you’ve got your space, now what?

What's in a Name? Blackdog Retail Design

How to get your white box store to a grand opening.

This blog is for all the people out there who have no idea what to do next. You’ve got a retail location with potential. You want to make it a unique shopping experience, on budget and on time and a smooth grand opening with lines down the block………..

From obtaining approvals and navigating the decision-making process to overseeing contractors and adding those final touches, each phase plays a pivotal role in the realization of a space that not only meets but exceeds expectations. Here are the steps to take when navigating a build out.

  1. Plans & Budget:
    • Develop comprehensive plans for the design and layout of your retail space. This should include a floor plan, security plan, vision or style board & elevations or renderings. During this stage you should hire your designer and architect. The more details that can be ironed out in this phase, the better. 
    • Create a detailed (and realistic) budget outlining expenses for materials, labor, and other costs. The budget will be easy to build once you have your plans and should include things like art, accessories and wow moments. 
  2. Contracts and Bids:
    • Identify and hire contractors through a bidding process. Your designer should have industry specific referrals for you to contact. Look for red flags and make sure you actually like the people you’re hiring. Good humans = successful relationships and projects.
    • Ask everyone you know & trust for referrals. Send out the same info to each bidder. You want the quotes to be apples to apples. Make sure you or someone on your team can field questions accurately. 
  3. Approvals and Start Dates:
    • Obtain necessary regulatory approvals and permits to proceed with construction. Depending on location and type of business, this can be a lengthy process. 
    • Confirm start dates with contractors and establish a timeline for the project.
  4. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions:
    • Make key final decisions on materials, finishes, fixtures, and other design elements.
    • Communicate choices to contractors promptly to avoid delays in the construction process.
  5. Punch Lists for Contractors:
    • Develop punch lists outlining specific tasks and expectations for contractors. 
    • Regularly review progress against the punch lists to ensure alignment with project goals.
  6. Final Touches:
    • Conduct a final walkthrough to assess the completed construction. Bring in a friend for fresh eyes. Sometimes when you’ve been immersed in a project it’s difficult to see small things that could be improved upon. 
    • Address any remaining details or adjustments to ensure a polished and finished look.
    • Run a soft opening! This is the best way to create brand buzz and also fix any operational or functional problems. 

Easy? Hell no. It is a massive job to manage the opening of a retail store and ideally requires a team. Blackdog has designed over 90 retail stores, so we know the process very well. We designed our services around these steps, helping you through the most challenging and frustrating parts.