As someone who makes a living designing showrooms from the
ground up, Paul Radoy is an excellent resource both for veterans in
the industry and those just starting out. I first met Paul when we
worked together 14 years ago. I hold great respect for him as a
peer professional. With his varied and vast experience as a
designer and as an active member of the Color Marketing Group, Paul
possesses a wonderful practical sense of design as well as a keen
architectural eye for detail. He also has a knack for knowing what
customers want, which is why his opinion is of value to others
planning new or remodeling existing kitchen and bath showrooms.
While the importance of product merchandising has always had its
rewards, Paul says the challenge in today’s market is greater
because of increased and varied competition, whole-house storage
possibilities and the advent of Web sites as information
sources.
“Consumers are better informed than ever,” he says. “Your
showroom or model can and should stand as a credible example of
your design capabilities and business ethics. Also, providing
superior service and knowledge compared to others in your market
can give you a real edge.”
It’s in the Details
In his 30-plus years
working in the kitchen and bath industry, Paul has worn many hats,
working in product development, trade show exhibits and model
homes, as well as designing small retail and large-scale,
company-owned showrooms. Currently, Paul is responsible for trade
show exhibits, promotional photo sets and model home/showroom
designs as manager of design services for Merillat Industries in
Adrian, Michigan.
Recently we met to discuss the myriad challenges and decisions
facing kitchen and bath showroom owners. He offered the following
guidelines for those considering locations for a new kitchen and
bath retail showroom:
- Location is key. Is the venue in a high-traffic area? If not,
is it conveniently accessible by major roads and/or highways? Is it
visible from the road(s)?
Shop around, and compare with what your competition has. Know who
your competition is and what their business location looks like
inside and outside.
‘ - Assume nothing when renting or leasing. Do your homework and be
sure you get all of your questions answered to your satisfaction
before entering into a contract. Find out what the landlord is
responsible for providing and, if possible, negotiate extras he or
she might be willing to provide.
You will also need to understand:
How many square feet will the showroom be?
What is the annual rental rate per square foot?
Is the rental rate based on gross or net? Gross is a lease of
property under the terms of which the landlord pays all property
charges regularly incurred through ownership, including repairs,
taxes, insurance and operating expenses. Net is a lease that
requires the tenant to pay rent as well as the costs of maintaining
the building, including taxes, insurance, repairs and other
expenses of ownership.
When will the lease begin?
Are there any rate escalators included in your lease? Such factors
generally mean that your rent can be increased in case of increases
in taxes, insurance or the cost of living. For example, if any of
these expenses increase, your rent can be raised accordingly.
- Resources in real estate and city or county government can
provide helpful information and direction to someone looking to
lease or build. Some of these contacts include commercial real
estate professionals and officials in the city or county
departments of planning, building and zoning. Don’t be shy about
asking questions or advice. It’s their job to know or be able to
find out the answers.
‘ - Outside, what does the store or surrounding
location/neighborhood look like? Does the opportunity exist for
walk-by traffic so you have customers’ noses against the glass, or
will you have to depend on drive-by impact to attract your
customers? Is there a busy intersection nearby from which traffic
can stop and see your business? Is this a freestanding space, is it
adjacent to other businesses, or is it a space within a larger
building? What other businesses are close by? Is there a restaurant
or similar venue that hosts after-hours window shoppers? Do area
covenants restrict business hours, parking or sign-age? Is there
ample parking space within a convenient walking distance? Are there
curb cuts and designated parking for customers requiring wheelchair
access? Is the exterior and parking area well lit to invite
nighttime shopping, maximize security and ward off loiterers?
‘ - Inside, begin with the basics: Is the ceiling height sufficient
for a showroom? Paul recommends ceilings be at least nine feet high
to accommodate the use of tall wall cabinets plus crown molding.
Are there restrooms? If so, are they in working order,
code-compliant and accessible per ADA requirements? Are they in a
location that works with your floor plan? Are the windows sound? Do
they offer good visibility and an area to create a “roomscape” for
window shoppers or passersby? Is there enough or too much natural
light? Too much light from morning or afternoon sun may require
tinted glass or other window treatments to block ultraviolet light
that can harm display finishes and fade other materials.
‘ - System Requirements: Do the electrical wiring and HVAC
mechanics meet code specifications? Are these systems set up to
handle the loads required for your showroom? Check with your
leasing agent about whose responsibility it is to pay for system
upgrades. Is the allowance enough to cover needed
improvements?
‘ - Take a walk through the interior space and imagine the layout
of your showroom. Try to look at the space from a visitor’s
viewpoint. Is the entrance welcoming? Will you greet customers from
a concierge area or a reception lounge? In areas of the country
with cold winter months, is there an area for coat and boot
storage? Will you have sufficient area to display your products?
“If you’re selling it, you need to be showing it,” Paul says. What
about the interior structure will you have to plan around or
disguise columns, power boxes, electrical outlets or ceiling
material? And don’t forget to consider important behind-the-scenes
operations: How will you receive deliveries? Is there an
out-of-the-way rear delivery dock and adequate storage so that your
retail area does not become cluttered?
‘ - Team Approach: Especially if you are the new kid on the street,
having an established local project-related partner is essential.
Alliances with nearby “partner” businesses are important in
establishing your new showroom. Are there other project-related
businesses such as stores selling paint, appliances, lighting,
fireplaces located within a convenient distance? These alliances
can come in handy when outfitting your showroom and are great for
drawing new customers who patronize your partners’
businesses.
‘ - Figure the cost for remodeling. Does it fit within your budget?
Even if you remodel, will the space meet your and more importantly,
your customers’ standards for an attractive, professional,
welcoming business? Perhaps a smaller but well-appointed space
would be a suitable choice for your business. Monitoring expenses
and progress along the way ensures that your expectations are met
to your satisfaction. Also, don’t forget to include promotional and
advertising costs. Will you host a grand opening? Will you
advertise in the Yellow Pages or local business directory? Such
advertising can heighten customers’ awareness of your business,
especially when you are trying to draw them to a new location. And
remember, if you have something to show, don’t forget to include it
on your Web site.
Whether you are striking out on your own in the kitchen and bath
retail arena or are simply searching for a new location for an
existing showroom, keep these suggestions in mind. Being prepared
can help to eliminate the surprises that can (and too often do)
spring up when facing such a daunting challenge. And, by continuing
your own ongoing research, preparation and hard work, your business
will be ready and able to serve customers well and reap the rewards
of its success.