Category: Business Advice

Effective Space Planning | Part 3- Taking the Plunge for Your New Space

optical space design, eyewear displays, office remodel, optical office design

Effective Space Planning | Part 3- Taking the Plunge for Your New Space

Finally, we get to part 3 (of 3) in our Effective Space Planning blog series and it is time to “take the plunge” on final decisions and see your dream become a reality! In parts 1 and 2 we discussed laying the ground work for the pre-design and worked through the design process. Now we will help you through the final steps and share with you how to prepare your new space for patients!

Final Details and Production

Once your space design has been perfected to the exact look you want, your design team will compile a formal quote and approval drawings. Take your time to review all the documents they provide for you. They should include a list of your color selections, final dimensions of the fixtures, and a general layout of the space and how it will look. As we have mentioned multiple times, taking your time up front to review all information allows you to avoid costly mistakes and change orders in the future! Keep in mind, your design team should provide you with cost estimations for things outside of their scope. Things like shipping costs to move the products from their location to your new space, as well as sales tax. We include these charges in our formal quotes, but not all companies do so make sure you account for these additional fees.

After you have given your design team the green light and submitted your down payments to get the project into production it is time for you to relax! That doesn’t mean you get to completely check out, but your level of involvement on the day to day will decrease. You still need to be available for questions and we recommend you communicate with your contractor on a regular basis to stay informed on the progress of the build out. It is important to also note…things may change (and that’s ok). Delays are not uncommon at this point in the process, and often the delays are out of the hands of your design team and contractor. The city can delay projects (due to permitting) or materials can be backordered from suppliers, there are a myriad of things that can change timelines. Don’t get discouraged if this happens and know that your teams will do everything they can to make sure the project runs smoothly and on time!

Reaping the Benefits of Your New Space

Once your space has been built out and all the fixtures installed it’s time for you to put the finishing touches on! Prepare your space for frames and create the environment you want your customers to experience. A well done new or remodeled space can often lead to a 20% increase in your average selling price for eyewear, and great client experiences lead to success for your practice. Make sure to keep your frame displays organized and up to date; a clean, orderly, and well-arranged space is more conducive to sales. For our suggestions on how to set up your displays, check out Preparing Your Space for New Frames, Follow the Leader? Trends in the Industry, and The Sales Magic of Display.

We also recommend having a grand opening (or reopening) to bring your community and patients together. Events like these are a great way to create a connection with your patients that extend beyond the exam room. Your patients will appreciate the time to mingle with other patients and see your new office!

Beyond Your Finished Space

Once the build out/remodel is done it is important that you do not become complacent. It is vital that you stay up to date on your promotional materials and feature walls. Mixing things up and keeping your displays fresh will ensure your patients continue to be impressed and inspired when they visit your office.

We hope our Effective Space Planning blog series has helped you feel more confident in your upcoming (or potential) design project! We are happy to answer any questions you may have and welcome you to reach out to us!

Effective Optical Space Planning | Part 2- Realizing Your Vision

optical space design, eyewear displays, office remodel, optical office designPart 2 | Realizing Your Vision

In Part 1 (Laying the Groundwork and Setting Pre-Design Expectations) we discussed finding your dream team, creating a budget, and developing a realistic timeline to ensure your project is set up for success. In Part 2 we will be discussing the design process, realizing your vision for the space, and next steps.

Finding YOUR space!
Picking the right space for your business is a key component of being successful! Do your research when considering certain spaces or cities. Location is key…think about finding a space where you can bring in new clients, satisfy already established clients, and grow your business (even if that isn’t in your plans- you never know where the future may take you).

We recommend contacting local organizations in the cities you are considering, like City Hall or Chamber of Commerce. Organizations like these can provide you with answers to questions you have about the city, as well as share with you current listings of locations for rent/sale. It can also be a great opportunity to establish a relationship with key contacts at the city. We had a client who followed our advice and built a relationship with the Business Development group in their city, and through the relationship was able to avoid delays when issues arose in the permitting process for an existing space they were renovating.

