic drift ratios to meet AAMA 501.4 and AAMA 501.6 standards, providing product safety and peace of mind. View our performance solutions to learn more. 

5. Enhanced Natural Light: Maximizing natural light is a key design strategy in retail architecture, as natural lighting can attract higher foot traffic, enhance the store environment and create a more pleasant shopping experience. 

Storefront framing systems support large glass areas, allowing ample daylight to flood the interior space of any retail building. This not only creates a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for customers but also reduces the need for artificial lighting, further enhancing the energy efficiency of the building. 

6. Sustainability: Sustainability is at the forefront of today’s architectural practices, especially in the retail sector. Kawneer’s architectural systems, including storefront systems, use recycled aluminum and have a minimum of 50% mixed pre- and post-consumer recycled content, with the remaining primary aluminum sourced from a hydroelectric smelter. We offer total product ingredient transparency, from aluminum billet to building facade, providing key information on our products and how they are manufactured.   

Architects and building designers can contribute to a more sustainable built environment when selecting Kawneer storefront systems. Our architectural aluminum systems are designed to meet stringent environmental standards. Discover Kawneer’s commitment to holistic sustainability through our BALANCE approach.  

Overall, storefront framing systems are an invaluable asset in retail architecture, offering a blend of brand consistency, design aesthetics, functionality, durability and sustainability for restaurants, shops and other retail spaces. Browse our retail project portfolio to discover how Kawneer’s storefront systems and other architectural solutions can enhance your retail projects. 

By investing in high-performing, energy-efficient storefront framing systems, retail building designers can create inviting, comfortable and energy-efficient spaces that not only attract customers but also reflect their commitment to quality and innovation. Discover our retail market solutions to learn more.