Prihoda Journal

Prihoda new installation at Lefties, Guadalajara, Mexico

Lefties in Guadalajara –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a part of the well-known Inditex group –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ has always offered affordable fashion for women, men, and children. Yet, the store’s cashier area was constantly troubled by excessive heat and insufficient ventilation. That’s where Prihoda came in. Our CFD analysis identified the airflow blind spots and guided the design of a more efficient, fabric ducting system.

When a Store Needs More Than Just Good Deals

A great price tag is important, but not at the expense of a shopper’s comfort. For a time, Lefties in Guadalajara struggled with an air distribution system that simply wasn’t meeting the store’s needs. The checkout zones, in particular, were prone to overheating, causing discomfort for both employees on the front line and customers waiting in line. The store’s management knew that addressing this issue was crucial to maintaining customer satisfaction and workplace morale.

From Overheating to ComfortInitially, the store relied on a local supplier’s fabric ducting system. Unfortunately, it left some areas –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ especially around the cashier desks –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ without adequate airflow. It didn’t take long for employees to feel the heat and customers to notice the lack of cool air. In a retail environment, such discomfort can quickly lead to lost sales and negative perceptions of the brand, making it clear that a better ventilation strategy was needed.

Behind the Scenes: The Power of CFD Analysis
Prihoda approached the problem with a comprehensive solution, starting with a thorough CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis. This cutting-edge technique allowed Prihoda’s engineers to visualize the airflow and pinpoint ‘blind spots’ where air circulation was insufficient. By using CFD modeling, they could predict how adjustments in duct design, placement, and material specifications would impact the overall temperature and air distribution throughout the store.

Armed with these insights, Prihoda designed a tailor-made fabric ducting system that addressed the specific challenges at Lefties. The new layout ensures a steady flow of cool air reaches not only the cashier zones but also the surrounding retail areas, greatly improving the comfort level for both staff and customers.

Conclusion
By leveraging advanced computation and precise design, Prihoda successfully transformed the Lefties store in Guadalajara into a more comfortable, shopper-friendly environment. The new fabric ducting system reduces temperature spikes, keeps air circulating effectively, and enhances the store’s appeal. When customers feel at ease and employees are no longer distracted by poor ventilation, everyone benefits –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from the shopping experience to overall sales performance.

Pro Tip
Invest in high-quality ventilation where people spend the most time. You’ll see the returns in happier customers, satisfied staff, and better overall reviews.