Mercedes Ross

Rebuilding or building new can be daunting. Sometimes all you need is a store-lift, which is often less painful on the wallet and just as productive. Your goal should be to have the following 10 matters cleared up on paper before starting.

1) Why am I doing this? Write down the reason and be specific. "More room" or "more money" don't count. This statement will save you money and keep the project on track. It may also keep you inspired when inspiration is in short supply.

The reason behind this is simple: It helps you when you're deciding all the details.

2) Budget for time and money, though all projects take more money and time than budgeted. Planning minimizes the surprises, but count on spending 10 percent to 12 percent more of both.

Also consider the time frame for receiving construction materials and fixtures. Tack a day or two to the promised time, and remember that tight deadlines will cost extra.

Store face-lifts need about three months of planning, renovations should be given at least six months, and new buildings should be mapped out about a year in advance.

3) Building and windows. Don't neglect the outside of the store during a remodel. If you have traffic going by these windows, attract those potential shoppers. Mimic what the big department stores do and build attractive display windows. Use a theme that can be changed out at least once a month. Think big when it comes to props.

4) Floors. The type of flooring you use sets the tone for the store's atmosphere. It also affects the versatility of the space if you change the floor plan often — and you should.

I lean toward a more flexible flooring plan. This means one type of flooring, such as stained cement, carpet or wood. I often use a combination of the two — carpet for the soft goods and hard floors for the hard goods. Clothing sells better in a carpeted area.

Avoid visual competition with the products by utilizing neutral or natural colors. Dark colors tend to soak up light but do not show soil and are easier to maintain. Make sure the colors complement your store.

If a path through the dealership is desired, make sure the spaces created by the path are versatile. The sections shouldn't be too small or odd-shaped, and the path should be designed to help traffic flow.

Maintenance is also an issue, as upkeep can be expensive. A cheap carpet now may cost you a bundle in early replacement or excess cleaning costs.

5) Lighting can make or break a retail space. It can put customers in the shopping mood or turn them off. Hire a lighting consultant or an architect who works in retail; this can help save money in the long run. Never count on lighting from windows or skylights as your primary source of light — it's too unpredictable.

General, fluorescent lighting accentuates price — think discount stores. Spot or track lighting accentuates product and creates interest. Create a balance of the two by focusing general lighting in the center of the store and spot lighting on the clothing, the accessories and the bikes. Directional lighting on the back walls pulls consumers through the store just to see what's back there.

6) Walls and colors. Paint is a great way to give a store a quick face-lift. This can be as simple as adding a neutral background with a few accent colors to brighten the store. I try to tie the accent colors into the store's colors. Colors shouldn't compete with the products. Keep walls behind bike displays neutral so the bikes stand out.

7) Fixtures often are the best tools for freshening up a floor plan on the cheap. This is when planning can save you big bucks. If you do nothing else replace all your hooks with the same kind to keep product presentation consistent.