Retail store equipment and supplies needed for opening day

Getting ready to open a new retail store is exciting, but it can be stressful. Aside from sourcing and building an inventory of products, you’ll need to have store equipment and supplies to help things run smoothly. So, we’ve put together this handy guide on the kinds of retail business supplies you’ll need as you prepare for opening day. 

An opening day checklist of retail store equipment and supplies

1. Store fixtures and displays

Physical stores need decorations and product display items that are functional–these pieces are often referred to as fixtures. Fixtures should complement your brand and upgrade the look of your store. On the upside, once you’ve bought them, you likely won’t need to replenish or replace them often. Mannequins, light fixtures, display shelves, sofas, tables, mirrors, and even signage, for instance, are all things you may need to have in place before you open. When thinking about what fixtures you’ll need, it’s helpful to have your brand defined, to know the kinds of products you’ll sell, and have a layout in mind. Do you want your store to emulate nature vibes? Do you want a more modern feel? Having a concept will help you narrow down the style and type of fixtures you need. 

2. Customer and checkout supplies

For a successful retail business, you’ll need to create a standout customer experience. And when it comes to customer experience, the little things count. Essentials like shopping baskets or carts, a nook to try on clothing or jewelry products, and branded bags or boxes to place purchases in can help create a remarkable customer experience–and one that keeps customers coming back. 

Did you know that decking your retail checkout counter with the right products could help you reap the rewards of added order value (AOV)? Be sure to check out these ideas for your retail checkout counter. 

3. POS (point of sale) system 

Speaking of checkout, a powerful and dynamic POS system should feature on your list–one that accepts all payment types—like debit and credit cards, contactless payments, and gift cards, to name a few. Not only should a POS system make it easier for you to keep track of your sales and transactions, but it should help you manage your inventory, employees, and customers—all in one place. Investing in an all-in-one system like a Clover POS, can help you kickstart your business and help keep operations running smoothly.

With your POS system, you should think about getting things like barcode stickers and scanners for your products, receipt paper, a cash drawer, and tagging guns to ensure a seamless experience for your staff. Barcode stickers are stickers you put on your products so that you can scan the item at the register instead of having to search up the product code. While we are in a digital era, some customers still prefer paying with cash, and having a standard cash drawer with bills of different amounts will be useful. It’s important to find a cash POS that is compatible with a cash transaction. 

READ: How do barcodes work: Understanding barcodes for business

4. Gift cards

A finely-tuned gift card program can help your retail shop run promotions and boost sales. In the US market alone, gift cards generated a revenue of nearly $500 million in 2022. And, since consumers are generally split on their preference for physical and digital gift cards, it’s smart to offer both for a thriving gift card program.

READ: Best practices for gift cards

5. Office and cleaning supplies

Something you might not think about is having a range of office supplies. Supplies like staplers, pens, markers, handbooks are little things you need to help you enhance your experience as a business owner. Cleaning supplies like toilet paper, tissues and spray are essential to keep your store fresh, clean, and sanitary–all things important to creating a great customer experience. 

6. Employee supplies

You’ll likely have employees at your store, and you’ll need to manage them. To do so, you’ll need important items like an employee handbook, personal lockers, a time management system for clocking in and out, a messaging/communication system where you can chat directly with employees about schedules, maybe uniforms, and even breakroom supplies (think drinks or snacks).

A Clover POS system not only takes payments, it doubles as an employee management system–think scheduling employees and managing clock ins and outs.

7. Security system 

Security is a big consideration. To prevent someone breaking into your store and destroying all your hard work, be sure to invest in a security system–cameras, locks, and a system you can access on the go. Also, be sure to have the insurance you need to protect your store and your inventory. 

Data security is another thing to think about. While your store may contain valuable physical inventory, the data you collect on your POS is also invaluable. Be sure to choose a POS, like Clover, with a strong track record of data security–one that’s easy to understand and use.

READ: What is payment card industry compliance (PCI)?

8. An e-commerce website

Although you’re focused on operating a physical store, you should also think about having an online retail store. An online store can extend your reach to new markets and customers–especially as a new business. The key is to do it right. What’s more, your site can double as an effective marketing tool–even your About Us page. It’s also important to think about how to secure your website to prevent data leaks or privacy concerns. 

And with this list, you’re on your way to opening your own retail store. Always remember, the Clover small business team is here for you if you have any questions about setting up a Clover POS system, contact a Clover Consultant. We’re here to help!

Editorial Team

Insights, Retail, Start a small business

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