How can boutique owners create an engaging retail space. What are the key elements of effective merchandising displays. Which store fixtures and equipment are essential for boutique success. How to optimize product presentation for increased sales.
The Importance of Thoughtful Retail Space Design
Creating an inviting retail environment is crucial for boutique success. A well-designed space not only showcases products effectively but also enhances the overall shopping experience. Modern customers seek more than just products; they crave an immersive brand interaction.
Tebo, a leading supplier of retail store fixtures and equipment, understands this need. They offer a comprehensive range of practical and aesthetically pleasing products designed to elevate merchandise displays and create an engaging retail atmosphere.
Key Components of Effective Retail Spaces
- Versatile display fixtures
- Flexible layout options
- Visually appealing design elements
- Functional storage solutions
- Customer-centric traffic flow
By incorporating these elements, boutique owners can craft a space that not only showcases products effectively but also encourages customer interaction and drives sales.
Essential Boutique Equipment and Supplies
Tebo offers an extensive selection of retail store supplies to help boutique owners create captivating displays. These products are designed to enhance merchandise presentation while providing flexibility and scalability for evolving retail needs.
Must-Have Boutique Fixtures
- Adjustable shelving units
- Clothing racks and hangers
- Display tables and counters
- Mannequins and dress forms
- Signage and price tag holders
- Lighting fixtures
- Point-of-sale systems
Does the type of fixture really impact sales? Research shows that well-designed and strategically placed fixtures can increase product visibility and customer engagement, potentially boosting sales by up to 30%.
The Psychology of Merchandising: Crafting Compelling Displays
Effective merchandising goes beyond simply arranging products on shelves. It involves a deep understanding of customer psychology and behavior. By strategically designing layouts and displays, boutique owners can guide customers through their store, highlighting key products and encouraging purchases.
Psychological Principles in Retail Design
- Color psychology: Using colors to evoke specific emotions and associations
- Visual hierarchy: Guiding customer attention to featured products
- Grouping and storytelling: Creating cohesive product narratives
- Sensory marketing: Engaging multiple senses to enhance the shopping experience
How can boutique owners apply these principles? By carefully selecting display fixtures and arranging products with intention, retailers can create an immersive shopping experience that resonates with their target audience.
Maximizing Space Utilization in Boutique Stores
One of the biggest challenges faced by boutique owners is making the most of limited retail space. Efficient space utilization not only improves the customer experience but also maximizes sales potential per square foot.
Strategies for Optimizing Retail Space
- Vertical merchandising: Utilizing wall space effectively
- Multi-functional fixtures: Combining display and storage
- Mobile displays: Allowing for flexible layout changes
- Strategic product placement: Highlighting high-margin items
- Negative space: Creating visual breaks to prevent overwhelm
Can proper space utilization really impact sales? Studies have shown that optimizing retail space can lead to a 15-20% increase in sales per square foot.
The Role of Lighting in Boutique Merchandising
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating ambiance and highlighting products in boutique stores. The right lighting can dramatically enhance the perceived value of merchandise and influence customer behavior.
Types of Retail Lighting and Their Impact
- Ambient lighting: Sets the overall mood of the store
- Accent lighting: Highlights specific products or displays
- Task lighting: Illuminates functional areas like checkout counters
- Natural lighting: Creates an open, inviting atmosphere
Is investing in quality lighting worth it for boutique owners? Absolutely. Research indicates that strategic lighting can increase sales by up to 12% and significantly improve customer perception of product quality.
Creating an Immersive Brand Experience Through Store Design
In today’s competitive retail landscape, creating a unique and memorable brand experience is essential for boutique success. Store design and fixtures play a crucial role in bringing a brand’s identity to life within the physical retail space.
Elements of Branded Store Design
- Consistent color scheme and visual elements
- Custom fixtures that reflect brand aesthetics
- Branded signage and graphics
- Thematic product groupings
- Interactive brand experiences
How does a cohesive brand experience impact customer loyalty? Studies show that customers are 60% more likely to make a purchase and 70% more likely to recommend a brand when they have a positive, immersive experience in-store.
Leveraging Technology in Boutique Retail Spaces
As the retail landscape evolves, incorporating technology into boutique spaces has become increasingly important. From interactive displays to smart fitting rooms, technology can enhance the shopping experience and provide valuable data for retailers.
Innovative Tech Solutions for Boutiques
- Digital signage and interactive displays
- Smart mirrors and virtual try-on technology
- Mobile point-of-sale systems
- RFID inventory tracking
- Augmented reality product visualization
Can technology integration really boost boutique sales? Yes, studies have shown that retailers who effectively integrate technology into their stores can see up to a 25% increase in sales and a significant improvement in customer satisfaction.
Sustainable Practices in Boutique Store Design and Equipment
As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, incorporating sustainable practices into boutique store design and equipment selection has become a priority for many retailers. Not only does this approach appeal to environmentally aware customers, but it can also lead to long-term cost savings and improved brand reputation.
Eco-Friendly Store Design Elements
- Energy-efficient lighting fixtures
- Recycled or upcycled display materials
- Low-VOC paints and finishes
- Water-saving fixtures in restrooms
- Locally-sourced materials for custom fixtures
Does sustainability really matter to boutique customers? Research indicates that 73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services, making eco-friendly store design a valuable investment for boutique owners.
The Impact of Store Layout on Customer Behavior
The way a boutique is laid out can significantly influence customer behavior, from the path they take through the store to the amount of time they spend browsing. Understanding the principles of effective store layout can help boutique owners optimize their space for maximum engagement and sales.
Key Store Layout Considerations
- Traffic flow patterns
- Product placement and grouping
- Sight lines and focal points
- Aisle width and navigation
- Checkout area positioning
How much can a well-designed layout impact sales? Studies have shown that strategic store layouts can increase sales by up to 40% and significantly improve customer satisfaction and repeat visits.
Seasonal Merchandising: Adapting Displays for Maximum Impact
Seasonal changes present unique opportunities for boutique owners to refresh their store’s look and appeal to customers’ changing needs. By adapting displays and product offerings to align with seasonal trends, retailers can create a sense of novelty and urgency that drives sales.
