Store Opening Checklist

Congratulations on deciding to open a new store! Now that your ideas are in place, you need to set up your retail storefront. Follow this basic checklist for a few helpful store opening suggestions:

1. Select a location for your store and sign a lease. Retail space with large professionally designed window displays will increase store traffic and promote seasonal sales.
2. Design your retail storefront. Make sketches of your layout ideas before moving any furniture or displays onto the sales floor. Consult with a decorator for interior design ideas and pricing. Meet with contractors to discuss building plans for the interior architecture.
3. Be sure that your logo, advertising, and décor all coordinate with a professional touch. A sloppy, unprofessional appearance can lead low traffic and sales.
4. Browse the Store Supply Warehouse catalog to pick out the best showcases, display units, slatwalls, racks, and fixtures and accessories for your store.
5. Work with the decorators and contractors to complete the project.
6. Prevent theft with simulated video surveillance cameras, security mirrors, the color quad-video surveillance system and alert systems. Install the security system that best fits the size of your store.
7. Hang signs in both the interior and exterior of the store. Store Supply offers an array of open signs, neon signs, banners, easels, and bulletin boards to draw customers into your store, announce sales, and highlight promotional items.
8. Purchase general operational supplies such as a commercial vacuum, a garment steamer, hangers, labels, tagging guns, price tags, size dividers, mannequins, boxes, bags, gift wrap, shopping baskets, displays, and tables.
9. Host a grand opening only after opening quietly first. It is important to work out any unforeseen problems before you announce your business to the community. When you are ready for your grand opening, send out press releases announcing your new endeavor or advertise by creating a direct mailing campaign or posting signs on community bulletin boards.

Once you have completed this checklist you are on your way to making sales! Keep the Store Supply Warehouse catalog on hand to reorder supplies or to purchase those last minute items that you forgot before the opening.