ROS Retail on rejuvenation

Redmond O’Sullivan of ROS Retail Services explains how to prepare your store for a re-vamp , the “nuts and bolts” of how the process works from moving shelves to keeping the business open while doing the work.

Organisation and layout in hardware stores is necessary. Attractive displays and well merchandised shelving allow customers to find what they need quickly, and it also ensures that they’re likely to return in the future. Just like any building, hardware stores and the spaces within require occasional
updating to remain relevant and attractive to customers. With the right layout, shelving, and product displays, a business can expand its retail space without having to move location or invest in costly renovations.

Here are some tips that can help you revamp your store to bring in customers and boost your profits, while keeping your business open during the process:

Update your Lighting:

Lighting is a crucial element in a modern store – it allows customers easily navigate through your store and allows them to adequately see your merchandise. Accent lighting can be used to highlight your display areas and task lighting used at counters. Consider updating to LED lightbulbs. Their long operating life and lower running costs will provide a return on
investment and generate energy savings in the long term.

Consider your Flooring:

When replacing your flooring, consider sustainability and durability of the chosen floor covering especially in high traffic areas. The retailer also needs to comply with his/her duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to provide a safe working environment for employees, so choose materials with certified slip resistance. Replacing the flooring in your store can be completed with minimal disruption to your trading time. Our gondola moving system will enable you to move all your loaded shelving and display units, without the need to de-merchandise, move, restock and re-fit your shelves, saving you time and ultimately additional costs. This system could also be used to transform your entire store layout overnight to
optimise space or prepare for seasonal stock changes.

Shelving is key:

Shelving is the most important aspect of an organised store. Take stock of what shelving you actually have on the shop floor and stored in the stock rooms. You could be surprised how much shelving you actually have lying around. If on a tight budget, simply purchasing new shelving for gondola
ends and replacing data strips will give the impression of upgraded displays. Evaluate the shelving heights on the shop floor – select a preferred “top-shelf” height, and replicate this throughout the store, where possible. This will give clean lines and uniformity to your retail space. Prioritise
mid-height shelving -the probability of sales increases when your product is located in direct customer sight-lines. When re-merchandising, minimise the “gaps” between the products and shelf positioning – you can’t sell fresh air!

Décor and Design:

Repainting your store, can be a great way to brighten your retail space and highlight your store’s image and brand. Changing your décor on a regular basis also attracts customers, and showcases your products and display areas. Another very important part of your revamp is your signage. Customers prefer a store that is easy to navigate. Overhead directional signage could be used to achieve this. Don’t ignore the exterior of your store – well-designed exterior signage, lighting and window displays will attract new customers. A deep clean of your store, including windows, shelving and flooring is a cost effective way to give your retail space a fresh new appearance, that customers will notice.

With so much competition in the hardware industry, it’s key to keep your store attractive to customers and well designed. The longer you neglect your store’s appearance, the quicker it appears dated. To minimise disruption to your business, consider outsourcing your revamp to relevant companies, and discuss your revamp requirements with your hardware buying group and suppliers, as supports may be available.

This Business Support article featured in the January/February 2019 edition of The Hardware Journal.