If your retail store needs a facelift but you're working with a relatively limited budget, not to worry. You can probably do everything you want to with your retail shelving facelift, as long as you do a little planning ahead of time.
-
Figure out what can be done now, and what can wait until later
Brainstorm; what can you do now for a retail shelving facelift within budget, and what can wait until later. Perhaps, for example, you can replace a few of your retail shelving fixtures that have seen better days with new ones, but keep the bulk of what you got for the moment. This can freshen your look without breaking your bank.
-
Experiment with materials' costs
You can often swap out less expensive materials for more expensive ones without compromising on quality. Use imitation wood floors instead of real ones, for example, to update your look for a fraction of the cost. Retail shelving and fixtures, too, come in many different colors and styles so that you can choose durable options that will nonetheless fit both your look and your budget.
-
Break large construction projects down into phases
If you need to have a lot of work done or want to completely overhaul your interior, sit down with your contractor and figure out what can be done when. Establish a loose time frame and budget for each phase.
For example, perhaps you have the money to repaint, re-carpet or re-floor, and add a few new retail shelving and fixtures right now. Then you'll be able to replace the rest of your retail shelving and fixtures next year, and update your signage as well.
-
Work out a schedule with your contractor
If you're planning major construction, sit down and work out a schedule with your contractor whereby the project can be broken down into smaller phases. When you do this, the construction can take place in a specific area of your store even as you leave the rest of your store intact. When one area of construction is complete, the contractor will then move onto the next area.
Breaking down on the project into phases has two advantages. Number one, you can budget costs phase by phase to make the entire project more affordable, since it can be paid for over time. Number two, you can carry on business as usual in the areas of your store that aren't under construction; this way, you won't have to shut down and risk losing customers – and money.
-
Ask your contractor's advice
Although it may seem tempting to take complete charge of your retail shelving facelift and simply tell your contractor what to do, remember that he or she has significant expertise that you don't. Ask for advice on the best way to manage your construction project phase by phase.
When you allow your contractor to advise you, your project will go as smoothly as possible. You'll avoid headaches that could occur because you've overlooked potential problems, and he or she may also have inside knowledge you wouldn't otherwise be able to take advantage of, such as when to buy materials at their least expensive (when they're in the least demand), for further savings.
A retail shelving facelift doesn't need to cause financial stress or require you to interrupt business operations during construction. Instead, do the work in phases and ask your contractor's advice on how the project can be done as seamlessly as possible. He or she will have insights that can help you save both time and money, and can help you stay open even during actual construction.
