What’s involved in starting a thrift operation?
There are some major elements required in starting an upscale thrift operation.
15 quick tips to opening a retail thrift store:
Develop the Project Plan
Site search and selection
Lease/purchase negotiation
Develop the Project Budget
Develop the pro-forma operational budget and recommendation report/power point for management review and approval of the project
Develop plans for Site Build Out/renovations - Production layout/Store theme/décor
Acquire/purchase shelving & fixtures
Acquire/purchase production equipment – shelving etc.
Define & acquire inside and outside Signage
Acquire/purchase all start-up supplies including cash registers etc.
Set up store stocking methodology
Lay out and stock the store
Hire employees
Pre-opening publicity – community, business and other non-profit relationships
Plan soft opening followed by grand opening roughly a month later
Well, that’s all there is to it. Yeah I know, sounds like a lot of work and probably defines areas that are, at best, unfamiliar to you and your team. Not to worry, with the help of some outside specialists the process really goes quite well. There are other business enterprise ideas that are being used around the country as well. All you need to do is look, the opportunities are out there.
Campbell, Smith & Associates
