Window Spotlights

A store window is set up to entice and invite a customer to do some shopping. They are usually colorful and interesting to draw us inside. What about the stores that have closed?

A walk in a usually bustling street of business brings us a sense of well being and excitement. It relays a message of success, community pride and array of choice available for customers whether they are local or just visiting the area.

The sight of empty storefronts speaks a whole other language especially if it was once busy. We are greeted with a sense of gloom and despair and such a lonely sight to behold. Questions of recovery, doubts, success and failures enters the back of our minds and may sit there like a rain cloud wondering if the sun will shine again.

Empty commercial properties are usually overseen by a realtor and a sign in the window will display the contact name and number. A interesting part-time micro business venture to explore may be enquiring into the possibility of renting the window space to display home crafted gifts. This sort of part-time business arrangement will greatly depend upon the following ;

– Agreement with the realtor/property owner.
– Availability of products , can supply meet demand?
– Promotional success of making sales.

Renting window space may not be a great source of income for the realtor but could provide a improved visual curb appeal and not to forget, a reputation for supporting community endeavors and small offset of costs on hold of the property. Design of the window dressing should be elegant and colorful to draw the interest of people passing by. Cheap and tacky window dressing will send the wrong message to people.

One of the rules about entering a business venture is to have a prime high traffic location. Empty store fronts provide this space especially in the business district. A window full of interesting gifts provides the opportunity to capture a market with a wide range of business customers both local and visiting, that can help move products.

Be aware this business may require moving from window to window as store properties may get rented or bought. A new agreement may be negotiated with the new occupant or a whole new storefront window may need to be searched. The requirements to set up this part-time business venture should include the following ;

– Business plan, outline feasibility, direction and method of doing business for success.
– A memorable business name (i.e., Roaming Talents) express and explain that the display may move from window to window.
– Products, supply of products, interesting, unique, practical. Ensure that creating products is able to meet demand in the event of popularity. Sell small gifts in pairs or groups rather than singly.
– Artist, contact information, prices and agreed commission rate.
– Background, a screen or curtain to hide the empty interior of the store
– Display, the gifts should be displayed prominently.
– Frame, decorate and centralize the window to draw attention. May require permission of owner or realtor to the amount of change allowed. Maintaining the same image will build familiarity and prevent disruption to make easy searches for your displays.
– Prices, large and legible for customers to view from the window.
– Contact, leave large, legible instructions for customers to directly contact you for purchase of products. Provide delivery services by person or mail for a small fee. May also check with Town hall for a permit to set up a small table outside the window for direct sales.

Hosting a weekend Flea market once a month, in a empty storefront may also provide a secondary source of income but require a increased rental fee. Ensure that rental of space and/or tables and commissions earned will generate revenue to cover expenses. A profit is gained when revenue exceeds expenses. The central location will help draw customers for your business venture but also for the surrounding business owners.

The success of this particular business enterprise will depend upon the efforts in promotion, pricing, products and sales. After all, rental of the window and/or store will require payment which will arise from the revenues earned. It can be a interesting venture and may invigorate your local economy. Read related –> here and there.

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Article(C)2011 Dame Scribe, all rights reserved. Dame Scribe creates articles and posts online. She creates articles on business skills & development, health, science, technology and society and has a strong passion for writing.