Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Save Money With Used Pharmacy Store Fixtures

If you are planning to open a pharmacy store sometime in the near future, you should consider purchasing used fixtures as opposed to new ones. Doing so is a simple way to save money, and that's something nearly all new store owners can benefit from. Used pharmacy store fixtures work just as well as new ones. The only real difference between the two is the price. To learn more about the benefits of purchasing used pharmacy store fixtures, keep reading.

Some people might turn their head at the thought of placing once-used fixtures in their pharmacy store. They believe that used fixtures are dirty, broken and simply don't look as nice as new ones. The truth, however, is that used pharmacy fixtures are reconditioned to ensure they meet certain quality standards. If the fixture is damaged in any way, shape or form, it's set aside and not sold. This gives pharmacy store owners the opportunity to purchase high-end fixtures at a fraction of their original cost.

Opening a pharmacy store is no easy or cheap task. In addition to leasing a building, you must also pay for all of the necessary business licenses, permits, employee payroll, insurance, electricity, shipping, etc. These costs can easily force some early store owners underwater. Thankfully, however, you can save money by opting for used store fixtures instead of new ones. Depending on the size of your store, you could end up saving thousands of dollars simply by purchasing used fixtures. And that's money in your pocket that could be spent for other parts of your business.

Purchasing a used pharmacy store fixture also gives you the peace of mind knowing that it's fully functional. Since they've already been used, they should continue to work fine in your pharmacy store. This is just one more reason why you should purchase used fixtures instead of new ones.

Of course, there are other ways to save money when starting a pharmacy store. In addition to purchasing used fixtures, you should call around for various price quotes on building leases. Remember, location is key to running a successful pharmacy business. Even if you are getting a rock-bottom lease price, it's not going to help if people can't find the store. Choose a location for your pharmacy that's in plain view with clear, easy-to-navigate directions. Once you've found a few different suitable locations, call around for multiple price quotes to see which ones will save you money.

Monday, June 17, 2013

How To Move a Gondola

Gondolas offer a number of unique benefits that simply aren't found in other types of shelving units. For starters, they are incredibly versatile with the ability to adjust shelf heights in a matter of seconds. Another reason why so many national retail stores choose them is their mobility. Gondolas can easily be moved around the store to fit your specific needs. To learn how to move gondola shelves, keep reading.

Step #1 - Remove The Product


The first step in moving a gondola is to remove the product. Doing will naturally reduce the weight, making it easier to move. Some people may attempt to move their gondolas with the product still on, but doing so places an unnecessary stress on it. Too much stress could pull the gondola apart. To prevent such a disaster from happening, remove any product on the gondola before you attempt to move it.

Step #2 - Wheels and Sliders


There are several different products out there designed specifically for moving gondolas. However, I've found that the easiest way to move a gondola is by sliding wheels underneath it. You can lift up the gondola shelf by using a large tool that looks like a pry bar. Start by lifting up one end of the gondola so you slide the wheels underneath. As previously stated, there are a number of wheeled products designed specifically for this reason. Depending on the size of your gondola, you may need to add 2, 3 or even 4 wheels to keep it balanced. Just make sure the wheels are secure under the gondola.

Step #3 - Moving The Gondola


Now, it's time for the fun part -- moving the gondola. As long as the wheels are securely placed underneath the gondola, moving it should actually be pretty easy. You can literally push it from one side of the store to the other with the help of an extra person. The larger the gondola, the more manpower that's required. Just slide gondola over to the desired area in your store before lifting it and removing the wheels.

Moving a gondola is a quick and easy process that will give you the ability to maximize your store's potential. The fact is that stores must be rearranged to offer customers the best possible selection of products. Allowing your shelves to remain in the same place year after year will take away from your store's potential. If you plan on using gondolas in your store, follow the steps outlined here to move them around as you see fit.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Local Advertising Ideas For Retail Stores and Businesses

One of the key elements to the success of a retail store business is local advertising. You can offer the most competitive prices in town along with exceptional customer service, but it's all for nothing if residents don't know about your store. By spreading the word through local advertisements, you'll naturally have more customers coming into your store; thus, increasing your store's revenue and ultimately profits. For the price, there's no better or more cost-effective way to advertise your retail store.

Radio Ads


When done correctly, radio ads can prove to be a lucrative and rewarding way to drive more customers into your retail store. Call some of the radio stations that broadcast in your area to inquire about advertising. This is essentially how radio stations make their money, so they'll be more than happy to give you a quote. By broadcasting ad advertisement for your retail store over the airwaves, people around your town will hear about it and "hopefully" want to check it out. The key to successfully advertising a retail store or small business on the radio is to target the appropriate demographic. Ideally, you should match your store's demographics with the radio station's demographic. The closer they are to one another, the more benefit you've receive from the radio ad.

Mail Ads


Ever get one of those printed books in your mail that's filled with coupons and advertisements for local businesses? Placing an ad in one of these is a highly effective way to advertise your retail store locally. In most cases, these coupon books are created and managed by the local post office. So if you want to place an ad for your retail store or business in one, you'll need to contact the post office. Generally speaking, the larger ads cost more money. However, they are also more effective since more people will see them.

Contrary to what some people may believe, going around and sticking flyers on mailboxes to promote your retail store or business is illegal; therefore, you should avoid using this tactic. Instead, call up the post office to see what kind of mail advertising options they offer.

Phone Books


Although they aren't used as much as they once were, millions of people still rely on phone books to find the numbers of local businesses. Purchasing ad space here could yield dozens or even hundreds of new customers coming into your store. As with most forms of "print" advertisements, the bigger the ad, the better.

