Make Some Retail Changes

Relocate/renovate. Understandably, we're seeing a lot of retailers take advantage of real estate vacancies with moves into higher-traffic areas, smaller or larger showrooms, and better physical structures. Some are using the economically-induced downtime to tighten up operations while others are renovating to add more space or personality. A new look can make consumers take another look.

Harlan Van Vark, owner of Boat's Home Furnishings in Pella, Iowa, was inspired to renovate following a trip to the High Point Market a few years ago. "We were admiring the old Market Square building and realized that our old building could look just like it. When we returned to Pella, we did just that. We added on a two-story section to our existing store, knocked down plaster to expose brick walls and sanded the old wood floors. Our store is now uniquely different than any other store around."