Realizing YOUR Vision!
Once you have selected a space the real work begins. This is when you will begin working with your DREAM TEAM! As mentioned in Part 1 it is very important to pick a team you feel confident in! It is their job to help you develop your vision for the space.

Starting the design process with brainstorming sessions and “pinning” is very important. Scrolling through images of spaces you like and don’t like will help you realize the look and feel you want to create for your business. Create boards on websites like Pinterest with all your ideas! If you don’t have Pinterest, no worries! Do a quick google search for “Optical Space Design” and see what pops up! Once you find a few spaces you like, take screenshots and show your design team! At this point in the design process no idea is a “bad idea”, the more ideas the better as it will help you narrow down exactly what it is you are looking for.

After you have thoroughly browsed for ideas, the next step is to get picky and narrow down what you want for your space- this is the time to get serious. Think about things like theft deterrence (do you need it?), the amount of storage you would like to have, how many frames you want to display, etc. Thinking about these things ahead of time will save you time and money as you narrow down the design.

Developing YOUR Space
Optometry has changed in many ways over the last few years and perhaps the most important consideration to be given when designing a layout is the list of rooms you need to establish efficient process and business flow. Ask yourself things like… “How many exam lanes do I need?”, “Do I need to make special provisions for equipment?”, “How big of a break room does my staff need?”.
[Not sure which questions to ask? Check out our Design Survey for a few ideas!] Thinking about these things before you start the layout process will help you establish a general process flow that your design team can expand on. A well thought out professional space can eliminate the need to move later if sales volumes increase beyond initial expectations.

Once you have a general space layout, think about the dispensary (“sales”) environment you want to create. Keep in mind…a clean, neat, and well-arranged space is more conducive to sales. Do not try to overwhelm the space with too many frames. We could go on and on with advice on how to display frames, but for the sake of this post we will just include links to some of our other blog posts on the subject.
– Preparing Your Space for New Frames
– Follow the Leader? Trends in the Industry!
– The Sales Magic of Display
– Answers to you FAQS
– Your New Office

Your design team should meet with you to evaluate your business needs then help you decide what the most efficient flow and design for the space will be.

Drawings, Permits, and Building
After the layout has been developed and your design direction has been solidified it is time for the project to begin “on paper”. Your design team will work with you to develop drawings of the space and you will begin to see your vision become a reality. But you aren’t done just yet…next you will need to satisfy the requirements of the municipality in which you are located and the building landlord’s conditions. Requirements often include building permits, which involve an architect’s stamp and submittal to the city. Not all projects need permits. Prior to beginning your design project, it is important to check with your landlord and/or contractor to see what all is required.

Take a deep breath and don’t forget it’s about YOU!
This all can seem a bit overwhelming…rely on your dream team- they will walk you through all the necessary steps to make sure your project is a success. As a design client it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. All this hard work will pay off in the end; you are opening a business/or remodeling an existing space and that is exciting! Don’t forget in the hustle and bustle of it all, this really is about you. Your design team is there to help you, the contractor is there to build the space for you, the owner of the business is you.
– Be involved. It is important that you are very involved from the get-go. It may seem like a lot of time and energy up front, but it will pay off in the end.
– Think about your budget. Be realistic, know your budget and stick to it! The team you work with should work within your budget to get you the look you want without compromising the budget you have set. There are many ways to make designs more cost effective.
— Get non-locking rods vs. locking rods
— Utilize panel layering– instead of a laminate panel with an added acrylic panel and frame supports just do an acrylic panel with frame supports, or perhaps just a laminate panel with frame supports.
— Color selection/materials– choosing a “standard” color or a less expensive material can help with overall costs and often the change isn’t even noticeable!
– Take your time. Taking extra time up front and not rushing through the steps can save you countless dollars once you start building. (Your New Office).
– Stay organized. You don’t want to be the reason your project gets behind schedule. Make sure you set aside time to review drawings or communications from your design team and contractor. This is a very important part of the design process to ensure the team is building the exact space you want.

