We're Moving On Up - Essay Example

Given that the total square footage available is 2800 square feet, which is less than the 3600 square feet we have been operating in, we will need tocut back on some of our storage space and maximize usage of the retail floor space. To reduce areas of limited visibility, we would like to place this storage area along the rear wall of the space and have it measure approximately 15 feet deep by 30 feet across with the remaining 10 feet along the back dedicated to office space fronted by a two-way mirror to afford anyone working in the office a direct view of the sales floor.

The larger storage area should be placed to the left while the office should be placed to the right with a dividing wall between the two. Entry doors for both the office area and the storage area should be placed toward the center of the store as opposed to the sides as to increase visibility even when employees are entering and exiting these areas. By designing the layout in this format, both doors should open into the ties and toiletries department just to the right of the main aisle. This should provide sufficient space for all our storage and janitorial supply needs as well as provide adequate space for office work, filing and safe while still maintaining appropriate floor supervision.

To continue appropriate sales floor supervision, the sales counter should be placed just to the left of the front entryway, enabling consumers to quickly locate it and placing sales staff in the front of the store to maintain a watchful eye on shoppers from the opposite side of the store from anyone working in the office. Changing areas should be constructed on the left side wall approximately 20 feet from the front wall and extending approximately 20 feet toward the rear of the building and approximately 8 feet into the store.

Although this placement blocks the business suit department slightly from the view of the sales counter, workers at the sales counter will still be able to see most of this department and will be able to keep a close eye on activities in the changing room area. Placing mirrored tiles on the back wall of the business suit department will further enhance visibility of this area from the sales counter. In terms of department layout, as consumers enter the front door, they should see the sales counter immediately to their left fronted by a small gifts department in which we will stock golf accessories and small, low-priced items designed for the impulse buyer.

Behind this section will be the slacks department followed by the dress shirts/changing room area and finally the high-priced business suit department. On the other side of the main aisle, customers will find a large casual wear department featuring business casual and sporting wear for the fashionable male consumer. Behind this department will be the underwear and toiletries section in which grooming supplies and equipment as well as all other necessary items will be located. The rear of the store, directly in front of the main office, will be occupied by our selection of ties and belts.

The location of this department right in front of the office mirror is deliberately designed to prevent the theft of these often higher-priced and easily hidden items as well as to keep them in close proximity to the suits. By extending this department across the main aisle in the back, consumers searching for these types of items will be able to easily locate them. Further, with this design layout, consumers just walking in the door or looking in at the front windows will immediately be able to determine the type of store, the quality of the products and how to find everything they’re looking for, casual wear being among the first of these.

In addition, by placing small gifts in front of the sales counter, consumers will have the opportunity for the impulse buy at the same time that theft of these items is discouraged by the direct vision of sales personnel. ReferencesHow to Start a Retail Business: The Layout of Your Store. (February 3, 2005). Entrepreneur.com. Retrieved 11 January, 2006 from Henson, Dusty and Bonnie. (2001). Designing an Effective Store Layout. How to Start and Operate Your Own Southwest Store and Trading Post.

Retrieved January 11, 2006 from Appendix – Store layout as proposed