Renovating your existing retail space is often a more affordable alternative to purchasing a new building or moving to a new space. You might opt for renovation projects that increase your storage space, add to the size of your parking lot or extend the size of your shop floor. It’s important that you alert your customers ahead of time and give them an idea of what to expect in the future. Preparing customers for that construction work can also prevent accidents caused by shoppers slipping or tripping and falling.
Put Out Clearly Marked Signs
Prior to the start of construction, put out clearly marked signs that let customers know more about your plans. They should know both when the construction starts and when the work will finish. You can also let them know a little about why you want to make those changes and how those changes will benefit them. Use bright colors that customers cannot ignore, and place those signs in areas that are highly visible. You may want to put a sign out front that lets them know your shop is still open too.
Use Signals Outside
When you do any type of renovation work outside, use signals to help customers get around. During landscaping projects, you’ll want to hang tape and signs that let them know they cannot walk through the grass or use a certain area of the sidewalk. If you do work on the parking lot like filling potholes and painting new parking spaces, you can use portable traffic signals. These signals can improve the flow of traffic and prevent accidents from customers trying to drive through restricted areas or looking for an exit out of the parking lot.
Mark Off Areas
Construction projects are potentially dangerous, which is why some companies opt to do work after shutting down for the night and others close down for days or weeks. If you cannot afford to shut down, look for ways to mark off restricted areas to keep customers from wandering into those areas. You can do simple things like string together caution tape and furniture, or you can put up temporary walls to keep them out. This will keep those customers away from the areas currently in progress. With the right safety precautions, you can improve your building and keep customers safe until you finish with those renovations.
