STORE-ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST by Kevin VanDuyne
With the start of a new year , self-assessments are fairly common . Self-assessments help list your strengths and weaknesses in order to improve the way you work . Similarly , a store assessment can help improve the way you do business . As you head into the new year , here are a few points to consider within key areas of your store .
INTERIOR APPEARANCE
• The floors , carpets , walls and ceilings are clean and coordinated .
• Traffic flow is guided by the flooring pattern .
• Ambient lighting is at an appropriate level ( ideally 4100K , 70 footcandles at the middle of the fixture ) and balanced between “ cool ” and “ warm .”
• There is at least one comfortable , upholstered seat per 1,000 sq . ft . of sales space .
• Signage is consistent in design and appearance .
• Cash wrap is organized , appealing and facilitates impulse purchases .
EXTERIOR APPEARANCE
• Exterior signage is easily readable by pedestrian and vehicle traffic .
• View into store is unobstructed and appealing .
• The area around the building is clean and well maintained with appropriate landscaping .
• There is an illuminated “ OPEN ” sign during store hours .
• Store hours are posted and readable from 10 paces .
MERCHANDISING
• Upon entering , a customer can clearly understand what ’ s new , what ’ s hot , and what ’ s on sale .
• Displays and endcaps are changed every 3-4 weeks .
• Category signs are on every fixture and departmental signage is attractive and understandable .
• Bible department is well signed , organized by need and translation , with sufficient space for examination .
• Merchandise displays use props , fabric , accessories , color and lighting to draw the eye and create interest .
• There is effective use of bright white halogen track lights to make feature targets stand out .
• Promoted products are displayed on eye-level shelves with shelf talkers under each title .
• Pricing labels are placed on products in a consistent fashion .
MARKETING
• The promotional campaign calendar is posted for staff reference .
• Store is actively acquiring email addresses from its guests .
• The store ’ s telephone greeting is standardized , used by all and includes the words , “ Store Name .”
• Branding material is prominently used - signage , packaging materials , name tags , bookmarks , apparel , floor mat , etc .
• Information about competing stores and their promotions are known by all staff .
• What differentiates your store from the competition is understood by all staff members .
PERSONNEL
• Job responsibilities and performance expectations are clearly defined and regularly reviewed with staff .
• The employee handbook is complete , up to date and has been given to each staff member .
• There is a defined and thorough new employee orientation process .
• Each staff member participates in continuing training .
• Staff meetings are held at least monthly .
• A staff communication vehicle is in place and utilized for daily updates and new information ( e . g ., clipboard , e-mail , notebook , etc .)
INVENTORY
• All stock is trackable through the POS system ( except cards , award items , etc .)
• Inventory is adequate for anticipated demand .
• Stock replenishment orders are placed in a scheduled , systematic manner at least twice weekly .
• Physical inventory is taken at least annually and synchronized with POS and General Ledger .
• Cycle counts are conducted on a defined schedule that covers the store at least twice annually .
• Returns schedule and procedures are documented and followed consistently . To download a complete store-assessment booklet , visit cpeshow . com / summer 2023 .