A retail stockroom is an area that houses your store’s inventory. While customers cannot explore this zone, it is one of the most important places for any brick-and-mortar store. As a retail store business owner, you’ve likely put lots of thought and effort into designing the layout of your store. However, have you paid the same attention to your stockroom?
Proper organisation and layout are vital for your stock. Without it, you may struggle to find products for customers, not to mention see your stress levels go through the roof. Thankfully, we’re here to help. Here are some tips on how to organise and store your business stock.
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Decide On the Right Layout
Understandably, your stockroom’s size will hinder what you can and cannot do when it comes to organising your products. For those who have an enormous, open warehouse-style backroom, you’ll have no problems. However, those who are limited with space may need to get creative with shelving and look into off-site storage. Regarding the latter, check out K2 Storage Solutions. They provide business warehouse storage services. They can house excess stock that will be kept safe and secure.
Set Up Guidelines
After establishing a suitable layout for your stockroom, make sure your retail team can utilise the structure properly and maintain it. This means documenting your processes for any operations that commence in the stockroom. Doing so makes it easier for trainees to use too. You will need to create a prioritised list of each function you and your team perform in the stockroom. These include inventory audits, product shipments and delivery management, and stockroom shelving management.
Keep It Clean and Tidy
This may sound like an obvious tip, but you’ll be surprised how many retail store owners forget the importance of keeping their stockroom clean and tidy. You need peace of mind that employees are kept safe and secure in the workplace. Should you have a messy stockroom, this can increase the risk of a workplace injury. The last thing you want is a lawsuit on your hands, so make sure measures are in place to keep the space clutter-free.
Invest In Storage Units
A key part of what makes a successful stockroom is how storage supports workflow. Depending on your style and space, you may opt for standard wire shelving to house products. There is the option to use tall shelving racks too. These are narrow units that squeeze perfectly in narrow aisle space. If you have high ceilings, you can stack higher shelving and maximise your upward square footage.
Set Up Warehouse KPIs
Setting KPIs (key performance indicators) edges more into inventory and warehouse management. However, stockroom and inventory are fundamentally connected. How you manage your stockroom has a direct impact on the knowledge of your product and stock inventory. Setting up inventory management systems will help make it easier to organise your retail business’s storeroom.
For the day-to-day running of your retail store to run seamlessly, having a well-organised stockroom is crucial for success. A bit of planning and organisation can go a long way and ultimately, keep your business on track.
