Have you decided that you are going to move your retail store to a new location? There are many different reasons why you may have determined that this is the right move for your business. Perhaps a new shopping mall has opened and you want to be in more of a prime location? Maybe the area that your store is currently based in is experiencing an economic decline? Or, are you looking to take advantage of cheaper rental fees? No matter what applies, read on to discover some tips that will help you to plan and execute your retail business move effectively.
Make a plan – There is only one place to begin, and this is by making a thorough plan for the move. You need a document that contains all of the information pertaining to your relocation. This includes everything from your moving date to all of the supplies you need to purchase. You should also ensure there is a detailed breakdown of the financial side of things, as the last thing you want to do is run out of money halfway through the move.
Invest in hoarding systems – Until your current premises has bee taken over by a new business, you should use plastic hoarding systems to inform your customers and anyone passing by that you have moved to new premises. This will ensure the word is spread about your move while also giving you the chance to create excitement about your new, shiny store.
Look for ways to eradicate downtime – One of the biggest concerns for any type of business when moving to a new location is downtime. After all, every day that your business spends closed is a day you miss out on customers and opportunities. This is why it is important to try and schedule your retail business move so that you will lose the least amount of sales. Move during a period that is typically quiet for your business, and make sure the removal process is handled as efficiently as possible too.
Manage people as well as resources – When moving to a new location, you do not only need to manage all of the boxes you are packing up and taking with you. You need to manage people as well. The move could represent upheaval for your employees while some may even worry that big changes mean their jobs are at risk. Communicate clearly and concisely with all members of staff throughout to ensure unnecessary stresses and worries are eliminated.
Hopefully, you now feel more prepared for your retail business relocation. If you follow the advice that has been provided above, you can make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. This can be a stressful time for any business owner, but it will be worth it when you are set up in your new store location. Good luck!