Setting up shop: 4 things to do before opening your brick and mortar store
Opening a new store location can be both an exciting and apprehensive moment for a business owner.
While it is exciting to see your vision come to fruition, you never know how the public will react to a new retailer in town. What are some things that you should do stay ahead of time and to increase your odds of success?
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Get the Word out
There is no point in opening a store if you don’t have sufficient demand to make a profit. Sending out flyers, advertising on billboards and starting a social media campaign are all great ways to get the message out to your target market. It may also be worthwhile to sponsor local events or give out samples of your goods if possible.
Make Sure Your Merchandise Is Properly Stocked
There is nothing worse than a retail location that looks empty or disorganized. Everything should be stocked neatly on the shelves and aisle signs should make it easy for customers to find what they need. Your point-of-sale system should also be ready to ring orders, accept credit cards and generally make the shopping experience a convenient one for customers.
Make Sure the Parking Lot Is Sealed
You want the outside of your store to look just as nice as the inside does. This means that you should have your parking lot sealed by a paver like R Williams Paving LLC or someone similar before opening for the first time. In addition to looking nice, a sealed lot won’t have potholes or other hazards that could injure a customer. If a customer gets hurt, it could damage your brand and result in financial penalties that could further harm the business.
Check to See That the Lighting Works
A properly lit store is one that will be safer to enter and exit in the early morning and late evening. It may also make it easier for people to notice that you are open and ready for customers to come in. A large and properly lit sign may be especially effective when located near a highway as it may convince drivers to pull off and see what you have to offer them.
As a business owner, you need to make sure that your new store will help to generate a profit. If it can’t, the location may have to shut down, which could have negative repercussions for the company. By executing a proper marketing plan, making sure that the store is presentable and creating a safe environment to shop in, a company may be able to maximize a location’s potential.
