Retail Expansion Checklist

Steps a multi-unit retailer runs to open a new store location, from market analysis and site selection through grand opening. Owned by the Director of Operations with cross-functional input from finance, real estate, HR, visual, and IT.

Use this workflow
1

Market Analysis

  1. Profile the trade-area demographics
  2. Map local competition within the trade area
  3. Score the location's economic and growth indicators
  4. Decide whether to advance this market
2

Financial Planning

  1. Build the new-store capex and opex budget
  2. Forecast year-one sales and four-wall contribution
  3. Secure financing for the build-out
3

Site Selection

  1. Tour shortlisted sites with the broker
  2. Pull traffic, co-tenancy, and visibility data
  3. Submit the LOI on the chosen site
  4. Negotiate and execute the lease
4

Legal and Compliance

  1. File for the local business license and seller's permit
  2. Confirm zoning, signage, and CO requirements
  3. Confirm whether the store sells age-restricted product
  4. Apply for state ABC, tobacco, or lottery permits
  5. Post required labor-law and OSHA notices
5

Store Design and Merchandising

  1. Adapt the prototype floor plan to the space
  2. Confirm fixture package and order long-lead items
  3. Build the opening planogram and allocation
  4. Walk the visual set against the planogram
6

Hiring and Training

  1. Post requisitions for store manager and key holders
  2. Complete I-9 and E-Verify on every new hire
  3. Run the new-store training program
  4. Confirm openers are trained on alarm and safe
7

Marketing and Grand Opening

  1. Build the local launch marketing plan
  2. Launch geo-targeted ads and loyalty enrollment
  3. Run the grand-opening event
8

Operations, IT, and Loss Prevention

  1. Set up the POS, networking, and PCI scope
  2. Stand up replenishment and OMS routing
  3. Install CCTV, EAS, and alarm systems
  4. Run a soft-open day to shake out the store
  5. Sign off the new-store readiness review