Whether you’ve just invested in a new location or are looking to spruce up your current business, you can find ways to cut corners in the process. If you’ve just purchased a new building, a remodel may be unavoidable. But even if you already have an established business, revamping your surroundings could yield some pretty big gains. Depending on the type of business you have, remodeling your business could help you see as much as a 50 percent increase in revenue. Customers tend to gravitate towards businesses with great atmospheres and functional layouts. But even if you don’t have the budget for a major overhaul, you can do many things that won’t break the bank.
Buy secondhand furnishings
Every business needs some type of furnishings. Whether it’s desks and chairs, seating for a lobby, or just shelving, every building needs something. But don’t let furniture costs intimidate you. You don’t have to spend your whole budget on $2,000 sofas or fancy chairs. You can easily pick up almost anything you need secondhand. Thrift stores are sometimes a good place to locate your items, but you do need to make sure they are clean and in good condition. You’ll also want to make sure they go with the colors and decor in your business.
A better bet is to check out estate sales and your local Facebook selling groups. In fact, it might be helpful to post a request in one of the groups for exactly what you’re looking for. You’d be surprised what people are willing to part with when they just haven’t had time to post yet.
Update your windows and doors
No matter what type of business you have, updated doors and windows are good for appearance and security. If everything else in the building is in good, functional condition, then this is where you should spend the bulk of your budget. This is the first thing customers notice when they arrive at your business. Invest in some good commercial metal doors and some reinforced windows that add to the curb appeal of your property.
Simplify your layout
Nothing is more frustrating than having to squeeze through crowded aisles or meander through confusing displays. Start by decluttering. Do you have boxes on the floors that need to be taken to storage? Or shelves that create uneven paths? Make sure any merchandise you have is well-placed and that lobbies and tables are kept clean. If you have trouble figuring out how to arrange or store things that are necessary for your business, consider hiring an organizer to help you out.
Add light
You can almost never go wrong with more light. It can set the mood or just make things easier to see. The key is to find the right kind of lighting for your business. Of course the design of your fixtures plays a huge role in adding to the overall look of your space. But the type of bulb you use can also make a big difference. For example, fluorescent bulbs are economical, but the color of glow they cast can be unappealing. For this reason, most beauty salons and clothing stores tend to steer clear of them.
Commission local artists
Decorating your business can be challenging and expensive. This is true whether your business is a liquor store Woodbridge, NJ, or a clothing boutique in upstate New York. But you may be able to find art for a reasonable price from thrift stores, or possibly even free from local artists. Many artists are on the lookout for places to display their artwork for sale. And this is a good way to decorate your office while helping out the local talent. They will usually even come to your location and hang the artwork. Since they would like it displayed in the best possible space and light, they’re typically happy to do it themselves. This will also save you from having to make more decisions.
