Opening a retail store is an exciting endeavor, one that involves a lot of steps. Beyond merchandising and hiring staff, creating a fully functional facility is at the core of a successful opening. Having the right supplies and processes in place ensures smooth operations, regulatory compliance and a stellar first impression. You’ve probably already stocked up on things like receipt paper, shopping bags and pricing guns, but there’s much more you should have on hand. Here are the essentials you don’t want to forget:

Cleaning Supplies

The cleanliness of your retail store has a direct impact on how your customers perceive your business. It’s also important for maintaining customer and co-worker health. Stock up on essentials like disinfectants, can liners, hand sanitizer and soap, and janitorial supplies like microfiber cloths, mops and carts. This is also the time to think about floor care. Retail stores see a lot of foot traffic, which makes maintaining floors important. Invest in the proper equipment like scrubbers, sweepers and vacuums. If you’re on a budget, refurbished equipment is a great, affordable option.

Safety and Compliance

Basic safety supplies help prevent workplace accidents and keep your store compliant with health and safety regulations. Before opening, make sure the safety mechanisms on all your equipment are in working order and that you have the essential items, including:

• Spill kits to efficiently clean large spills
• Wet floor signs and other safety signage
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles and aprons
• First aid kits

Office Essentials

Behind every smooth retail operation is a well-equipped office that ensures co-workers can efficiently oversee business activities and manage inventory. This is especially important in preparation for opening and in the early weeks of operation. Not only should your office be stocked with supplies like pens, printer paper, ink, staplers and all the other essentials, but it should also be well-furnished. Desks and chairs are only the beginning. You’ll also need filing cabinets, desktop organizers and scheduling boards to keep your team organized and productive.

Breakroom Essentials

Unfortunately, the breakroom doesn’t always get the proper attention, especially when retail store owners are focused on all the other aspects of the launch. But the breakroom is a necessary space for co-workers to reset and refresh, and making sure it’s comfortable can go a long way in terms of productivity. Before you open the doors, furnish your breakroom with comfortable seating, tables and small appliances. Comfort and cleanliness go hand in hand, so keep it stocked with plenty of paper towels, hand hygiene products, trash receptacles and other cleaning essentials. As a bonus, your team will certainly appreciate it if you create a dedicated snack drawer!

Supply Chain and Reordering Systems

Getting your retail store stocked before opening is one thing; keeping it that way is another. That’s why it’s important to partner with a trusted supplier for all your business and facility needs. Look for a supplier that offers an extensive catalog of supplies with order and delivery monitoring to help you stay on track. When it comes to procurement, real-time inventory tracking and custom reporting are essential to helping you forecast demand and restock when needed. Along with ticking all of these boxes, Vertiv Pollock also offers custom distribution logistics to meet your location’s specific fulfillment needs and budget allocation tools to help you manage spending across your entire operation.

There’s an endless list of prep work involved in opening a retail store, but with the right supplier, you can streamline the process and ensure you have the right supplies. From cleaning supplies and first aid kits to breakroom furniture and office essentials, Veritiv Pollock is your single-source supplier. Our comprehensive retail solutions ensure your business runs smoothly and safely for a successful opening and positive customer experience in the days ahead. Contact us today to get started.