5 Often-Overlooked Steps in Store Reimaging Projects - GSP

Many c-stores are making store reimaging and remodeling part of their growth strategy. There’s a strong temptation to dive right in. (The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be able to reap the rewards, right?) But if you haven’t done some essential planning up front, you may not get the ROI you’re looking for. Here are five crucial steps to help you plan and ensure your job goes smoothly:

1. Think branding and merchandising together. If you’re interested in reimaging a category or zone, consider how it will look with the store brand. Will it stand out as too different? Will it make the rest of the store look dated? Is your marketing team planning an update any time soon and will your vision clash? The reverse is true as well. If you’re considering a rebrand, how will it affect your fountain and foodservice areas? Your departments may inspire each other and the result is always a better store experience.
2. Start with a survey. Are you relying on an old spreadsheet for measurements? A survey is the only definitive way to be sure you have accurate information. It will definitely save you valuable time and money, not only for your reimaging project but for all of your future POP needs as well. Seriously, a survey is the gift that keeps on giving in terms of understanding your store needs.
3. Ask for renderings. This will help you visualize the design work that’s going to happen before it actually does. It will help not just you but you’ll have something to show all the company decision makers who may want a say. New computer animation software provides incredibly detailed 3D flythroughs so it’s easy to understand the end result. This will allow you to better plan and suggest changes before it’s executed.
4. Have a store communication plan ready for construction time – for internal use as well as for the public. This is key to reduce customer and employee inconvenience. Ensure there’s close coordination between the install team and your store management so everyone knows what to expect when. Use “pardon our dust” signage to let customers know something new is coming soon. Also, try to keep the project area under wraps. Temporary but well-designed barriers can be created both for safety’s sake and to build an air of mystery. Let customers know when your grand re-opening will be. This is your chance to spin it into an event they can get excited about. Plan a POP campaign to celebrate your update.
5. Consider who you want to manage your project. There’s always a lot of coordination that needs to happen with a store reimage. It’s important to have someone who can manage all of the details and decisions. Appoint someone on your team to work with the multiple vendors involved in the project (in addition to their job responsibilities) or, even better, hire one company to do it all.

GSP is your one-stop shop for retail store remodels. From design to installation, we offer turnkey service with a focus on execution.

This post was originally published on June 27, 2017 and updated on January 29, 2018.