Store Fixtures

Store Fixtures

How to Start a Dollar Store with the Right Dollar Store Fixtures Rules

Those who know how to start a dollar store recognize the importance of doing the right pre-work before completing the purchase and installation of store fixtures. One of the most important steps is to document the rules you will follow in the actual layout of your store. There are many considerations, and it is important to decide exactly which are important to you as the business owner. By developing a set of rules for your layout you can then proceed to create a planned placement for you dollar store fixtures. You can then check your proposed plan against your documented rules as a means of verifying your rules have been followed.

Read on as I present 5 important rules to consider including in your documented dollar store fixtures layout plan.

#1) Never create dead end aisles.
This is often a very challenging rule to follow if your store dimensions are unusually. Yet as shoppers learn your store they will quickly start avoiding the dead end aisles. This costs you dollar store sales as the dollar store merchandise in your dead end aisles sits untouched.

#2) Aisles must be wide enough to accommodate passing shoppers.
Place fixtures far enough apart to create wide, easily travelled aisles. Make it possible for two shoppers to easily pass. Often shoppers will pause to examine dollar store merchandise. If they are blocking other shoppers they will often stop looking and move on to allow the other shopper to move forward. This can result in one less sales. In other cases shoppers who see someone stopped and looking will back track and ignore aisles where it is difficult or impossible to pass.

#3) Eliminate safety hazards from the sales floor.
Prevent injury to shoppers, employees and others. Dollar store fixtures can have sharp corners. In other cases aisles can be laid out so there are trip hazards. Carefully work through your layout plan to eliminate these and other safety hazards.

#4) Aisles should be facing to maximize employee viewing.
One of the easiest ways to monitor your dollar store is to orient aisles so cashiers can see down them without needing to walk far from the Cash Register checkout area. Orient all aisles to facilitate cashiers being able to see the full length of your store. While you will never be able to monitor all aisles in this manner, it does help.

#5) No hidden corners.
Those who know how to start a dollar store realize the downsides to creating hidden corners. These become the catch-all place for dollar store merchandise shoppers decide not to purchase. It is easy to just drop those items without being seen and move on. Even worse you will find broken and empty packages. Shoplifters and others will use the lack of visibility as an invitation to ‘test’ or take merchandise. They can place dollar store merchandise into clothing, backpacks, purses and other places without being seen.

To your success as you discover how to start a dollar store!

About the Author

Want the best ideas to earn from your dollar store business? Check out "Tactics to Add Streams of Income to Your Dollar Store Business" at www.OpeningADollarStore.com.
Bob Hamilton is an entrepreneur, author, writer, business consultant and trainer.

What is an (M) bulb for light fixtures?

I bought a new light fixture for my dining room, it says it needs 5 (M) bulbs. I asked at the store and they said I could use regular light bulbs. I attached the light and now my dimmer won't work. Wondering if it the bulb or what?

M means medium base. Thats the same base thats on your basic light bulb.

Westmount Store Fixtures - Edmonton