Store Profile

Establish a budget, decide on a direction, get references, get a contract and stay organized.

The following outlines each of these objectives.

Determine how much are you prepared to spend on the design and construction of your store.

It is important to establish a budget. There’s nothing worse than thinking $100,000.00 will be enough, only to discover that the actual cost is $ 300,000.00.

If you have no idea about costs, the best thing to do is find out.

Talk to a local retailer who has completed a similar project.

Call a local interior designer, to get an idea of what they charge for a store design. Make sure you are calling an individual or firm that designs retail stores, not residential projects.

A local general contractor, specializing in retail stores, can provide an estimate for construction cost.

Explain your project clearly. Before making any call, write down your information. Jot down any questions to ask. Provide as much basic information as possible, such as the specific product and the proposed size and location of your store.

You will likely get a square footage price from the contractor. The interior designer may provide an approximate total price for the design work.

A square footage figure will help you to determine the cost for any size of space. You can calculate an estimate cost for an 800 sq. foot space, a 1500 sq. foot space, etc.

Remember, you are only trying to establish your budget. These are not firm prices. It is only to get an idea of the costs involved for your project. At this point, do not get pushed into any meetings or agreeing to anything with any firm or individual.

Once you have an understanding of the costs involved, you are in a position to determine if your financing is sufficient to proceed with your store idea. If not, then this is the time to seek additional capital rather than waiting until the project is underway.

Your budget is not only important to you, but also to the interior designer you hire. When it is time to proceed, they need to know the amount of money you plan to spend on the construction of your store. With this information they can produce an appropriate retail store design that is functional, creative and meets your budget. You want the end result to be a store you can afford to build.

You have established your store budget. You should now establish a direction. Decide upon your wants, needs and style for your store.

Wants are items you would like to have but do not necessarily need. Make a list of your wants. They are important. Perhaps you want the rich look of marble or solid wood use in your store. Once a designer is hired, you can discuss how to fit these items into the design and still be within your budget.

Make a list of your needs. These are items that you definitely need in order to sell your product. Needs are special pieces of equipment, display cases or work surfaces that are required for your product.

Determine the style you feel is best suited for your product. You may prefer your product is displayed in a modern setting. Or perhaps contemporary is better, or perhaps traditional. Or you may decide that you want the finishes selected for your store to be made from recycled materials. Define the impression you would like your store to create.

Your wants, needs and style, all provide a direction for your store. Make a note of your ideas and discuss them with the designer you hire.

Working together you will get a design that satisfies you. It will probably even include some of those items on your ‘want’ list.

Keep an open mind when working with the interior designer. Listen to them. They may suggest things you never even considered. Some things may be building code issues that you can’t do anything about.

Always get references before hiring anyone. You need to feel comfortable and confident with your decision. References will ensure that you have hired a reliable person or company for the job.

The first step in getting your project started is to hire an interior designer.

Arrange a meeting with the designer. They will show photos, drawings, sketches or sample boards of completed projects. This will give you an idea of their style and method of presentation.

Before you are ready to hire, make sure you get at least six references. It is best if these are for similar work that has been completed locally. Phone each one of them. You should be able to contact a minimum of four. Arrange to see at least two completed stores in person.

You should feel at ease with the person you hire. You will know this after meeting and talking to them.

You should trust the person you hire. You will know this after speaking with the people that are used for references.

The interior designer that you hire will work with you to establish a concept and final design for your store. Once a design is agreed upon, they will produce construction drawings for the actual building of your project.

Once you have your completed drawings, get your project priced by a minimum of three general contractors. All should specialize in retail stores.

A general contractor is a builder who looks after the construction and completion of your entire project, from start to finish. He will hire and supervise the sub-contractors required. They are the drywaller, the plumber, the electrician, the carpet layer, etc.

Before you hire a contractor go through the same process as described above.

Meet with the contractor. Get a minimum of eight references. Take the time and call each one. Make sure you are able to contact a minimum of six. Arrange to see at least four completed projects in person. Inspect the contractors’ work. Make sure the general contractor will provide a license of certification of all trades working on your project. Verify that the contractor is insured and that his work is guaranteed.

For any project, keep in mind the following. It is never a good idea to hire anyone that you have not met in person. If references are not provided or cannot be contacted, look for another person or company to hire.

A contract is an agreement between two parties who wish to exchange something that each desires to obtain. One offers to do something and the other one accepts. This is either done verbally or in writing.

In the case of a retail store project, get it in writing.

A written agreement ensures that both parties are clear as to exactly what services will be provided. It also specifies the method for payment for these services. This will prevent any confusion, forgetfulness or misunderstandings from occurring, once the project is under way.

The interior designer, or general contractor will provide this document for their client. Read it carefully. To be legally valid the contract must be signed. It is best if both parties provide a signature and date on the document.

The contract document must clearly list the following:

- The full legal name of both parties involved
- A detailed list of work and services to be provided
- Responsibilities of the client
- Responsibilities of the party hired
- Start and completion date of project
- Total cost for the work and services listed
- Applicable taxes and delivery charges
- Method of payment
- A place for signatures and date

Arrange to review the contract with the party involved. Make sure you understand everything that is listed. This is the time to discuss any changes that you would like to make to the document. This is the time for negotiation. Not after the contract is signed.

Make sure all future information is in writing and dated. This applies to any changes involving the project, such as additions or deletions to any items, approvals, payment receipts and so on.

Keep a copy of all written information. Keep a record of all correspondence. Follow this procedure throughout the entire project. For your own benefit adopt this practice for everyone that you hire.

Keep all paperwork regarding your project, the contract, payment receipts, and invoices, etc. together in one handy place. You should be able to access your information easily and quickly.

Establish a reasonable contact system with the person or company you hire. Phone, e-mail or fax, which ever best suits both parties. It is important to stay in touch and be available through all stages of your project.

Once construction starts, take photos as work progresses on your store. This will keep you current on your project. Your financial backer, if you have one, will be happy to view them.

These photos can also be invaluable. They are a visual record of your project in case any problems occur.