Four Questions to Ask Yourself When Hiring a Shopfitter
Opening a new shop can be very exciting and really benefit your business, but there's a lot to consider. This article explains four important questions you should ask yourself when working with a shopfitter to create your dream shop.
Do You Want to Keep Any of the Shop's Original Fittings?
The last tenant or owner of your shop may have left various fixtures and fittings, and you should start by deciding if you want to keep any of them. This can save money and time, but the downside is that you didn't choose them, so they might not be exactly what you want. Make a list of everything you want to keep — fittings, desks, the shop frontage, floorings — and give it to your shopfitter. This way, they'll know exactly what they need to preserve.
What Layout Do I Want for My Shop?
Next, think about the layout you want for your new shop, and communicate your ideas to your shopfitter. The best layout for you will depend on what you sell, what you want customers to do when they enter the store and the size and shape of the shop. You can learn about some of the most popular layouts and how they work, and how an angular layout is ideal for smaller spaces, while a racetrack layout encourages customers to walk around and see everything. Your shopfitter will be aware of these basic layouts, but don't be afraid to ask for changes and modifications.
What Is My Budget for the Shopfitting?
One of the most important decisions you need to make is your budget. Sit down and work out exactly how much you can afford to spend on getting your shop fitted, bearing in mind all the other costs of starting a new business. You can then tell your shopfitter what the budget is, and they can make recommendations based on what you can afford. Make sure you have a little extra money available in case anything unexpected happens during your renovations.
What Colour Scheme Do I Want for My Shop?
Finally, think about the colour scheme you want for your shop. This is something that you'll be able to change later if you like, but it's a good idea to think about it before choosing flooring, wall colours, fittings, and your frontage. You might already have a logo and some ideas about your branding, in which case you can pick colours to match. Otherwise, think about the impression you want to convey, and what will attract potential customers to your shop.
By considering the shop's current fittings, working out your budget, figuring out a good layout, and choosing a colour scheme, you can make the experience of working with a shopfitter and opening your shop an incredible one.
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