PreparePrepare the following information regarding your retail store. Prepare as much as possible before the first meeting with your interior designer. Your Product Provide as much detail about your product(s) as possible for your designer. Have some samples available. Explain its intended use. What is the size(s)or color you plan to carry in your store? Who is your target buyer? Are you selling unique kitchen items geared to the urban crowd? It is it sports clothes for young teens? Tell your designer as much as you can. Your Budget This is the next most important item after your product. Your designer needs to know your budget in order to provide a suitable design. It is relevant to all aspects, from the planning and the type of materials selected, to the design of display fixtures. Prepare to discuss this topic thoroughly. As a result, you will get a store design that you can afford to build. Fewer changes will need to be made when the project is priced. Special Equipment Provide a list of any special equipment, such as a computer, copier or any item that will require a special electrical or plumbing connection. List the size of the unit and the workspace needed for proper operation. Give specific information about the connection. Indicate what electrical or plumbing is required, such as volts, separate circuits, water, or drainage. Make a note of any items that are attached or required close to the unit. The Cash Unit Every store has a cash unit. Your designer will design one for you. Prepare a list of items that you require in your unit. Jot down the size of your cash register, the connection data, whether you require one or two registers, or a lockable drawer. Provide the size(s) of your sales bags and any other special items to be placed at the cash unit. The Back Unit In many cases a backwrap unit is designed to go behind the cash desk. It is an ideal location for storage. Gift boxes, extra customer bags, store flyers and so on can all go in it. A telephone on the backwrap leaves more space on the cash unit. Your designer will work with you to determine if a full back unit suits your cash area. Perhaps a countertop is more appropriate. A few extra outlets in this area are a good idea. Special Work Surfaces or Areas This depends on your product or your method of selling. A store may need a special surface for gift-wrapping or sizing a product. A gift registration area may need a table and chairs. It might be seating near a fitting area for a person waiting for a companion. If you know that you require a special surface or area, prepare this information for your designer. This may even be an item to discuss. A creative and unique idea for your store may result. Signage At this point the name of your store is established and registered. You may have already determined the lettering style, logo or graphics. This is important information for the design of your storefront sign. If you have not as yet decided on a letter style, etc, your designer can help you with this process or recommend a consultant. Some retailers chose to have their name or graphics repeated throughout their store. Let your designer know if this is the case for your store, so that it is incorporated into the design process. The Stockroom Not all stores require a stockroom. This depends on your location and your needs. This is usually a closed off area at the back of the store. In a space that is within a complex, the stockroom is typically where the washroom and the electrical panel are located. Not all stores necessarily require a washroom. This is based on the building code standards. All stores have their own electrical panel. If you do not have a stockroom, the electrical panel should be not visible to your customers. Your designer will ensure it is hidden but accessible. Prepare to discuss with your designer if you need such a room to store extra merchandise. Shelving, an office desk, a telephone or special outlets in this room may also be required. A store in its own building or on a street location might use a basement area for extra storage and an office. Preparing information for your designer will help them to develop the best design concept and plan to suit your product and your space. They will create a functional store, select appropriate finish materials and design display fixtures suited to your product. As well, they will ensure that your design and plan conforms to the applicable building code requirements and any landlord design criteria. Listen to what they have to say. They may suggest things you never even considered. Some things may be building code issues that you can’t do anything about. Trust your designer and work with them.
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