Many who start a dollar store are on a tight budget. Somehow they need to find creative ways to maximize the impact of every dollar store startup dollar they spend. If that they cannot find a way, they are faced with a much smaller store than they planned or possibly no store at all. Yet as the dollar store startup moves into the planning phases, there are so many opportunities to reduce the total investment without hurting the final results. Read on for some ideas you may find worthwhile to consider when you start a dollar store.
Idea #1 – Shop Before Buying Store Fixtures – The fixtures used in a dollar store don’t need to be super-fancy or deluxe and top of the line. They must make a nice appearance and work for the intended job. You need highly functional fixtures at a reasonable price. With store fixtures, brand name does make a difference in most cases. Be sure to check the look, feel, quality and versatility yourself. It is always a wise idea to also check previous customer feedback and suggestions before buying as well. With so many store closures there are great opportunities to purchase lightly used display fixtures for your store. Start looking early so you have the greatest selection and this step doesn’t impact your startup targeted grand opening date.
Idea #2 – Cash Registers and Checkout Area – Don’t allow yourself to rationalize that there might be an instant need for extra cash registers and check stands when you start a dollar store. Include only the number your business plan says will be required to handle the projected sales for the store. Remember; there are other ways to deal with extra customers if lines do form. For example, add a bagger with each cashier to cut the time. And if you do need to purchase another cash register because sales are consistently higher than projected – that is the kind of problem you want to have!
Idea #3 – Minimize Excess and Unneeded Signage – Signage is absolutely required to maximize current and future sales. However there is no need for high-cost fancy paint work on walls – a local sign painter or even a student might be able to create good looking, effective signs at a fraction of the cost. There is also no need for the highest cost overhead and electrical signs. Remember the job these signs perform and then start to think budget as the bids roll in. Finally; remember there is no need for signage in unseen locations – make sure signs can all be positioned where they are visible to the highest-traffic areas.
Idea #4 – Practical Lighting – Once again there is no need to invest excess dollar store startup dollars to add fancy lighting. Lighting does help set the mood, so go for clean, pleasant, warm, and inviting to achieve the right feel when you start a dollar store.
