Renovating your retail space can be a daunting task. There are many things to keep in mind when planning and executing this type of project- from the layout of the space to the materials you use.
To help make things a bit easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the seven most common mistakes made when renovating retail spaces. Read on to find out what they are!
#1: Going Over Budget
Renovating your retail space should not require you to go over budget unless it is necessary (e.g., if another company goes bankrupt and their assets become available at low prices).
When designing your retail renovation, try sticking with materials that are affordable but still durable enough for your needs (e.g., steel and concrete).
However, it is always better to be on the safe side and factor in some extra money for any unexpected changes or problems that may arise.
#2: Poorly Designed Layout
A carefully-planned layout will go a long way toward increasing your sales since customers will easily find what they are looking for. Here are some tips to keep in mind when designing the layout of your retail space:
Offer Customers A View of The Entire Store
Let customers see and grab products from all angles (e.g., by placing shelves at different levels). This way, you won’t make them miss out on anything! Add storefront windows to provide a view of your entire store from outside.
Make Products Easy to Find
Organize your products according to categories and subcategories, placing the most relevant items at eye level. Keep seasonal products hidden, so they don’t take up unnecessary space. Try using commercial storefront windows for display racks since shoppers will be able to see the product without entering the store (and maybe even buy it right away).
Make Sure The Aisles Are Wide Enough
Aisle ways should preferably be 2 meters wide; this way, you won’t make customers feel cramped while browsing your wares!
#3: Not Checking Product Shelves for Stability
If you fail to check whether your product shelves are stable or not, the weight of the products on them could cause them to collapse and fall over.
Although this may seem obvious, it is easy to get distracted and forget about inspecting such details when you’re busy with more critical issues (e.g., by focusing on completing all of your renovation tasks within a specific time frame).
To avoid injuries and other problems, get in the habit of checking product shelves even if they appear perfectly fine at first glance!
#4: Using the Wrong Type of Flooring
Having the wrong type of flooring can cause problems with your renovation. For example, retail spaces that witness high footfall (e.g., food markets) should always use durable, easy-to-clean floor coverings like ceramic tiles or vinyl sheets.
This is particularly important for commercial storefront windows because their floors are exposed to customers’ shoes (which may contain dirt and salt).
#5: Ignoring Safety Regulations
If you lack knowledge about safety regulations, then it’s better that you hire professionals to help you renovate your retail space properly.
Many types of renovations require the employment of workers skilled in dealing with specific types of equipment (e.g., drywallers, carpenters, and painters) or materials (e.g., asbestos).
Take the time to study specific safety regulations for your chosen renovation project to ensure you’re not violating any laws!
#6: Not Utilizing Your Retail Space Properly
Although many renovations allow a business owner to utilize their retail space more effectively, it may be possible that you’ve gone through the trouble of renovating your premises but are still not able to benefit from it entirely.
To ensure you get maximum value out of all of your efforts, perform an analysis of the enhancements made during your renovation project.
#7: Failing to Plan for Maintenance and Cleaning
Renovating retail spaces always results in dirt and dust spreading across the floor. These particles can cause problems like respiratory ailments if not cleaned up quickly during renovations.
If you fail to keep floors clean during renovations, then customers may feel that they won’t be receiving good service at your business establishment- which could potentially cause them to buy their products elsewhere!
A thorough cleanup should be done after each day of work so that the remainder of the construction debris will be swept, mopped, or vacuumed up daily.
We hope this article has been helpful and provided some useful information. If you want to learn more about doing retail renovations properly, check out the rest of our site for related articles and resources.
