If you are starting a dollar store you know there is a specific environment you want to create in your store. You know the ultimate level of dollar store sales and even the level of business success you achieve will be greatly influenced by your store’s atmosphere. With so much at stake you must focus on the store’s environment during the initial preparation and start-up of your store. Fortunately many of the actions required to create just the right ambiance are quick and easy to implement. In this article I present 7 of the critical ingredients to create that perfect impression on everyone who enters your store.
· Paint
There is just something about a freshly painted store. Make sure the walls are painted in pleasant, neutral colors – even white works with the right trim added. Complete at least a touch-up if there are scratches, chips and missing paint. When starting a dollar store this is the one step that can yield a big impact. Watch dollar store sales and overall customer satisfaction soar.
· Floors and Ceilings
Next turn you attention to the floor and ceiling of your store. Make sure your floors are safe and clean. If there are missing tiles or gaping holes in carpeting not only will the appearance of your store suffer, but there are also safety concerns. Next look up and check the ceiling. Missing or water-stained tile must be replaced as they reduce the overall impact your painting and cleanliness achieve.
· Store Set-up – Including Traffic Flow
When starting a dollar store it is important to complete a store layout diagram. One of the biggest concerns will be traffic flow and overall ease of movement for those in your store. Focus on creating a logical flow from the time shoppers enter until they exit your store. Build dollar store sales by focusing on creating a logical department-by-department layout as well.
· Store Fixtures and Displays
Every store fixture and display needs to be clean, dust-free and well-stocked with merchandise at all times. Make dusting everything a monthly activity. Daily activities should include dusting and straightening end caps, checkout stands and areas where merchandise is handled more frequently. Keeping these areas clean, properly signed and fully-stocked at all times is essential to dollar store sale levels.
· Lighting – good lighting sells merchandise. Good lighting will keep shoppers in your store longer and they will be inclined to spend more during each visit. Build your sales by insuring all lighting works. Add spot lighting if there are dark corners or displays.
· A Warm, Welcoming Staff
When shoppers enter they may remark at how nice your store looks. Those that are greeted and served by a friendly staff that is focused on making visiting your store a memorable positive experience will look you up to provide feedback. They will also come back more often and spend money while in your store.
· A Clean and Organized Store
Once your store is open and operating it is important to maintain proper dollar store merchandise displays, including signage at all times. Focus on bulk displays as well as end caps. In fact make this a scheduled activity for your employees. Train them to perform the steps you expect to be taken. Don’t allow your store to ever lose that ambiance that makes it special in the eyes of your shoppers. Your reward will be added dollar store sales and profits.
