Moving your retail store requires careful organization and planning. Once you know your moving date, develop a plan. Work backward, scheduling each task so you can complete it on time. Here are some tasks to include in the plan for your business move.
Delegate Details
Choose a staff member to handle the everyday details of the move; for example, the store manager. Assign every item on the schedule to someone.
Communicate the Move
Communicate the move to suppliers, employees, and customers. Always communicate positives from your audience’s point of view. For example, moving to a larger store will allow you to carry a more comprehensive size range.
Use all channels when communicating with customers, including social media, email, website, and print materials. Post regular updates on social media throughout the move, including photos of the new shop in progress.
Tell employees about the move before you tell customers. Focus on the positives and give employees time to process the information. Be prepared for questions such as where the employees will park at the new site and nearby lunch spots and services.
Ask for employee input on areas that are important to them, such as the break room or retail space layout.
Remember to update your location online as soon as you move and put a sign on your old building directing customers to your new site.
Check and Decrease Inventory
Assess your inventory, recording each piece carefully. You will save money by decreasing the inventory you move, so view the move as an opportunity to liquidate those hard-to-move items.
Establish a Floor Plan
Develop a floor plan that flows, directs customers to high-priority products, and enhances the customer experience. Allow ample space for customers and product displays.
Avoid Downtime
Avoiding downtime is tricky because retail sales often depend on having products available for customers to see. Ensure your new shop is fully set up before the moving date to save time. Turn on the utilities and install racks. Have new merchandise shipped to your new location, so you’ll only need to move older items.
Also, move during the low season to decrease downtime. If you can’t put off the move until then, choose a day of the week when sales are typically lower. If you use part of your store to fulfill orders, locate that first so that you can continue online sales throughout the move.
If you can, overlap lease dates for your old and new locations. A few weeks of overlap allow you to complete more activities outside of work hours and limit disruption.
Celebrate the Move
After the move, reward your staff with a party for their hard work. Also, schedule a festive open house so customers and other neighborhood merchants can see your new store.
Hire Professional Movers
Professional movers can help you develop your moving schedule and plan the logistics. They can also help you manage your inventory and ensure the move goes smoothly. We are experienced movers who have helped many retailers relocate successfully. Contact us today for a free quote.