Strategies for Effective Seasonal Merchandising
- Rotating product displays to highlight seasonal items
- Incorporating seasonal color schemes
- Creating themed vignettes
- Updating window displays regularly
- Offering limited-time seasonal promotions
Is seasonal merchandising worth the effort for boutique owners? Absolutely. Research shows that well-executed seasonal displays can increase sales by up to 30% during peak shopping periods.
The Role of Visual Merchandising in Boutique Success
Visual merchandising is the art and science of presenting products in a way that maximizes their appeal and encourages purchases. For boutique owners, mastering visual merchandising techniques can be the key to standing out in a crowded market and creating a memorable shopping experience.
Essential Visual Merchandising Techniques
- Cross-merchandising complementary products
- Creating eye-catching focal points
- Using the rule of thirds in display composition
- Implementing color psychology in product arrangement
- Telling a story through product groupings
How significant is the impact of effective visual merchandising? Studies indicate that well-executed visual merchandising can increase sales by up to 540% for featured products.
Leveraging Data for Optimal Store Design and Layout
In the digital age, data-driven decision making has become crucial for retail success. Boutique owners can leverage various data sources to optimize their store design, layout, and merchandising strategies for maximum impact.
Key Data Points for Retail Optimization
- Foot traffic patterns
- Heat maps of customer engagement
- Sales data by product and location
- Customer feedback and surveys
- Conversion rates for different display areas
Can data analysis really improve boutique performance? Yes, retailers who effectively use data to inform their store design and merchandising decisions have been shown to increase sales by up to 15% and significantly improve customer satisfaction.
The Future of Boutique Retail: Emerging Trends in Store Design and Equipment
As consumer expectations and technology continue to evolve, boutique owners must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. Understanding and implementing emerging trends in store design and equipment can help create a future-proof retail space that resonates with modern shoppers.
Emerging Retail Trends to Watch
- Experiential retail spaces
- Integration of online and offline shopping experiences
- Personalization through AI and machine learning
- Sustainable and eco-friendly store designs
- Flexible, modular store layouts
How important is it for boutique owners to adapt to these trends? Research suggests that retailers who successfully incorporate emerging trends can see up to a 50% increase in customer engagement and a significant boost in brand loyalty.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, boutique owners must stay informed and adaptable to meet the changing needs and expectations of their customers. By investing in quality store fixtures, embracing innovative technologies, and implementing data-driven strategies, boutiques can create immersive, engaging shopping experiences that drive success in today’s competitive market.
Home | Retail Store Fixtures & Equipment
Retail Store Supplies
A forward-thinking retail space that meets the needs of modern customers is essential to creating an atmosphere that invites shoppers in and encourages them to interact with your brand in positive and successful ways. Creating an experience is about more than just the merchandise you sell; it’s about how you display it to engage customers and elicit an emotional connection.
Tebo proudly offers a wide range of retail store supplies to help you display your merchandise to the best advantage. Our practical and aesthetically pleasing products are designed to enhance every display so you can create an inviting and immersive retail space. Our products include:
At Tebo, we understand that you need versatile retail store supplies that meet functional needs, provide options for flexible and scalable layout and design, and offer lasting visual appeal. We’re pleased to meet and exceed your every need with a vast array of display fixtures designed to improve the form and function of your retail space.
There’s more to Tebo than superior retail display products. We’re also serious about customer satisfaction, which is why we go above and beyond to supply the service you deserve. We want to provide you with the same positive experience you strive to offer your own customers. Whether you call us with questions or stop by our showroom, we’re happy to help you find the perfect foundational pieces for your retail displays.
Merchandising Display Supplies
On a basic level, merchandising is about displaying your wares to the best advantage in order to encourage sales, but there’s a lot more to it than how you fold a sweater or stack boxes. There’s a psychological component that requires you to put a lot of thought into layout and design, placement of goods, and of course, how you set up your merchandising displays.
Tebo is your ace in the hole, thanks to a wide array of display products, as well as the expertise to help you find the perfect foundational pieces to showcase your goods to the best advantage and engage with customers. The way you drive traffic through your store and decide what customers will see and how they encounter it can create a powerful experience.
You want your space to be invite customers in, encourage interaction, and compel certain behaviors (lingering, making purchases, etc.). With the right merchandising fixtures and display options from Tebo, you have the best opportunity to achieve your retail goals.
More importantly, however, we provide needed expertise. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re happy to deliver personalized customer care, helping you to find the perfect solutions for your every merchandising need. Stop by our showroom to check out our display products or contact us remotely to learn more from our friendly and experienced sales representatives.
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Get the most from your displays with retail store fixtures
Retail stores face a daily challenge of selling as much inventory as possible with limited amounts of space and resources. That’s why how their product looks to customers is such a vital consideration—not just in its physical appearance, but how it’s arranged and presented.
In-store displays deliver the first level of information about the products you sell. They give store managers the chance to tell a vibrant story about the product that entices customers’ attention and makes them more likely to buy. A display should be captivating from a distance to create instant awareness, designed in a way that showcases both the product and the store in general.
Tebo’s merchandising fixtures are invaluable tools in building eye-catching displays to draw customers to your product. Our display supplies help you make presentations that show off the items you stock. The merchandising equipment we provide gives you the ability to design and construct completely original centerpieces that speak straight to your clientele and drive sales.
Effective use of merchandising supplies
The best retail displays are a concise but potent combination of art and style, with a hint of economics. They create a distinctive visual appeal that complements the flow of the store. They reinforce the look and feel of the product with the most important goal of making it desirable and easy to purchase.
Strong retail store fixtures maintain the right balance of strong visuals, information, and availability. The well-designed display attracts customers to check out the product without overwhelming the senses with too much information or complication. It supports the look and feel of the items and helps establish an almost emotional link with its look and messaging.
Several different elements come into play with displays and the merchandising fixtures they use. Visual elements like packaging, signage, lighting, and neatness are essential—they combine to illustrate the character and nature of the product. The messaging must be compelling and exact enough to define the goods in ways that stick in the memory.
