What Equipment Do You Need to Open Your Retail Business?

Are you planning to open a retail store but don’t have a detailed list of all things you’ll need to run that store smoothly? Fret not, because we are here to help!

Opening a retail store doesn’t only involve making the ambience unique and attractive and setting up tables or mannequins, or whatever you need, to make sales from day 1. You must get into the nitty-gritty of every last piece of equipment that you’ll need to ensure that the store is running smoothly even without your physical presence. Let’s dive into a list of equipment, tools, and products that you’ll need to open and run your retail store successfully. Read on!

1. Security

Security is an essential for any business, especially a retail store. Security cameras and alarms will help you keep an eye on all visitors and customers and track any suspicious activity within minutes. If yours is a clothing brand, or any other product store, you need merchandise security as well to prevent shoplifting.

2. Retail display

Your retail display is an integral part of your entire store. From your mannequins to shelves and racks that display every product in your store, you need it all to keep your customers looking for more. Make your dressing rooms welcoming with enough space and simple decor for ease of customers’ use. Get your shopping bags customised according to your brand for better visibility, recognisability, and brand reach.

3. Retail systems

What’s a retail store without a thriving POS system?

A high-functioning POS software eliminates the need for two or more employees, reduces manual labour, and prevents human error. All you need is the iPad, incredible POS software like POSiSales (POSi for short) that is contract-free, plus the highly reliable Star wireless receipt printer that lasts almost forever, a Star cash drawer and Windfall security stand to house your iPad. This combination of software and hardware offers great customer management, the retail process, data gathering and enhanced productivity without spending a fortune on a never ending monthly or yearly contract or paying commission on every sale.

You can enjoy daily upload of sales reports to Dropbox in the Cloud, easy application of discounts and fractional quantities when invoicing, offline operation as data always stays on the iPad, and lots more with simple, low cost ownership of POSi software.

4. Office essentials

Even though it’s a retail store, you need to keep your backoffice setup in order for efficient management. While you need an iPad for your POS software, you also need stationary items like pens, markers, post-it notes, white sheets, notepads, staplers, clips, tape, scissors, and more for office work. Next you need working Wi-Fi for yourself and your employees.

Cleaning supplies, cabinets and drawers for employees are also a part of the office essentials that will be used every day. And keep your marketing merchandise handy so you can add a personalised note and even a small gift to give away with larger orders.

5. Store setup

The way you present your retail store will clearly affect your sales and customer impressions. Keep the decor in accordance with the brand image and theme and reflect your vibe with music playing on the iPad to a wireless speaker, signage, lighting, and the placement of the products in the store. Accentuate the store beauty with attractive rugs, indoor plants and a comfortable seating layout for visitors. Display your brand merchandise for sale as well, such as caps, joggers, t-shirts and more. Create a separate corner for your own merchandise and highlight it to improve sales.

Who said it’s going to be easy to run your retail business? But with this handy list and every last item available in your retail setup, you’ll have fewer things to worry about. Bookmark this article for future reference.