Retail projects are very diverse, ranging from small "mom and pop" operations to huge multifloor department stores. The variety of retail stores, the public image that the retailer wishes to project, and the display and sales areas of each store all demand the best efforts of the interior professional. In retail store carpet specifications, aesthetic values and performance criteria are of equal consideration. Carpet in a retail store is part of the store's interior design and must be carefully coordinated with the other furnishings to create a positive selling atmosphere as well as enhance the store's personality or image.

Retail stores include both public and private areas. The public areas include traffic lanes, sales islands and general display areas. These areas require carpet that is both abrasion resistant , as well as resilient, which enable the carpet to resist wear and recover from heavy pedestrian traffic, thus maintaining an attractive appearance. The private areas include offices and storage areas. The traffic here is not as heavy as the public areas, but a durable and easy to maintain carpet is still required.

Choose carpet for pedestrian lanes and display areas that is low and dense. Level or multi-level loops in tufted broadloom or carpet tiles are recommended with tufted carpets the most popular choice. A very low, densely tufted cut pile or cut-uncut would also be top choices for small designer boutiques or exclusive, upscale fashion departments within a large department store. Regardless of store size, the majority of all retail carpeting should be constructed for heavy to extra-heavy traffic.

Color choices are one of the most important aesthetic considerations. Carpets that feature multi-colors, patterns or muted heather combinations can help mask soiling and stains and also hide traffic lanes. The color choice also affects the desired mood or atmosphere for the store and should always be complementary to the products sold.