Displays also need to correspond to the surrounding parts of the store, fitting in with its layout and the normal paths customers follow whenever they visit. They not only have to drive sales but make the process of buying as natural and effortless as it is with the rest of an outlet’s inventory.
A display that’s kept well enhances a store’s order and cleanliness—which in turn helps to deter theft. Most importantly, it makes the store more attractive as a whole and encourages customers to stay and have a look at all the products it has to offer.
Different styles of merchandising fixtures
The types of visual displays that work best for a retail outlet build on the store’s decoration strategy and maximize the use of available space. Every store utilizes a different layout to present inventory and ease customer movement—such as grids, ovals or racetracks, cube displays, power aisles, and more. There’s a visual display strategy that’s suitable for every configuration.
- Endcaps. Positioned at either end of a standard grocery or all-purposes store aisle, endcaps immediately draw attention to a featured product and make it convenient and accessible within the normal flow of traffic. They also allow for creative and compelling ideas for product placement and visual appeal.
- Floor displays and rolling racks. Features that showcase items in open areas draw attention almost by default. An orderly and well-maintained floor display takes the product away from its usual shelf or aisle and places it directly in the customer’s path where it gets noticed. Rolling racks can even be used outdoors, like in garden sections or tire stores.
- Checkout displays. Because they’re close to the point of sale, checkout displays often stimulate impulse buys of small or mid-sized products and can turn a usually blank space into a profitable, compact space. Hooks and shelves are ideal to hold everyday products that customers always need.
- Vignettes. Products placed in the context of certain scenes or rooms—like in furniture outlets and showrooms—give shoppers a quick association with how it’s used, especially when combined with signage.
- Service counter displays. Outlets that offer services alongside retail items can use their walk-up service counters the same way grocery and department stores utilize checkout displays, with small but necessary products that customers view while they order or wait.
- Dump bins. Durable product that’s often sold in mass quantities and priced to move can be displayed in quickly assembled, low-maintenance baskets or bins.
Tebo’s selection of store fixture equipment
We carry all the retail store supplies you need for compelling displays of any size or style you use:
- Digital signage. Our “solution-in-a-box” uses your store’s visual strategy and styles for vivid and striking displays, on both LG widescreen and PingHD players, with all the hardware, mounts, cables, and tech support you need.
- Display cases. Tebo carries glass counter and tower display cases to showcase jewelry, makeup, electronics, or valuable inventory for easy customer viewing.
- Shelves and brackets. We provide all the components for everyday use in store aisles, gondolas, slatwalls, gridwalls, or trade shows.
- Baskets and bins. Available in a wide range of sizes, Tebo’s baskets fit securely onto pegboards and gridwalls, and our free-standing bins are suitable for dump bins or overstock sales.
- Panels. Our panels add stylish accents to slatwall displays and large fixtures, and our chrome or steel grid panels are light and sturdy options for clothes or memorabilia.
- Jewelry displays. We carry a complete lineup of display accessories for bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, and other jewelry.
- Apparel items. Tebo has everything a clothing retailer needs for a striking visual display, from hangers and racks to mannequins and dividers.
Your all-in-one source for retail store supplies and service
Tebo helps retail managers bring custom displays to a higher level with our complete design solutions, components, and after-sale advice. Contact us or drop by our physical store for more information on all the products and services we offer to give your retail outlet’s displays a competitive edge.
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What Equipment Do I Need to Start a Clothing Store? | Small Business
By Jim Woodruff Updated March 12, 2019
The equipment you need to open a clothing store should enhance your store’s decorating theme. While the items needed for most retail stores are similar, the designs vary based on the concept of the store. A store that sells expensive items must look upscale, while a store that sells secondhand merchandise should appear more frugal.
If you’re short on creative ideas for your store, head over to a pinboard website and search for the theme you have in mind. For example, you could search for vintage, traditional, trendy or modern. A lot of pictures will show up to give you plenty of ideas.
Effective Use of Signage
People and passersby need to know that the store exists and is open for business. Outdoor signs get that message out. Signage should carry the store’s logo and give potential customers a sense of the type of store you have and the kinds of products you offer. Local printing shops and national signage franchises are good sources to have the signs made to your design and specifications.
Every store should have an “Open/Closed” sign and another one listing the hours of operation.
Shelves and Racks
The manner of displaying the clothes you sell depends on the theme of the store. One of the most popular types is the gondola style, which is a floor-mounted system that uses cantilevered shelves that extend on both sides from a vertical back.
Free-standing, vertical racks are useful for hanging shirts, blouses and pants. Place them where customers can walk around and peruse the selections.
Types of Hangers
You can’t have too many hangers, so buy plenty of them. The type of hanger that you use depends on the theme of your store and the displays. Plastic hangers come in colors and range from lightweight to heavy and unbreakable. Same thing for wire hangers, but they should be vinyl-coated to prevent rust.
For a step up, you may want to use either padded or wooden hangers. Padded hangers are better for delicate clothing items. Wooden hangers with lock bars are preferable for displaying pants.
Types of Display Cases
Display cases show off accessories and serve as the checkout area with the cash register. Cases come in either half-vision or full-vision. Several styles are available to fit in with the theme of your store. These cases are good places for a few small rotating racks for accessories.
Mirrors are Essential
Mirrors are essential for any clothing store. A good plan is to place several full-length mirrors close to the fitting rooms.
If you’re selling accessories, place several smaller mirrors on the display counters.
Mannequins to Show Clothing
Clothing items show off much better when they’re presented on mannequins instead of just being placed on racks or shelves. Mannequins are not expensive, so they won’t break the budget if you place a few in the store. They’re also useful for setting up attractive window displays.
Sales Materials and Tags
It’s handy to have a pricing gun and tags so you don’t have to do this work by hand. You’ll need a supply of bags printed with the theme and name of the store.
Cash Register Versus a Point-of-Sale System (POS)
The choice between using a cash register or a POS system depends on your budget and how much sales and inventory tracking you want for your business. POS systems connect to computers and websites and print out a variety of activity reports. These systems are typically paid on a monthly basis and are affordable.
