Building a New Store in Calgary
New store construction in Calgary is a significant financial investment. If this is an item on your business plan, read this first, even if the plans are not for this year.
• Financing – If you are planning a retail store in a booming area and want to create an environment that will encourage patronage, you will probably need financial backing. Start by working with your construction development company. They will help you with a detailed plan and an estimate for the work they will do. Be sure to include line items for the cost of the land, inventory, and operating costs before the business is completely off the ground. Then develop another plan that reduces the costs in case you are not able to secure the complete funding you need. Add in a projection of when the profits will begin and how some of that money can be diverted into upgrades to get you the site you wanted in the first place.
• Location – There are a number of things to consider when dealing with location. That includes long-range plans for expansion and the impact on the other businesses in the area. Is there sufficient parking? Is it such a high-traffic area that people will pass your store without being able to really observe it? What are the zoning laws? Are there nearby competitors?
• Design – New store construction in Calgary means developing a design that will present good curb appeal to attract customers. This also includes architectural elements that will coordinate with the surrounding businesses. It needs to include landscaping and walkways. The interior should be easy to navigate but still provide displays for impulse purchases. Energy efficiency is high on the list. Keep your branding prominent but not overpowering. Be sure it is easy to keep clean and tidy.
• Signage and Placement – Most customers coming into your store are looking for a specific item. Clear signage that will direct patrons easily to their target. As you place items for sale, the more popular items that bring in the greatest number of sales should be placed toward the rear of the store. This means that people will need to walk by items that they may want but are not on their shopping list. At the main entrance, you need to showcase items that will attract potential buyers. Keep it understated but visible.
These are only a few of the items that will prepare you for your new space. Working with a qualified retail construction company and design team will mean less stress and a better chance of staying within budget. Using their professional expertise, you can be guided through each phase of the operation and helped to prioritize the various elements to end up with a cohesive and profitable space.
Besides hiring and scheduling the workforce and coordinating the orders and delivery of materials, they will supervise the operations and provide reports on progress. They will also present you with information that will be invaluable regarding floor plans, colors, lighting, and other elements. These are the small details that will set your store apart from all the rest.
