In this special episode of Storefront Strategies, I take you behind the scenes as we prepare to launch Box Brand—a unique, community-driven retail shop offering custom merchandise with a personal touch. This episode marks the start of a new chapter in the podcast, where I’ll be sharing the real, unfiltered journey of opening and running a brick-and-mortar business.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:[00:01:00] The Origin of Box Brand: Discover how the idea for Box Brand was born from a need for custom uniforms for IT Central, and how it evolved into a standalone business with a creative focus.
[00:03:00] Researching the Market: Learn how competitor analysis and customer surveys helped shape Box Brand, even though there wasn’t a directly comparable local business model.
[00:05:00] Testing the Concept: Explore the reasons behind our decision to take a 3-month lease in the St Giles Centre as a “test run” to gauge customer interest and gather feedback.
[00:09:00] Setting Up the Shop: Hear about the hands-on work involved in preparing the unit—from painting and flooring to sourcing fixtures and creating an inviting space.
[00:11:00] Wearing All the Hats: I share the realities of balancing roles as a business owner, from graphic design to social media management and everything in between.
[00:12:40] The Importance of Adaptability: Get insights into why staying flexible and treating each day as a learning experience is essential in the early stages of a retail business.
Key Takeaway:Starting a brick-and-mortar business is both challenging and rewarding. From market research and customer engagement to the hands-on work of setting up the space, each step teaches valuable lessons in adaptability and resilience.
Join the CommunityBe part of the Box Brand journey and connect with other brick-and-mortar business owners! Join our Facebook group, Grow Your Brick-and-Mortar Business Success, for behind-the-scenes updates, discussions, and support.