Cash registers handle the payments for sales, print receipts, add the sales tax and tally the day’s sales. A good cash register can be found for around a hundred dollars.
Adequate Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning is a daily chore, and an adequate supply of cleaning materials is a must. Cleaning items should include at least the basics such as glass cleaner, sponges, mops, buckets and spray cleaners.
When looking for sources of retail fixtures and equipment, go to the internet. Searches for shelving, POS systems, racks, mannequins and display cases will turn up plenty of suppliers.
Retail Display Fixtures by KC Store Fixtures
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Our in-house team offers full-service solutions from concept to completion including custom-made, personalized and value engineered projects. Serving customers and industries around the globe, from automotive, apparel and sporting goods to gift shops, museums, schools and theme parks.
Catalog Division
Shop an extensive selection of merchandising fixtures, displays, accessories and more. We are a leader in reliable customer service, in stock inventory, and the lowest prices in the store fixture industry.
Shop Our Catalog
Studio Division
Our in-house team offers full-service solutions from concept to completion including custom-made, personalized and value engineered projects. Serving customers and industries around the globe, from automotive, apparel and sporting goods to gift shops, museums, schools and theme parks.
Visit Our Studio Division
Fulfillment
We provide retail fulfillment services that include packaging; compliant barcode/parcel product and carton labeling for EDI fulfillment and routing requirements; case, and loose, pick programs; truck scheduling; and more.
Manufacturing
From the beginning design and renderings to material selection and prototypes, our in house team makes the manufacturing process easy and affordable.
Our expertise in fulfillment for retailers and brand marketers helps minimize chargebacks, and favorably impacts your overall profitability. Our warehouse inventory systems can be customized to support the needs of all custom requirements. Contact us to learn more about how we can create a custom retail fulfillment package for you.
Starting with product design and quality specifications, we work with you to develop the best manufacturing method, a schedule and cost estimate based on your budget and timeline. From there it’s on to product development, prototypes, inspection and finally manufacturing.
Fulfillment
We provide retail fulfillment services that include packaging; compliant barcode/parcel product and carton labeling for EDI fulfillment and routing requirements; case, and loose, pick programs; truck scheduling; and more.
Our expertise in fulfillment for retailers and brand marketers helps minimize chargebacks, and favorably impacts your overall profitability. Our warehouse inventory systems can be customized to support the needs of all custom requirements. Contact us to learn more about how we can create a custom retail fulfillment package for you.
Manufacturing
From the beginning design and renderings to material selection and prototypes, our in house team makes the manufacturing process easy and affordable.
Starting with product design and quality specifications, we work with you to develop the best manufacturing method, a schedule and cost estimate based on your budget and timeline. From there it’s on to product development, prototypes, inspection and finally manufacturing. Kansas City Store Fixtures is a leading online distributor of retail and display fixtures. We are a U.S. manufacturer and a direct importer providing you with the best prices on the widest selection of retail displays.
At KC Store Fixtures we offer a variety of retail fixtures to ensure the best solution for your store environment. Whether you are looking at opening a new store, doing a remodel or making some merchandising updates we have the knowledge, store fixtures and selection to meet your needs. If you are looking for a way to merchandise a new clothing line, jewelry, or just organize your products, we can help.
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Retail Store
Starting a retail store or boutique—and ensuring that it succeeds—is a major undertaking.
Securing a storefront, paying utilities and stocking inventory is often easier said than done, and opening a store requires a sizable upfront investment. You’ll need to pay for special equipment, software and more. To help you avoid sticker shock before you open your doors, we’ve broken down the major costs of starting a retail store.
Opening a store?
You’ll need the right POS by your side. In this guide, we’ll give you the right questions to ask when shopping for a new POS.
Costs to consider when opening a retail store
Rent and utility costs
Cost per square foot per year for commercial space varies by location. In New York City’s major retail areas, for example, the average rent per square foot in 2020 was $688. For 1,000 square feet of retail space, that comes out to $57,333 per month. Costs are generally much lower outside of major cities.
Another option is to open a pop-up shop in a temporary location to test your market before you commit to a long-term lease. You might find that while it costs more to rent out a prime downtown location, the area generates a ton of foot traffic, translating into more customers and sales.
Wherever you decide to rent a space, you’ll need to pay for utilities. In the U.S., the average cost per square foot for electricity is about $1.47, while gas clocks in at $0.29. In addition, water and sewer charges, phone expenses and internet bills should also factor into your calculations.
Getting licensing, permits and insurance
Entity formation costs
Before opening your retail store, you’ll need to decide on which type of legal entity to form. The type you choose will impact both your taxes and insurance. These are the types of entities that you can form:
United States
- Sole Proprietorship
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Liability Partnership
- Partnership
- S-Corporation
- C-Corporation
Canada
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
- Corporation
- Cooperative
If you’re not sure which option is best for you, an attorney can help you evaluate the pros and cons and file the proper paperwork. Check with your state or province to see how much it will cost to form your desired entity.
Licensing and permitting fees
You may need to get proper licensing for your store, depending on your location and the types of items you’re going to sell. You’ll need to file for things like:
- An Employer Identification Number (EIN) in the U.S. or a Business number in Canada for tax purposes
- State or provincial and local licenses
- A Resale Certificate (for those who won’t be selling exclusively independent products)
- A Seller’s Permit
- A Certificate of Occupancy for your retail space
Costs for these can vary based on your state or province. Browse your state or province government’s website to find more detailed information on the exact retail business licenses you may need.
Legal fees
When you’re starting a business, you might seek extra help from lawyers, accountants and other business professionals to get all of your paperwork correctly filed. Working with a lawyer to incorporate your business or an accountant to set up your books won’t be cheap, though. Attorneys may charge anywhere from $150 to $325 an hour or more, and the average hourly rate for a small business accountant is $40 per hour or more.
Insurance costs
Just as you insure your health, life and car, you’ll need to insure your business. Some forms of insurance are required to receive financing, while others are just a smart idea to ensure the continuity of operations. The insurance options you may want or need are:
- Property Insurance: Covers losses from physical damage or theft.
