5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Opening a Dollar Store

There is nothing more exciting than opening a dollar store.  The dollar discount business world is fast-paced. There are always new things happening.  Your customers add to the excitement when they share their appreciation of the great bargain dollar store merchandise they find with others inside and outside your store.  But just as there are some great times, there are also risks and challenges to be faced.  You must do everything possible to minimize those risks and challenges.  In this article I present 5 critical mistakes to avoid when opening a dollar store.

1.     Not having core products in-stock at all times If there is one message to remember – carrying all the basic dollar store merchandise consumers need is an absolute must.  Dish, laundry and household cleaners are a must.  Likewise shoppers expect to see dental hygiene products, as well as shampoos, conditioners, shaving supplies and other health and beauty basics.  All of the core consumables are an absolute must-have.
2.     Allowing the general dollar store merchandise on shelves and displays to run too low – seeing limited supplies on the shelves signals shoppers there are problems.  In fact, one way to maximize sales is exactly the opposite; keep the shelves filled to the brim.
3.     Not keeping your store clean and straight – in today’s marketplace shoppers do not need to frequent stores which are not dirt free, organized and clean.  It takes so little time and effort to make things right in a dollar store.  Invest that time to make your store a showplace.
4.     Placing items which are for sale out of the reach of shoppers – imagine walking into such a dollar store.  All of the employees are either helping other shoppers, or just plain not visible.  Then you see the very party cups, plates and napkins you are seeking for your young daughter’s birthday.  The only problem is while the plates and napkins are easily reached, someone stocked the entire supply of cups in an overflow stock area high above the actual merchandise displays.  If there were a ladder or employee to help all would be fine.  If you were 1 or 2 feet taller all would be fine.  But that is not the case.  Do not put your shoppers through this.  Not only do you lose sales, but you also lose shoppers as well.   
5.     Allowing end caps to stay empty – Never forget to value end caps as the prime sales area they are.  When opening a dollar store maximize end cap sales power by always having them well-stocked with hot selling dollar store merchandise. Keeping end caps signed and organized is also a must.