Impact Store Operations-Development Program
(ISO-DP)
Store Operations-Development teams are the best kept secret that large retail chains use. These specialized professionals assist the individual stores with the management of many resources from layout and design to merchandising, loss prevention, customer service and brand management. They help with the continued development of the store front in order to maximize profits.
HOW CAN YOU BENEFIT FROM THE EXPERTISE OF STORE OPERATIONS-DEVELOPMENT TEAM WITHOUT THE COST OF THESE FULL-TIME PROFESSIONALS AS EMPLOYEES WITH ALL THE OVERHEAD?
Impact provides national, provincial or localized service programs that are tailored to your company’s specific needs. With operational store and retail chain experience, we can bring to you a unique program maximizing your store impact while effectively minimizing expenditures.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT STORE OPERATIONS-DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (ISO-DP)?
Another set of experienced eyes that will help confirm and/or
broaden your perspective on your store front operation(s). A customized store evaluation that provides the manager/owner
(corporate management) with a snapshot review of the business
in the key areas listed below. In discussion with management, the creation of a store
development plan with action items for both short- and long-term
goal achievement in high priority areas is developed. With a philosophy of increasing engagement and the skills and
abilities of retail staff and management we endeavor to increase
in store profits (Return on Investment). Manage and lead an in-store implementation project based on
the store evaluation and priority goals decided by management.
Changes are done with staff involvement providing learning,
understanding and skill development in key areas. Various staff development tools are provided with program
membership from one-on-one in-store coaching, online access
to information, call in teleclasses, special notice emails and
in-person events.
The store evaluation is a powerful tool that a manager/owner (corporate management) can efficiently use to conduct a snapshot of the store’s operation and performance. The evaluation process is thorough providing a layout of findings that leads to and identifies opportunities for improvement in the store front.
The evaluation is designed for the serious owner/manager who aspires to evolve their Retail Store to a new level of growth and profitability. All of the strategies outlined in the evaluation can be applied to any type (targeting general public, industrial or specific niche audience) or size of retail space whether located in shopping malls, strip malls or free standing locations. The key elements reviewed are as follows.
Store Design:
Creating the right presentation and atmosphere in your store makes customers want to enter and stay. Being unique and relevant to them is the key. Floor Depth Wall Coverage Fixture Branding
"John at Impact Retailing has been chosen to help with the design, construction, and installation of the new Sales Counter/Kiosk for CofG, the Face of CofG in the mall. His company has been responsible for several store renovations in West Edmonton Mall. Since day one John has blown me away with his professionalism and ability to stick to his deadlines. If John says he'll get back to you on Monday at noon, you can set your clock to his phone call."
~Jarrid, Center of Gravity, West Edmonton Mall~
Store Layout:
Utilization of the space to create traffic patterns to all areas of the store optimizing customer’s exposure by seeing and touching as much of the product as possible while not complicating their shopping experience. Power Wall/Return Wall Traffic Flow Anchor points
Customer Service:
Providing product location, information, along with services for customers to locate what they are seeking, make a decision to buy and easily complete that purchase.
"I now love walking into and being in my store every day and so do my customers. I'm very pleased with the work Impact Retailing Inc. and John did on my store retrofit. They completed the project on time and well within my budget. Business is doing great."
~Ida, Owner Supply Sergeant~
Merchandising:
Product location, placement and presentation that draws customers and entices sales by maximization and management of space.
Shelf/Endcap Presentation
Impulse Factors
Promotional/Seasonal
"I told John at Impact Retailing Inc. to say whatever they wanted in a testimonial from me and I wouldn't deny a word. I am that pleased with the services and my complete design build project. Sales on a weekly basis have triped."
~Scott, Parts Manager, Crosstown Motors, Auto Canada~
Loss Prevention:
Identify and implement simple procedures that decrease internal and external loss. All of the other disciplines factor into this prevention. Sight Lines/Blind Spots Traffic patterns Fixture Profile
Staff Training:
When providing any service within the store, staff are included starting with briefings on findings and recommendations for change. Utilizing store staff in a working/learning environment when implementing any store change assists with increasing trade knowledge and engagement of employee in their company and work.
Coaching and mentoring on the why, what and how is used during open Q and A discussions as the work is being done. Staff level of time and involvement is dictated by the program member (management). This can also involve manuals, workbooks and project task checklists while in-store project implementation is taking place.
Contact us today to help with your store development planning.
A store development strategy will be created that includes performance measures.
These can be decided upon before or after the store evaluation and discussions. These metrics will be already tracked by store and/or corporate databases and will be used as an improvement measure. Projects can be as varied as the any one store. Some common in-store projects based on store issues have been;
1. Re-merchandising and relocating slow and fast moving departments.
2. Re-locating customer service center after identifying loss prevention issues.
3. Re-configure store layout to increase traffic flow and impulse sales.
4. Create or increase decompression zone of store front entrance.
5. Re-merchandise departments to level profile for maximum visibility.
Follow-up visits entails a discussion on changes and customer feedback, additional small changes that can be quickly completed, performance measures reviewed and confirmation that training techniques are understood and being implemented.
12 Month Program
A comprehensive store evaluation with findings and recommendations. In discussion with corporate management, changes or services are decided upon and implemented within the year (2 meetings included). A store development strategy based on evaluation and discussions; logic model developed, with priority areas identified, goals outlined and project(s) defined. Manage and lead an in-store project implementation with staff training in key area of change within the store. A store follow-up visit that includes performance measurement review of pre- and post-numbers. Monthly Q&A teleclass calls (open to all employees) on front store issues, downloadable on computers and other electronic devices. Questions and issues presented by staff & management. Training seminars - These are one and a half day events that are held on a provincial scope one to two times a year. Topics convened are dictated by Impact Retailing Inc. client needs. Experts are brought together for current, accurate and creative solutions in store operations and development that help build store ability. These are an interactive workshop environment allowing for knowledge transfer and innovation to take place. A staff member from each store in the program is provided a free registration to an event. Membership to monthly e-zine free for all employees on current retail trends and professional development tips.
Contact us today to discuss your store development needs.
