Designed to attract, perform and withstand high footfall

Glass Entrances for Retail Environments

Retail environments rely on strong visual impact and smooth customer access. Shopfronts and entrances play a central role in how a space is experienced, influencing footfall, visibility and brand perception.

Open Entrances works with developers, architects and retail operators to design and deliver bespoke glass entrance systems. Each solution is designed to support high levels of use while maintaining a clean, consistent appearance across the façade.

Challenges in retail environments

Retail buildings place unique demands on entrance systems and glazing design.

Each project requires a considered approach that balances design, performance and durability.

High footfall

Entrances must handle constant use throughout the day. Systems need to operate reliably while supporting the steady movement of customers.

Visual impact

Shopfronts form part of the brand experience. Glazing systems must remain clear, consistent and aligned with the overall design of the space.

Access and flow

Entrances must allow smooth entry and exit without congestion, particularly in busy locations such as shopping centres and high streets.

Environmental control

Retail spaces often rely on large openings. Entrance systems must help manage airflow and internal temperature without affecting accessibility.

Entrance design and specification

Open Entrances develops entrance systems in collaboration with project teams, ensuring that the design aligns with both aesthetic and functional requirements.

This includes:

bespoke entrance design for retail developments
integration with shopfront glazing and façade systems
coordination with architects, contractors and consultants
detailed specification of glass, finishes and performance requirements

Each system is engineered to suit the operational demands of the space while maintaining a consistent visual finish.

Entrance systems for retail environments

Open Entrances provides a range of glass entrance systems designed for retail applications. Each system can be adapted to suit the scale, layout and flow of the building.

Sliding Doors

Sliding door systems provide wide openings with minimal obstruction, supporting smooth customer flow in busy environments.

Concealed Air Curtains

Air curtain systems can be integrated into the entrance to manage airflow and maintain internal temperature without affecting the appearance of the façade.

Close‑up of stainless‑steel handles on the frameless glass façade at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Frameless Glass Façades

Frameless façade systems maximise visibility into retail spaces while maintaining a clean, uninterrupted appearance. These systems are often used to create open and inviting shopfronts.

Swing Doors

Swing doors provide a practical solution for secondary access points and internal transitions within retail spaces.

Architectural Glass Solutions

Bespoke structural glazing solutions can be developed for large-scale retail projects, including oversized panels and custom entrance configurations.

Curved Sliding Doors

Curved sliding systems offer a more distinctive entrance design and can be used to follow the shape of the building or create a defined entrance feature.

Collaborative Product Design

Open Entrances works closely with project teams to develop tailored entrance systems that align with brand identity, layout and operational requirements.

Revolving Doors

Revolving doors are well-suited to high-footfall locations, helping manage entry and exit while reducing the influx of outside air into the building.

Integration and performance

Entrance systems in retail environments must perform consistently under continuous use.

Open Entrances considers:

durability under high levels of footfall
airflow control and internal comfort
accessibility and compliance with current standards
integration with automation and access systems
long-term performance of glazing and mechanical components

Each system is designed to support the day-to-day operation of the space while maintaining its appearance.

Start your project with Open Entrances

Retail entrances must balance appearance, access and performance while supporting the flow of customers throughout the day.

Open Entrances works with project teams to deliver entrance systems that meet these requirements and integrate with the overall design of the building.

Contact Open Entrances to discuss your entrance design or upcoming project.