RM Online - You DON'T need a bank loan to WAKE UP a TIRED Store

My store is about five years old and is starting to look a little tired. I don’t have a big budget and want to know what I can do myself to improve the looks of my store.

First, it is important to understand that you are not the only one on a shoestring budget. Second, you will be happy to know the answer is easier than you might think. Plus, if you do most of the work yourself, you will save the expense of paying someone else to provide the labor.

Let’s start by dividing areas for improvement into three basic parts:

The two areas where improvements or upgrades will be immediately noticed is at the store entrance and the service counter area. One area is immediately seen when entering and the other when customers place an order.

Entrance and service-counter area flooring typically is solid-colored 12-by-12-inch vinyl tile. These tiles can be quickly taken up. Remove the tiles, clean the concrete slab and start planning some visual excitement. Choose two to four different colors of tile that complement one another and develop a pattern with them. To find a design, draw a plan using graph paper. Determine the area to change and color the squares close to the colors you want to use. Remember to have fun and be creative. Tile is very easily cut, so if you want curved patterns instead of just squares or rectangular shapes, go for it!

In front of the service counter, as well as inside the entrance, extend the new tile pattern for a distance of about 4 to 5 feet. In the service area, run the pattern the full length of the counter.
Strategically placed accent lighting over the service counter will definitely get the attention of your customers. While you may think that plain track is the answer, don’t be afraid to take it one step further.

Every track manufacturer has suspended lighting fixtures that fit into the track in their lines. Pick one that places the fixture housing about 7 to 8 feet above the floor at the edge of the counter. Install the track so it is approximately 6 inches in from the front of the counter.
Decorative track heads are available with metal or glass shades in both metal finishes and colors. Install these track heads about 24 inches apart in groupings of four to six. Keep in mind that many bulbs will add heat in that area, so chose the correct lamp type accordingly. I suggest A-lamps or compact fluorescents. Remember that these lights are more for show than actual use, although they will increase the illumination of the work-surface area.
Don’t disregard the use of basic track lighting in addition to these strategically placed tracks. Place it 3 to 4 feet in front of the back wall of the service counter to add light to the wall area. This will also brighten up the entire service counter area. Just keep in mind where this newly installed light is lending focus. Which leads us to the third area: graphics and signage.

The wall behind the service counter is usually the home for posted services, policies and other smaller signs placed without a plan. Start by making a list of what is the most important.

The list will most likely include these signs:

Develop a signage package that works well together with regards to sizes and colorations. Remember that signs in frames always look better than using push pins or tape.

The front of my store, especially the entrance, is not easily identified. What can I add or change to get the customer’s attention? Call me cheap, but I don’t have a lot of money to spend.
Let’s call you smart and effective vs. cheap. Improvements to the storefront do not have to cost a lot. The following items can be installed all at once or in stages as you have the available dollars:

A wide variety of wall-mount gooseneck lighting is available that can be placed directly over the center of the door. Usually, you only need one fixture, but more might be necessary if the entrance is large. Another solution is to install lights on each side of the door. If you use an awning, light it from underneath.

Place your store name and logo directly below the light source above the door. A simple painted sign or one made from applied vinyl on metal or wood are inexpensive options. Add dimension by placing a block behind the sign to extend it 3 to 6 inches from the building.

An awning will get your store immediate attention, whether it be a solid color or a pattern like stripes. Make sure that the colors used complement the store’s exterior while lending contrast for increased visual excitement.

Wooden trim strips can be painted and applied to the sides and top of the door frame on the building surface. Think of this location as an interior passageway and use dimensional pieces or layers. For added detailing, use a selection of paints and not just one color. Contrast with the main building colors. Remember that boards can be cut into curves and not just applied in straight sections.

Finally, place a colored mat in front of the door, especially if the doorway is plain asphalt or concrete. Planters on each side of the door with flowers or topiaries are a nice touch. Just remember that concrete lions are a bit overused and not really appropriate for a rental store.
And always keep tools and equipment cleared away from the entrance so it is not congested or cluttered.

My existing service counter is really showing wear and tear from use over the past four years. What can I do to help it look better and still last a few more years?

Service counters can be very expensive to totally replace. Depending on the hardware, quantity of slots, drawers, doors and the chosen materials, you can expect to spend $60 to $120 per lineal foot for a new counter.

To spruce up your existing counter, the first step is to resurface it with plastic laminate, metal plate or sheeting. The top work surface will have to be replaced if it cannot be easily resurfaced.

As for the counter’s front and sides, they can be relaminated if the existing surface is in fair condition. Remember that you can save dollars with plastic laminates with vertical or horizontal grades or quality. Horizontal should always be used on all work surfaces as it is more durable.

A recessed kick base will add life to the bottom of the counter. It will protect that area from wet mopping, vacuuming and carts hitting against it. Adding a foot rail offers another protective solution.

Want to know how to improve your store? Send your questions to Greg Gorman, c/o Rental Management, 1900 19th St., Moline, IL 61265. And watch for your answer in an upcoming issue!