- Liability Insurance: Protects against lawsuits related to incidents or accidents on your property.
- Business Interruption Insurance: Covers any unforeseen circumstances that lead to a temporary closure, such as natural disasters, that can interrupt the course of business.
- Health Insurance: Helps offset the cost of bills for illnesses and injuries, both for yourself and for your employees.
- Key Person Insurance: Covers the cost of an owner’s or manager’s disability or death.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This is a legal requirement in many states. Workers’ comp policies protect workers who get sick or injured on the job.
While you won’t know how much you’ll need to pay before receiving a quote from a local insurance carrier, most small retail stores pay around $600 – $1200 a year for an inclusive business owners’ package policy and an additional $1,070 per year for workers’ compensation coverage.
Professional fees
Your local small business community might require you to join networking groups or retail-specific organizations. Joining your local Chamber of Commerce, for example, can connect you with other small business owners, offer networking opportunities and include your business in local publication. The average annual fee for joining a Chamber of Commerce is $300 to $400 per year.
Hiring and managing staff
Running a retail store of any size is definitely more than a one-person job. You’ll need to find the right staff. Here is an overview of the typical positions found in a retail store and the average salaries for each:
Retail Sales Associate: USD $11.25 per hour in the U.S. and CAD $14.19 per hour in Canada, although note that as of January 1st, 2021, more than 20 states have elected to raise their minimum wage.
Assistant Store Manager: USD $13.48 per hour and CAD $16.93 per hour
Store Manager: $26 – $35 per hour
The staff you’ll need to hire depends on how you plan to operate. Will you have more than one register open during a shift? You’ll need more than one sales associate. Our advice is to be as realistic as possible—don’t hire anyone you don’t need, but make sure you have all of your bases covered for your busiest hours.
Once you’ve hired your first employee, it’s a good idea to keep track of how they do on the job with employee management tools on your POS system. You’ll be able to keep track of when they clock in and out of their shifts, as well as see their sales performance. You can use automated data to track who your best employees are and schedule them at busiest times to increase your profits.
Initial inventory costs
Initial inventory will be one of your largest and most important expenses. Estimates can be complicated and depend on what you’ll be stocking. Some good starting questions to ask yourself are:
- Which product lines are you going to stock?
- How many items of each product line will you need?
- What is the MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) of each of those products?
When you research wholesalers and manufacturers, you may find that not all pricing will be completely transparent until you’ve signed a contract. If you don’t know the exact prices of the items you want, you can use an estimated markup to back into the rates you’re likely to see from your distributors. For example, if you know the sweaters you want to sell normally retail for $20, you can assume that with a 25% margin, you’ll be able to purchase them from the manufacturer for $15.
Marketing costs
Marketing, promotion and PR spending will be an important part of your beginning budget. Your exact spending will depend on the strategies you have in mind, but here are a few areas you should consider:
Social media management
Social media can open up additional revenue streams and bring new customers to your door or website. You can post organic or “free” content to your channels, or post paid advertisements to a targeted audience. If social media isn’t your thing or is too time intensive, consider outsourcing these tasks to a social media manager. The average hourly rate for a social media manager in the U.S. is USD $21 per hour and CAD $27 per hour in Canada, not including the budget you’d need for any paid ad campaigns.
Additionally, to take advantage of Instagram’s built-in shopping features, we suggest looking for a retail POS system that will help you import your product catalog onto the platform.
Branding and logo design
Establishing a strong brand is key to any retail business’ long term performance. A professional logo and strong social media presence can strengthen brand awareness, which sets you apart from your competition.
A reasonable logo design costs between $300 – $1,300 on average. Additional branding services, such as brand positioning and messaging, typically ranges from $1,000-$5,000.
Signage
Once you have a well-designed logo, you’ll need signs to go inside and outside your property.
According to eSigns, retail signs can cost anywhere from $10 to $1,000 depending on the sign’s size and material. It’s also important to remember that your store’s location might dictate your exterior signage. For example, some strip malls may require all of the exterior signage on each store to be the same, for a more uniform look.
In-store experience
Your brand extends beyond your logo and signage. You and your team should embody your brand and its values. Here are a few other costs to consider:
- Do you want your employees to wear uniforms?
- Will you need to hire an outside consultant to train your staff?
- Will you offer complimentary goodies or other in-store amenities?
Business cards and flyers
Business cards and flyers are key for networking with local industry experts and influencers. Costs will vary depending on the stock, finishes and how customized your order is, the average cost per order is $194. This expense is a big part of spreading the word about your new retail business and getting customers in the door.
Retail POS system
A cloud-based POS is a must-have for 2021 and beyond. Not only will a retail POS allow you to process transactions with all major payment types (credit card, debit card, cash, NFC, etc.), but you also get access to advanced reporting, inventory management tools and employee management capabilities that can help you grow sales and run your business more efficiently. A POS can cost anywhere from $49 to $300 per month, not including one-time hardware costs (such as iPad or Android tablets, barcode scanners and tablet stands).
A website is also a necessity in today’s retail environment. There are dozens of eCommerce platforms out there, and some are designed specifically to help retail stores ship their products and offer in-store pickup for online orders. By choosing an eCommerce platform that integrates with your point-of-sale register, your inventory will be synced across online and in-store transactions. This makes it easy to offer local deliveries and curbside pickup.
Lastly, in order to take credit card payments, you’ll need to sign up for a payment processor. Payment processors take a small fee or percentage of each credit card sale, so it’s in your best interest to find a processor that saves you money in the long run. We recommend choosing a processor with a flat fee that accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, as well as contactless methods like Apple Pay and online invoicing.
Interior decor and equipment
It’s unlikely that the space you decide to rent will be completely ready for sales without any visual merchandising or upgrades. Instead, you might have to paint the walls, install shelving, add a counter, replace flooring and make other changes to get the look you want.
Paint: How much paint you’ll need to buy depends on how big your store is. Two gallons of paint can cover up to 800 square feet. On average, a gallon of good quality interior paint costs $30-$45.
Retail shelving: A quick search on Google Shopping yielded retail shelving ranging from $300 to $3,000, depending on size and material.
