Ready to turn an empty space into a storefront that generates revenue?
It feels overwhelming when you look at the big picture. And truthfully, it kind of is. But having a step-by-step guide to turn that empty room into your dream storefront makes the process way less daunting. Every storefront you see around your community was an empty room waiting for someone to see its potential.
The best part?
Once you know what to do and in what order, you can turn any empty space into a revenue generating retail location. Here’s how…
What you’ll learn:
- Why NOW is the perfect time to open up a storefront
- Planning out your floor layout and design
- Nailing compliance first thing
- Everything you need to know about finishing touches
- Prepping your space to open day
Why NOW Is The Perfect Time to Open Up a Storefront
Wait. Actually, check this out…
Did you know that retail vacancies are at an all-time low? Per Colliers Q4 2024 Retail Update, average retail vacancy nationally remained flat in 2024 at just 4.1%.
Yup. It’s that low.
If you’re looking to rent your own space, you better have a plan because they are flying off the market.
But here’s the key…
Rentals don’t come open everyday. When they do become available, the businesses who have a plan ready to build out can snag them.
That’s why NOW is the perfect time to open up a storefront. Humans love shopping in brick-and-mortar locations. There’s something about seeing a product in person, feeling it, maybe even smelling it that keeps people shopping in physical retail locations.
So if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to open up your own store, let today be the day you start writing that plan.
Keep in mind that building out your own space means paying attention to a lot of moving pieces. From store layout and design to accessibility compliance. Don’t forget little things like compliant restroom signs with braille, raised characters, and high enough contrast. Investing in a custom-made plaque ensures your restroom signs look great and meet all ADA guidelines right out of the gate.
Planning Out Your Floor Layout and Design
Before your build even begins, you should have a good idea of what you want your floor to look like flowed out. How will your customers flow from front to back? Ideally, customers walk in, look around, and naturally gravitate towards the checkout when they are ready to buy.
There are some basic principles for where to place each essential area of your store:
- Entrance and storefront window: Obviously this is where your customers will enter your space. Make sure there is a welcoming atmosphere right when they walk in.
- Products for sale: This is where your inventory is displayed. Consider how customers will interact with your products.
- Checkout Counter: Many new stores prop their registers up high to maximize counter space. Nothing screams amateur like making your customers reach up to pay. Keep your registers accessible and toward the back.
- Storage and back-office space: Not much to say here. But you’ll need someplace to hide everything else!
One of the most common mistakes store owners make is overcrowding their space. Remember to leave room for your customers to roam. Wide aisles, clear lines of sight, and open space make your store feel bigger and more inviting.
Oh yea… There’s one more thing most people forget when they are planning the layout of their new store.
Restrooms. Any public facing retail space is required to have ADA compliant restrooms. Plan to have the facilities you will need to build during this process. It’s way easier than going back to tear out and remodel down the road.
Nailing Compliance First Thing
Speaking of restrooms…
This is one of the biggest areas new stores get dinged for:
Accessibility.
Nobody wants to be that business who skips out on this stuff. But liability is real. Seyfarth Shaw’s 2024 ADA Compliance Recap reported that ADA Title III lawsuits continued to grow in 2024. While it took only twenty law firms to file a combined total of… drum roll please… over 4,000 court complaints in 2024.
Yikes.
So what does ADA compliance look like in a retail space? Glad you asked.
The basics include:
- Accessible entrances
- Proper aisle space
- Signage for all permanent rooms/spaces
- Accessible service counters
- Accessible parking
This list is just scratching the surface of ADA compliance. There is a lot to cover when considering whether or not your store is accessible by all. But the sooner you plan for compliance the better and cheaper it will be.
Finishing Touches Your Store Needs to Stand Out From Day One
Ok, you’ve got the big stuff out of the way. Your space is built out structurally, and you’ve already designed your space with accessibility in mind.
NOW what?
Time for the fun stuff.
Finishing touches are everything when you want your store to stand out from day one. You know the saying, “the devil is in the details?” That pretty much applies here.
Things like lighting, paint colors, and flooring are things people subconsciously soak in when they enter a retail space. Good lighting makes your products sparkle and your space feel warm. Colors set the mood. Fresh floors that are also slip-resistant will keep your store safe and looking professional.
Proper signage is another thing that can make or break your store. Exterior signs to pull people into your store. Interior signs to guide your customers to exactly where they need to go. Don’t forget about those compliance signs talked about earlier.
Here’s a few other finishing touches to consider:
- Lighting
- Branding elements (think logo placement & colors)
- Point-of-sale technology
- Additional features that make your space comfortable (Climate control, clean restrooms, etc.)
This is what your customers will remember about your store. They may not be able to tell you why your store makes them want to come back…but these finishing touches are why.
Prepping Your Space for Open Day
Build it. Stock it. Train your staff. Check.
Right?
Sure… if you want to go bankrupt.
Triple check you have your certificate of occupancy on file. This little piece of paper ensures your space is up to code with your local city guidelines. No CO, no opening your doors to the public.
Stock your shelves. Train your employees on proper customer service and your POS system. Speaking of POS, make sure that is all up and running. Test it out a few times to catch any errors.
Walk through that entire customer journey, front door to checkout counter. Identify any friction points where your customer may get stuck and fix them.
Don’t forget to do a soft opening. Invite friends, family, or maybe your social followers to experience your store before the real world does.
Wrapping It All Up
Turning that empty space into a full blown revenue generating storefront is no mystery.
Let’s review:
- RIGHT NOW is the time to open up your own storefront
- Plan out your layout/design and pay special attention to customer flow
- Compliance should be taken care of from day one
- Invest in the finishing touches that will set your store apart
- Test everything before you let the world walk through your door
Think about businesses that POP when you walk into a shopping center. What makes them different than their neighbors? They take each step seriously. Skip one and your chances of survival drop drastically.
But follow this guide and that empty room you’ve got eyes on will turn into a storefront that THRIVES.