Check back in for Part 3 to learn about taking the plunge and preparing your space for business!

Effective Optical Space Planning | Part 1- Laying the Groundwork

Eyewear display, optical space design, optical space remodel, design and build, eyewear displays

Part 1 | Laying the Groundwork and Setting Pre-Design Expectations 

Almost every conversation we have with new design clients start with “Where do I begin?”. We totally get it… the design process can be a bit overwhelming for someone who has never done it before. That’s why we are here to help!

In this three-part blog series, we will discuss the main questions and concerns clients have when starting the design process.

Now let’s get started by laying the groundwork and setting realistic pre-design expectations, timelines, and budgets!

Picking your Dream Team

Choosing the right “team” to work with is one of the most important decisions you will face throughout the design and build process. You want to make sure you pick a team that sees your vision and helps you accomplish your goals, while still being able to have the “tough” conversations when your ideas might not be the best course of action.

Your dream team should consist of a banking institution for financing, a design and manufacturing team, and a general contractor. For more advice on picking the right team visit our Wanting to Create a New Space? blog post.

Solidifying Financing and Creating a Budget

Your banking institution will solidify your financing and help you come up with a realistic budget for your build out. Not having a proper budget is the single biggest mistake that anyone can make when starting the design process. The second biggest mistake is thinking you can do it cheaper than people that do it professionally all the time. After 40+ years of manufacturing and construction experience, we have seen there are too many variables to define for someone to effectively work to an unrealistically low budget. Banks that do practice loans are a great source of “logical” information for construction and fixture budgets. They see the original budgets that loans were granted for and then have the data for the actual payments made. (more in our Answers to your FAQs blog post).

Unfortunately, we don’t have a one size fits all budget calculator but there are some industry averages you can work off to give yourself an idea of ranges.

Overall you are looking at $140-$180/sq foot, but keep in mind you will want to allow for some extra wiggle room in budget. There are always costs that you don’t expect (i.e. permit submittal fees, printing fees, etc.). Again, these are just averages so do not base your entire budget off this. You will want to get estimates from each of the trades to get a better idea of budget.

Creating an Initial Timeline for your Project

Make sure your give yourself PLENTY of time to complete your project. Rushed projects are usually never done as cost effectively or as thoroughly as they could be. Throughout the project your timelines may change, but it is imperative that you have an initial timeline to work from.

Here is an example of an estimated timeline we give our clients. Just as with the budget discussion, these are just estimations and your specific project timeline may vary.

  • Initial Design: 3 – 6 weeks (dependent on your speed of approvals)
  • Permit drafting: 1 – 2 weeks
  • Permit approvals (depends on the city): 4 – 6 weeks
  • Production & Construction (typically done simultaneously)
    • Production of fixtures and casework: 6 – 8 weeks
    • Construction (depends on the complexity of the build out): 8 – 10 weeks
  • Shipping/Pick Up: 2 – 5 business days
  • Installation: 1 week (depending on the complexity of installation)

Overall you are looking at about 5-7 months and that doesn’t include any of the time needed for discussions with the landlord about the lease or waiting on financing from your lender. Again, it is very important that you give yourself enough time to complete your project. Taking time up front and being involved through the design process will give you comfort knowing that when construction starts, you can stay focused on what you do best- eye health and fashion! (more in our Your New Office (Part 3) blog post)

Stay tuned for part two in our three-part series on Effective Space Planning!

Don’t scare away your customers!

October can be a bit “spooky”… whether it be because of Halloween, the change in weather, or the sudden realization that summer is officially over. We find ourselves being cooped up inside (especially for all of us in Seattle!), which can often lead to serious evaluation of the environment where we spend most of our time…the office!