Retail cash wrap: A quick search on Google Shopping yielded cash wraps or retail checkout counters ranging from the $200s to over $5,000.
While some fixes can be handled independently, bigger projects may require a general contractor, in addition to the cost of materials. A general contractor costs, on average, $50 an hour, but this rate may be more or less depending on your location.
Screen guards and cleaning supplies: $400+
Now more than ever, it’s important to keep your store clean and protect your employees and customers from getting sick. Make sure you regularly wipe down all surfaces with wipes, soap, water and bleach (when safe) and provide your employees with proper PPE like gloves and masks. By installing screen guards at your checkout area and providing hand sanitizer at the most contact-heavy areas, you’ll help stop the spread of novel viruses and the common cold alike.
Financing costs
Financing for startup retailers can be a challenge, especially when you don’t have a long credit history to back you up. How you choose to finance can affect your expenses, especially when it comes to repayment schedules and interest rate. Different loans have different costs, so do your research and speak with local lenders about startup capital.
According to vlogger and boutique owner Alli Schultz, initial startup costs for a brick-and-mortar boutique can average around $48,000. This doesn’t include items that vary based on your geographic location such as the first month’s deposit, insurance, utilities and licensing fees.
As a successful business owner who has expanded her online clothing business to two brick-and-mortar storefront locations, Alli advises aspiring business owners not to let this number discourage them.
“Anyone can start somewhere and own their own business one day. I started so small, out of my apartment, and grew the business into two brick-and-mortar locations over the last three years. This number can probably be cut in half or by a third. It is possible to start a boutique on a budget if that’s what you are trying to do,” says Schultz.
Getting ready for the next step in your retail journey
There’s plenty of room to grow in the retail space. With the right planning, it’s fully possible to create a plan that will succeed, no matter what you’re selling or where you’re setting up shop.
However, getting started without knowing the costs to expect may put you in the red. The average costs for starting a store may or may not apply to you, but the more time and effort you spend planning ahead, the better. With these guidelines, you can estimate the funds you’ll need, helping you hedge your bets for success. To get started on your small business journey with the right tools, let’s talk!
Retail Store Supplies, Store Fixtures and Retail Displays
Econoco directly serves the entire retail industry – from department stores, specialty stores, mass merchandisers and discounters to store planners, architects, design consultants and more than 600 store fixture and retail packaging distributors.
We offer an ever expanding in-stock product catalog that includes acrylic and glass displays, point of purchase counter displays, grid panels and grid accessories, garment racks, wall displays and display standards, shelving and merchandising units, showcases and counters, slatwall merchandisers and accessories, sign holders, back room supplies, display tables, bespoke retail fixture systems, mannequins and forms.
To complement every great retail display, Econoco’s subsidiary Mondo Mannequins serve the nation’s leading retailers and brands with mannequins, forms and visual displays in exciting finishes and textures that highlight the merchandise and strike an emotional chord with consumers. The result is an increase in sales for the retailer.
In today’s ever changing world, we have created the opportunity for the independent retail store as well as the general public to purchase direct from us, the manufacturer. Our industrial quality store fixtures are offered at such a great value that many people are finding a use of our products within the home.
Econoco’s near century of leadership continues to bring more options and value. Each of our divisions is strategically designed to maximize your brand and its impact at point of sale.
Econoco News
When I wrote to you in February and explained the effects of a huge demand in the U.S. for consumer products manufactured in China, we had indications that the situation would subside by the end of summer. The optimism we had hoped for has dimmed.
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Mondo News
Dress up your retail space with one of our most popular lines of mannequin collections!
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Events
IRDC 2021
Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel
Denver, CO
Sept 21-22, 2020
Retail X (formerly GlobalShop)
McCormick Place Convention Ctr
Chicago, IL
August 24-25, 2021
MORE >>
Point of Sale Hardware
– Shopify US Hardware Store
Convert sales and build customer loyalty at the counter or curb.
Shop hardware
Sell anywhere with Shopify Retail Kit
Check out customers at the counter, curbside, and everywhere in between with hardware designed for retail businesses.
Learn more
Retail Stand for iPad
Flip or detach your iPad from the base to allow customers to view their purchase or assist shoppers around the store.
Shop the Retail Stand for iPad
Tap & Chip Case
Take your Tap & Chip Reader right to your customers and accept payments anywhere, in your store and on the go.
Shop the Tap & Chip Case
Barcode scanners
Easily scan your products to quickly add them to your cart, reducing line ups and wait times for your customers.
Shop barcode scanners
Receipt printers
Available in a wired, wifi, or bluetooth connection, they quickly print your receipts with thermal printing technology.
Shop receipt printers
Cash drawers
Secure your cash and connect it to your POS app so it opens when a cash sale is processed.
Shop the cash drawers
All of the selling power without any commitment.
Whether you’re running a pop-up shop or want to try before you buy, rent Shopify hardware with ease from Fello.
Get a quote or rent now
ZSB Series Thermal Label Printer from Zebra
The cloud connected 2” or 4” WiFi and bluetooth printers with 300 DPI resolution and a 2-year printer warranty. Virtually unjammable recyclable drop-in label cartridges to print shipping, mailing, branding, and barcode labels.
Shop Zebra label printers
The perfect pair
Shopify hardware is powered by our Point of Sale app, designed to help you sell anywhere, accept popular payments, and build lasting customer relationships.
Learn more about Shopify POS
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Must-Have Supplies Before You Launch Your Online Boutique – liz puglise
Outfit Details:
Jumpsuit // Fringe Hoop Earrings
Hey guys! This blog post is a continuation of my online boutique series, How to Launch an Online Boutique. This post is part two of the series, so if you missed part one, click here to read it. My post on how to start an online boutique (step-by-step guide) received a lot of traffic, so I’m hoping this series will be helpful to those of you who want to start your own online boutique someday! In this post I’m going to go over all of the physical items you’ll need before launching your online boutique so that you’ll be ready to package and ship your first order as soon as it’s placed.
