We all are excited about seeing an increase in our business’ profits so what can we do to achieve that goal? Well, what Old Navy did was to remodel some of their stores. You may think “Old Navy is a huge chain store so what has that got to do with me?” Let me tell you that the big boys do a lot of market research and analysis to know what works and what doesn’t so following their lead can be a good idea.

The remodeling of 300 Old Navy stores resulted in buyers spending $1 to $2 more per visit. What did the remodel consist of to bring about this increase in revenue? An Associated Press release dated July 11, 2011 states “Some of the components of the store remodelings include light wood, white shelving, wider aisles and lowered racks and fixtures for better store visibility. There is also a play area for children and more workers helping out in dress rooms, which have been moved from the back of the store to the center.” A more open feel and a brighter color pallet generates a comfortable atmosphere and it only makes sense that people are more inclined to spend more time (and more money) in an environment in which they feel comfortable.

A remodel doesn’t have to break the bank. What small changes can you do in your store to make it feel more open, to feel brighter? Invest in white or lighter color shelves, perhaps. Or possibly utilize more wall displays, such as grid panels (as low as $14.99 each ) or slatwall panels in order to get some of the display racks off the floor, giving a more open feeling. What changes in merchandising can you make so the sales floor appears less cluttered and overwhelming? Keep your displays neat and organized because no one wants to rummage through a jumble of items is if they are at a yard sale, unless they are at a yard sale, of course. Check out the Give Your Store a Facelift blog entry for some ideas to make your store shine.

So, have you got any ideas on how you can do some simple remodeling to make your store more inviting? Does it seem like a lot of work with an uncertain payoff? Let’s do a “for instance”, just for the fun of it. How many customers make purchases at your store in a day? Let’s say 30 customers, just as an example. If each person spent one dollar more per transaction, and your store was open seven days a week, that equals $10,560 additional profit per year! Sounds to me like it just may be worth investing in a little elbow grease and a couple new displays. What do you think?