Do you look at your space and think…that’s outdated, I should really change out that display, or why did I buy that extra line of frames? If the answer is yes, then it’s time to update your space before you scare away your customers! Ok, that’s a bit dramatic… but they will really appreciate the new look and feel of your space!

Not all changes have to be big and grandiose! Here are some small changes that can be made to liven up a space:

  • New Signage: Adding signage can point your patients in the right direction, making it easier and more convenient to shop and find exactly what they are looking for!

Signage

  • Mirrors: Mirrors are the perfect addition to any space. They help to open up the space, but also provide the perfect canvas for your customers to view your merchandise.

Mirrors

  • Feature Displays: Creating hype for new products or a specific frame line can make all the difference when trying to make the sale. So, the idea of “showcasing” with a feature display is a great way to spice things up! (Check out these great feature displays for inspiration…. Flight Boxes, Luminato, & Freestanding Displays)

Feature Display

If you feel it is time for a big overhaul you could consider making some of the bigger changes:

  • New Dispensary Design: Creating a new space for your patients to shop and your employees to work creates an exciting and refreshed environment. Need help thinking outside the box?
  • New Displays: Even just updating your frame boards can create the look of a new dispensary without having to redo everything and start from scratch! With the help of our new “Complete Systems” it is even easier to pick out a new look!
  • New Accessories: Surprisingly, new space accessories (i.e. paint, flooring, seating, lighting, etc…) can make all the difference in the overall appearance of your space. Perhaps changing the color of your walls can create just the pop you were looking for!

Changes, whether large or small, can make all the difference when it comes to the way you present your business and merchandise to your patients! And just think…now is the perfect time to make these changes as we start rolling into the busy holiday season!

 

How to get the most out of Vision Expo West!

It’s that time of year again, the Vision Expo West trade show in Las Vegas is just around the corner!

Whether you are going because you are updating your office, finding new merchandise to sell, or simply to stay up with the latest and greatest trends, here are some key tips on how to make the show work for you.

The best advice we can give is preparation. Prepare yourself before the show, it is a BIG show and can often be overwhelming if you do not have a plan.

Here are tips to making the show work for you!

  1. Don’t pay! Most exhibitors can give out free admission to the show! Don’t pay for your entry, instead reach out to the companies you want to visit and ask if they have a free invitation program. We do! Here is a link…Visit the show on US!

VEW17_DGP_400x400-Ennco Display Systems Inc. and Magic Design

  1. Know what you are going for and plan your route: Have a plan and make a list; what you want to see, the booths and companies you want to visit, and the products you are looking for. Having a clear understanding of what you need to accomplish will help you get the most out of your time at the show. It is helpful to print out the floor plan and exhibitor list, then highlight the companies you want to visit and plan your “route”.
  1. Schedule meetings: Not all exhibitors requirement appointments, but we highly recommend it for those companies you know you want to meet with. It will ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve!
  1. Organize and purge as you go: You will be getting lots of information, print outs, flyers, and business cards while at the show- these can pile up fast! We suggest bringing a pen and making notes on the items as you receive them. Notes like what items you liked at the booth, who you met with, why it interested you, and ultimately what the significance of the business is to your business. Taking the time to write down your thoughts will help you days later when you sit down to organize your findings! And… if you receive information from a company or a booth you just aren’t interested in don’t take the flyer in the first place. Nothing worse than having a bag full of flyers you have no use for!

Lastly… HAVE FUN! You will be in Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. Enjoy the local dining, shows, and lively environment while you are there. It doesn’t have to be all work and no play!

Are Your Frames Walking Away?

Theft is often a reality for the retail industry and unfortunately the optical segment is not immune to that. Every business deals with theft in their own way, ranging from taking no action to putting every frame under lock and key. In this post, we will share a few ideas on how to avoid theft, including locking displays, increased service level, and even how your floor plan can mean the difference between theft or no theft.