Top Must-Have Supplies prior to launching an online boutique:
- Boutique clothing tags – these are essential to have before you sell and ship any of your clothes. Your clothes should be tagged with your boutique name so your products not only look official, but so your customers also remember what store they bought their new clothes from. You can even take it a step further and include your store’s social media information on each of your tags. I included this information on the back of all of my tags as a way to promote my store further without having to include a completely separate promotional flyer/material. These are super easy to order from a variety of printing companies (just look it up on google and a bunch will pop up!). I ordered mine from here.
- Tagging gun – this is the tool you’ll need in order to tag all of your clothes with your boutique clothing tags. I bought a set that included a tagging gun and a bunch of clear plastic clothing tags – they’ll last forever! There’s a variety of options on Amazon, but I purchased this one.
- Fabric steamer – this is a must if you want your clothes to arrive to customers in top condition with as little wrinkles and creases as possible. While I owned a hand steamer prior to opening an online store, I decided to order a standing steamer (much more heavy-duty and industrial), and I’m so happy that I did. The amount of steaming I have done since launching my online boutique is insane, and I can only imagine how long it would’ve taken me if I had used a hand steamer. My stand-up steamer steams clothes so quickly and I rarely have to refill the water in one steaming session. Here’s the steamer I purchased and would definitely recommend.
- Tissue paper – if you want your packages to present nicely, you should definitely purchase tissue paper to neatly wrap your products. Think about when you purchase something from an actual store or online – the product is typically wrapped in tissue paper. It makes your package look neat, keeps the clothes folded, and is a great way to show your boutique’s personality and vibe. I found the best deal for bulk tissue paper here.
- Custom stickers – it’s hard to keep a package together in tissue paper without something holding it together! Custom stickers are a great way to promote your brand and make your package look nice. Most custom stickers can be a bit pricey, so be prepared to spend some money on these. This is where I bought my stickers from and they sent me more than I ordered, plus sent me a promo code for my next purchase from them.
- Polymailers – these are the plastic mailing bags that most online stores send clothing in. Polymailers are cheap, flexible and light-weight, meaning they’ll cost less money for you to ship. You can purchase the bare minimum (standard light gray) polymailers – these will be cheapest – or you can purchase a specific color, design or even have custom ones made. Keep in mind that the more custom you go, the more expensive your overall costs will be. It’s smart to pick and choose what is most important to you so you can decide what to spend your extra money on. I purchased two different size polymailers (12×15.5 and 14.5×19) to fit various order sizes. I purchased my polymailers from this website, and you can find fun colors and designs here.
- Shipping scale – you’ll need a shipping scale before mailing any packages so you know how much to pay for postage. I have a scale that measures from 0-50 pounds which is imperative for anything that is just a few ounces. You’d be surprised how many clothing items weigh less than a pound. Here’s the scale I purchased.
- Dymo Label Writer – this label printer is a lifesaver. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but I would say it’s 100% worth it. This is how I print every single shipping label for my packages and it prints on an adhesive sticker so all you have to do is peel off the backing and stick the shipping label on your package! Couldn’t get easier than that. When I was trying to decide whether or not this label printer would be necessary, I quickly realized if I didn’t purchase this printer or something similar, then I would have to cut out every single label from regular paper and tape each label to every package. That would waste so much time and take forever to do. It’s still definitely an option if you don’t want to invest in this quite yet, but I guarantee you’ll quickly change your mind. Here’s where to purchase the Dymo Label Writer.
There are of course always additional supplies that would be super helpful for an online boutique, but I wanted to provide the bare minimum of items you should have in order to be successful right when you launch.
As always, if you have any questions feel free to reach out! For anyone launching an online boutique or hoping to launch one in the future, good luck and congratulations!
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05 .03 Whole Slow Chef CS600 Juicer | |
22.07.2019 | |
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July 25, 2015 | |
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09.04.2015 Equipping the shop floor – a cafe at the EuroOil gas station Equipping the shop floor – a cafe at the EuroOil gas station | |
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178. 12.2012 The installation of technological equipment in the Karusel hypermarket in the Moskovsky microdistrict has been completed.Tambov | |
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Non-standard trade equipment, customization
FabrikArt specializes in
in the manufacture of non-standard
shop equipment
for retail chains.
The company is ready to equip from tens to hundreds of stores per year for each client.
Our projects
Brands by shelf
Togas
For the international manufacturing and trading company Togas, in one year we equipped 30 branded boutiques of home textiles in several cities from St. Petersburg to Surgut.Centro
For the CENTRO chain of shoe stores, about 200 stores are re-equipped annually, and the geography of work with the company covers almost all medium and large cities of Russia.Enter
In the last year alone, we have equipped more than 25 Enter outposts with trade equipment. The production and installation of equipment for this network is carried out in dozens of cities.Milano
Cooperation with a network of boutiques of women’s clothing, footwear and accessories lasts for the second year, during this period more than 35 stores have already been equipped with branded trade equipment.Aleph
Equipping a network of branded stores of the fur factory “ALEF” in the cities of Moscow, Tula, Zelenograd.Kari
For the international network of stores of footwear and accessories Kari, 200 new stores were equipped in the cities of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine during the year.Finist
One of the most interesting and non-standard projects is the Finist grocery chain in Ryazan. We are ready to embody any idea!Pierre cardin
In 2015, more than 500 Pierre Cardin zones were equipped in Kari stores.Your
For the TVOE chain of stores, we equipped 15 stores in Russia and Belarus in 2016.Yulmart
In 2013, we equipped more than 30 retail outlets for the Yulmart cybermarket chain.El Dorado
For a large chain of stores of household appliances and electronics Eldorado, we have equipped zones for home accessories and coffee zones where visitors can enjoy coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.Mister gadget
Island outlets in the corridors of large shopping centers for the Mister-gadget chainMIX markt
Equipment for the MIX markt store in Moscow.Kari kids
In 2014 and 2015, more than 100 KariKids stores were equipped in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.Tattehmedpharm
Over the past year, we have equipped more than 20 pharmacies throughout Tatarstan for the republican pharmacy chain GUP Tattekhmedpharm.Museum of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Tatarstan
The third floor is always very crowded, and while the defendants and plaintiffs are waiting for their turn to appear before Themis, they can see how justice was administered almost a century and a half ago and in Soviet times.Imperial Porcelain Factory
We have been supplying trade equipment for Imperial Porcelain stores.Fan-Chulan
Island equipment for the network of children’s art studios Fan-chulan.
