Refresh for success

By Michael Hale

Spring is an excellent time for seaside retailers to prepare for the busy summer season. One of the most important steps to get ready for the influx of tourists is thoroughly cleaning the shop.



Lean on teamwork

When planning a thorough cleaning of the store, involve your entire team. Hold a staff meeting and walk through your store together, starting at the entrance. Encourage everyone to identify areas that need attention.



Check for things such as worn-out door mats, old signage on windows, dirty entryways, dusty fixtures and carpet stains.


"A clean, well-maintained store leaves a lasting impression on your customers."


Imagine that you are a customer as you move through your store. Take note of all the areas that need attention and create a to-do list. Then assign responsibilities to team members.



Maintain and organize

Spring cleaning is also a great time to tackle maintenance issues that might otherwise go unnoticed during the busy season.


Replace old light bulbs and consider changing all bulbs within a section to maintain consistent lighting. Also make sure HVAC is working properly. Clean the vents in the ceiling or walls and replace air filters if needed.



It might be a good idea to power wash the exterior of the building if necessary and paint interior walls that might need to be refreshed. Ensure your exterior signage is clean and fully operational.


Your stockroom needs attention, too. Wipe the interiors of all storage drawers and cabinets. As you put items back, reorganize it to be efficient for the upcoming season.



Make it count

A clean, well-maintained store leaves a lasting impression on your customers. Refreshing and organizing your space ensures you’re ready to provide the best possible experience for your visitors during the busy months.



Michael Hale, CEO of Retail Rehab, transforms retail spaces and helps drive up profits. michael@retail-rehab.com , www.retail-rehab.com