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A successful retail buildout should begin with two key considerations: aligning with business goals and creating an inviting space for customers. At Ladson Construction, you can count on a wealth of knowledge and experience from a Jacksonville commercial construction company that champions bringing client projects to completion. We have extensive experience in retail buildouts, having served the community since 2017. On the blog this month, we’re giving you the guide on successful retail buildouts in Florida. Whether you’re a small business owner in Jacksonville looking to open your first store or a seasoned retailer planning an expansion, our guide will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the buildout process with confidence.
Planning & Design
The initial steps to beginning the retail buildout process is to plan it. Think about your brand and the values it’s built on, understanding that your retail space should reflect these values and encompass your brand identity. You’ll want to consider how this retail buildout can enhance your brand’s image using factors like design concepts, colors, and the retail buildout layout.
It’s imperative to proceed with the design phase keeping functionality, beauty, and of course your customer base on top of mind. You’ll want to design a store layout that encourages a fluid and enjoyable shopping experience. Elements like the flow of traffic, product placement, and of course any unexpected expenses should all be factored into the design plan for your Northeast Florida retail buildout.
Consider maximizing the space by utilizing a flexible store layout that will allow you to highlight seasonal merchandise and adapt to changing trends. You can also get creative and take advantage of the square footage available using the vertical space of your store. Here, you can create product displays or even implement sleek storage solutions for your products.
Highlight key areas of your store using strategically placed lighting design. This will enhance the welcoming atmosphere of your store and greatly improve the overall ambiance. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and plan and design your retail buildout from their perspective, of course also considering the backend details as a store owner as well.
Budget
Let’s segway into a crucial part of any successful retail buildout: the budget. Ensure you have an accurate cost estimation by factoring in elements such as permits, materials, labor, and again, unexpected expenses. Set a contingency fund of between 10% – 15% of your total budget for any unexpected expenses that may occur. Understand that factors like location, material quality, design complexity, and the overall project scope will influence your budget. Properly estimating and planning your retail buildout budget in-depth will help you avoid any potential budget overruns.
It’s important to prioritize your spending, especially if you’re a new small business owner in Florida. It’s easy to get carried away on the new and now when beginning a big project like a retail buildout, however it’s best to focus your budget on impactful needs, such as efficient lighting and high-quality fixtures and appliances. Keep an eye on your budget throughout the retail buildout process to monitor your spending.
Contractors
Hiring the right team of contractors can make or break your Jacksonville retail buildout. Choose local contractors that are familiar with the location and community, and that have extensive background in retail buildouts. They’ll understand better than others the specific needs and challenges of planning and designing a functional space for your small business and your customers.
Communication is key. Far too often, the line of communication between contractors and clients becomes blurred, resulting in unsuccessful retail buildout projects. Open communication ensures your project will stay on track and any issues that arise are addressed promptly.
Ladson Construction is your A-Z commercial contractor solution for your small business in Northeast Florida. We specialize in general contracting, construction consulting, design-build, preconstruction, construction management, and value engineering. Our main industries of focus are retail, medical, hospitality, education, commercial, and interior alterations in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. Call us at 904-610-1749 or visit our website to get started on your commercial construction retail buildout in Florida!