Displays

There are many types of locking displays, from locking rods to locking showcases, chances are if you want a locking display you can find one that fits your needs. Locking rods have become increasingly popular in recent years, and one of our most popular locking rods is the Mino. It allows your staff to unlock an entire rod in a moments time, and yet still provides a sleek minimalist look and feel.

If rods aren’t your style there are several other options including showcases, display cabinets with back lighting, or perhaps floating window displays like our new Floating Flight Boxes or the original Floating Boxes.

FlightBox-Lock_TripleCable_NeutralTwill-r

With locking displays access to your merchandise is then dependent on the involvement of the staff. This created the dilemma of true valuable, is it more important to have more staff or accepting more loss from theft?

Staff Service & Education

This leads into our second suggestion for avoiding theft. In their recent post, The Optical Vision Site discusses the various ways that staff can help deter theft while creating a conducive environment for sales.

Education and training can empower the staff to be more aware of customer behavior and increase their recollection of current inventory, which in turn will allow more access for customers and increased control by the staff. As each staff member becomes more familiar with inventory they will notice what customers are interested in, allowing them to tailor their sales approach. It will also become more noticeable to the staff when something has gone missing. Frequent rearrangement and refreshing of the presentation and layout of your merchandise will also help with this (check out our post about Romanticizing Your Space!).

Design and Layout

Lastly, the physical layout of the space can be a major theft deterrent as well. Having less merchandise near the exit, putting the reception desk or an optician station near the door, or even creating an exit path that takes the customer past staff members are all simple ways to reduce the likelihood of theft. A mixture of displays, such as locking rod panels or floating display boxes, offer a secure environment with maximum exposure. Placing these more secure displays in locations that are more vulnerable (like the front door) while having other displays such as open shelves in other locations can also be effective.

These ideas can be tailored specifically for your business to create a theft deterrent environment. If you would like more ideas or help with your displays, design, or space layout contact the design team at Ennco!

Follow the leader? Trends in the industry!

Have you seen the latest _____? Did you get the newest _____?

Life seems to revolve around trends. We like to see, use, have the latest and newest, but as soon as too many of us have the latest and newest we are looking for the next latest and newest. At the same time there are those of us that have a preference for the tried and true.

This creates a dilemma for someone selling optical frames. Do I try to attract those looking for the latest and greatest or do I want to attract those that prefer the tried and true. How do we create a space that can appeal to those seeking the latest and newest without always having to change the space and, at the same time, maintain a space that also attracts those looking for the standards they have established and prefer.

There are several ways to approach this question. Having a space that is considered “timeless”, creating a variety of “mini” spaces, or using accessories that can be adjusted and refreshed to reflect the latest and newest.

Timeless

Some looks and the quality of certain items have created a standard of “timelessness”.  Using high quality materials and avoiding a look of clutter are two ways to create a look that will always appeal to the majority. Whether your space uses primarily shelves or rods or other types of display, if you are willing to invest in quality material and workmanship, your display will stand up to the test of time.

Mini Spaces

Within your space, the different ways and types of display can create an atmosphere that has an appeal to the different types of people that come in. The “Modular Wall Panel” system that Ennco has developed has a variety of fixtures and appearances that can be mixed and adjusted to your space in order to create a cohesive look while also incorporating several difference types of display.

Accessories

Just as you might change the look of your space to reflect the holiday or time of year, there are things you can do to change the appearance of your space and make it seem new and fresh. Moving accessories such as plants and chairs to new locations, making sure your signage and graphics are up to date, and rotating the feature displays are all simple ways to make your space new and exciting.

One of the ways that we can help is with the addition of lit graphic boxes. These can get mounted on the wall above your frame display and can enhance what is often a blank space with an attention-grabbing graphic.

For those of us looking for the latest and newest, it is always good to remember that someone has to start the trend. And, for those of us that have already established a standard, it is important to realize that even the classics can be improved and refreshed. If you have an idea or look that appeals to you, whether new or classic, and want to see it incorporated into your space, let the Ennco team help you make your idea a reality.