Monday, June 10, 2013

3 Features To Look For In a Cooler of Freezer For a Retail Store

Having the right cooler or freezer is an essential element for retail stores. If you own or manage a store that sells groceries or other goods that must kept at a low temperature, you must have a cooler to properly store them; otherwise, you run the risk of the product going bad or spoiling. With so many different types of coolers and freezer on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Keep reading to learn 3 essential features that all retail store coolers and freezers should possesses.

Feature #1 - Adjustable Shelves


No matter what brand of cooler or freezer you choose, it needs to be built with adjustable shelves; otherwise, you'll have reduced space for storing product. Before purchasing a cooler or freezer for your retain store, take a minute to make sure it has adjustable shelves. As long as the shelves can be moved up and down, you should be able to maximize your storage space. Adjustable shelves will also make cleaning is a fast and painless process, as you can pull them completely out to give your new cooler or a freezer a thorough cleaning.

Feature #2 - Lights


A high-end cooler or freezer should have built-in lights to provide illumination when the door opens. This is a simple feature that will allow customers the ability to see exactly what's inside. You'll find that some of the retail coolers and freezers on the market come with LED lights while others have basic incandescent bulbs. Ideally, you should choose a model with LED bulbs since they last longer, use less energy, and emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs. If a cooler or freezer doesn't come with built-in lights, you'll want to check and make sure you can add them later.

Feature #3 - Thermometers


A third feature that you should look for in a cooler or freezer is a thermometer. Instead of "guessing" how cold the atmosphere is inside the cooler or freezer, you can check the thermometer for a more accurate reading. It's a simple and effective way to better judge the temperature, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments. Of course, you can always add another thermometer to your cooler if you want more reading options, but this usually isn't necessary.

Ensuring your cooler or freezer possesses these 3 features will allow you to get more bang for your buck.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Grand Opening Ideas and Tips For a Retail Store

When done correctly, grand openings can prove to be highly effective for increasing a retail store's exposure along with driving more direct sales. Once residents around the area know your store is open, they will naturally be more inclined to visit. This is why it's essential that all serious retail stores have an official grand opening; otherwise, it's a guessing game as to whether or not your store is open. If you are a retail store owner, check out our ideas and tips for throwing a grand opening celebration listed below.

Make It Fun


One of the biggest mistakes retail store owners make when performing a grand opening is not spending enough time, energy and resources to make it fun. If your store looks the same as it does every other day, then what's the point of having a grand opening? People want to enter a fun and vibrant store during its grand opening. You can use this to your advantage by sprucing up both the interior and exterior of your store. Try placing bundles of balloons around your store to really set the atmosphere in "fun" way. In addition, you can hang some streamers and banners inside the store to provide an extra touch to the atmosphere.

Offer Sales


If you really want to take advantage of the large crowds of new customers coming into your store during its grand opening, you should offer special sales and promotions. Whether your store sells apparel, jewelry, handbags, electronics, groceries or practically anything else, you can set a good impression by offering customers highly competitive prices on your products. This will result in more direct sales, and it will also keep customers coming back in the future, which is where the real benefit comes from. Even if you are only making minimal profit margins on the sale items, it will likely still be worth it in the long run.

Spread The Word


You can't expect to have a successful retail grand opening if you don't spread the word about it. Once you have a date chosen for your store's grand opening, start spreading the word through any means possible. You can send out emails, newspaper advertisements, local radio and television commercials, bus stop signs, etc. Be creative and don't be afraid to think outside of the box. Remember, the more work you put into advertising, the more successful your store's grand opening will be.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Retail Wine Store Shelving Tips and Ideas

Are you thinking about owning a retail wine store in the near future? When it's done right, this can be a highly lucrative business venture that lasts for decades. You have to remember that people have been drinking wine for thousands of years, and it's doubtful this trend will end anytime soon. Opening up a wine store will allow you network and connect with customers on a more personal basis, recommending specific wines based on their preference and taste. If this is something you are interested in doing, keep reading for some essential tips and ideas for a retail wine store.

Gondolas


Hands down, one of the most versatile and effective forms of retail wine store shelving are gondolas. These are used in just about every major grocery store chain, and for good reason: they are easily adjustable, maneuverable, easy to clean, durable, and they even look nice as well. With so many different benefits offered by gondolas, it's no wonder it's the top choice by retail store owners.

If you intend on using gondola shelving in your retail wine store, it's important to measure out the areas where you intend on using them beforehand. Gondolas come all different sizes to fit the needs of any retail store Whether your store is small, large or somewhere in between, chances are there's a gondola out there to fit it. However, the only way you are going to be able to choose the right size is by measuring out your store ahead of time.

One of the great things about gondolas is their versatility. By using them inside your retail wine store, you can adjust the shelves so they fit perfectly over your wine product. Doing so naturally maximizes your store's real estate while allowing for a more enjoyable customer experience.

Do I Need a Cooler or Freezer?


Some retail wine store owners overlook the use of a cooler or freezer in their store. Typically, most types of wine are strictly stored at room temperature on basic shelving units. Some store owners may go one step further by installing special dehumidifiers to help balance out the atmosphere. Although wine shouldn't be stored in a cooler or freezer, there are other beverages that prefer these "chilly" conditions. If you sell pre-made mixed margaritas, daiquiris, mixers or other drinks, you'll need to check and see if they require refrigeration. If so, purchase a cooler or freezer for your store to prevent them from spoiling.