In the photo there is a workshop in the Mega-Ikea Dybenko shopping center,
St. Petersburg.Hoff
Equipment for the Hoff chain of furniture and household goods hypermarkets, more than 10 stores across Russia.Orthopedic salon “Salamat”
Cooperating with the network of orthopedic salons “Salamat”, we have carried out the supply and installation of commercial equipment.Kotofey
Supply of trade equipment for brand stores of children’s and teenage footwear “Kotofey”iD! collection
Shop equipment for the store of the network “iD! Collection”Shoe Stores CCC
This is one of the turnkey demonstration projects that FabrikArt has implemented from scratch. We have carried out the following types of work: repair work, store equipment, technical equipment.Stillini
For the Stillini chain of children’s clothing stores, we supplied commercial equipment.Bakery Mill
The equipment with the use of the joker system was developed by us for the chain of cozy Melnitsa bakeries.Shoes
For the chain of shoe stores “O! Buv” we supplied and installed commercial equipment in Kazan and MoscowMattino-Shoes
We have delivered trade equipment to more than 15 shoe supermarkets of the Mattino-Obuv chain.Ladomed
Within the framework of cooperation with the Ladomed network of orthopedic salons, more than 15 salons were equipped in Moscow.
Why FabrikArt
Great quality at an affordable price
Efficient production technologies and process automation guarantee high quality products at a reasonable cost.
Own design staff
Experienced specialists of the design department will select the optimal materials and a method for manufacturing custom-made commercial equipment according to your sketches.
Readiness for large tasks
The company has experience in implementing large-scale projects for the re-equipment of up to 470 retail outlets within 40 days. Currently, a project for the refurbishment of 700 retail premises is being implemented.
Wide geography of supplies
Delivery and installation of equipment is carried out in any cities of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. The company already has experience in 102 cities in these countries.
Cooperation options
FabrikArt is ready for various options of interaction with clients
for the delivery of shop fittings:
1
Turnkey shops
Includes not only the supply and installation of commercial equipment, but also the construction finishing of commercial premises.
2
Supply and installation
Development, production, delivery and installation of commercial equipment.
3
Only
delivery
Development, production and delivery of commercial equipment without installation.
Find out also
Registration |
Registration of goods at a free price |
Registration of goods by code, by barcode, by price, by article |
Registration of goods by barcodes using templates consisting of a code, article, barcode, quantity, price, amount |
Visual search for goods of the “List” and “Tree” types with a filter by five parameters |
Registration of goods using hot keys (list of goods or group) |
Consolidation of identical items during registration |
Adjustment of check position (quantity, price, repeat, reversal) |
Control of the parameters of goods during registration (balances, minimum price, shelf life, etc.)) |
Tax calculation and printing |
Price of goods in foreign currency |
Working with different barcodes for one item |
Working with the same barcodes for different products |
Payment and deposit in one amount |
Payment and deposit in banknotes |
Combined payment |
View product parameters |
Rounding of amounts with customizable rules and precision (for each item or for the whole check) |
Calculator |
Displaying totals for product groups in registration mode |
Postponing and restoring deferred document |
Canceling and restoring a canceled document |
Document recovery after incorrect termination of work with Frontol |
Return / cancellation of goods according to sales document |
Return / cancellation of arbitrary items |
Document identification by barcode |
Working with arbitrary documents (incl. h. without printing a receipt on the cash register or with printing a non-fiscal document) |
Document view (closed, canceled, postponed, reserved) |
Transfer of the document to another user |
The start time of the shift and the time until the end of the shift on the cashier’s screen |
User authorization by non-unique or unique password |
User authorization by barcode, card, mechanical key, fingerprint |
Automatic authorization request in case of lack of rights |
Manual blocking of the workplace at any time |
Change of operator at any moment |
Automatic blocking of the workplace after a specified period of inactivity of the cash register |
Work with equipment |
Working with barcode scanner: KB, RS-232, USB (several devices are possible) |
Work with magnetic card reader: KB, RS232, USB (several devices are possible) |
Work with one POS printer or one printing device (including from different workstations) |
Working with several POS printer or several printing devices (manual switching between them) |
Two ways of registration in the cash register: total for all positions, for each position |
Synchronization of PC and POS printer clock |
Operation with customer display |
Cash Drawer Operation |
Working with receipt printer * |
Work without equipment (incl. h. and without cash register) |
Hardware support (cash drawer, customer display, magnetic card reader, keyboard) running the OPOS driver |
Automatic and manual printing of non-fiscal documents and copies on cash register receipt tape, cash register pad station, receipt printer and Windows printer |
Three ways to print a document: delayed, simultaneous and delayed |
Configurable document view for printing on POS printer and FC with print form editor |
Custom document view for printing on Windows printer with plate editor |
Standard X and Z reports |
Additional cash statements |
Operating modes |
Teaching Mode |
Demo mode (without security key) |
Offline operating mode |
Online operating mode |
Complete replacement for Windows Explorer |
Communication |
Manual and automatic data exchange with ASTU in ATOL, BEST, Supermag-UKM, GESTORI, PILOT, SuperMag 2000 / Plus |
Data exchange via shared catalog |
Data exchange by e-mail |
Data exchange using ZIP archives |
Uploading transactions for any period |
Delete old transactions |
Administration |
Remote administration of each cash register |
Export / Import settings |
Setting the duration of the cash register shift |
Customizing the cashier screen view using the screen editor |
Font customization and interface scaling |
Configuring more than 250 access rights for users |
Flexible User Activity Log |
Key-function mapping |
Setting of several functions for one button |
One-button function sequence call (macro) |
Editor of the image of keyboard buttons for printing |
Configuring the display of an error message in an automatically cleared field in a separate window |
Automatic backup of the entire database (after closing the shift and in the background) |
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