Member Event: Opening and Operating a Successful Retail Store
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM) (PST)
Description
Launch or grow a retail store: pricing, leases, costs, location, and customer experience strategies for long-term success.
Thinking of opening your own retail store? This workshop guides you through the key steps to launching and managing a successful brick-and-mortar business. From selecting the right business structure and choosing a location to understanding pricing, leases, and in-store customer experience, this session equips entrepreneurs with practical tools to build a strong foundation. Whether you’re preparing to open your first shop or looking to enhance an existing retail space, you’ll gain insights to help you stand out and thrive in today’s competitive retail landscape.
ATTENDEES WILL:
- Learn how to calculate costs, manage expenses, and price products for healthy profit margins and long-term sustainability.
- Learn how to design a compelling in-store experience using layout, ambiance, and strategic product placement to influence customer behavior.
- Learn how to evaluate leasing options, understand lease structures, and choose the right type of retail space for your business model.
TOPICS COVERED
- Cost of goods sold (COGS), pricing strategies, and expense management
- Retail ambiance: music, lighting, scent, signage, and store layout
- Lease types, including triple-net and standard commercial leases
- Retail space options such as pop-ups, inline stores, markets, and more
- Key elements to review before signing a lease
THIS WORKSHOP IS PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: San Diego Regional Chamber