Palmer Retail Solutions Blog

Choosing a Location for Your Mall Kiosk

Posted by Kathy Heil on Feb 23, 2016 5:04:00 PM

Choosing a location for your mall kiosk

Where you choose to locate your retail business can send sales into overdrive, or it can virtually assure failure. Key factors that relate to evaluating possible locations apply to every retail store. But when your “shop” is a mall kiosk, these factors become even more complex. You have to consider the location of the mall itself as well as your kiosk’s prospective location within the mall.

Making some lists will make location-shopping easier and assure better results. Think about your ideal location, then write down:

  • What you simply must have in the way of amenities or support from the mall.
  • What you would like to have.
  • Deal killers.
  • What you can afford for rent and other mall-required expenses.

The mall

Ask about total foot traffic count, because more people mean more potential sales for you. What kind of clientele does the mall attract? This is critical, because you’re relying heavily on the mall to bring the right traffic past your kiosk. Your ideal mall will draw a strong percentage of your target demographics. It will be located conveniently close to them, so they can come back and buy from you frequently.

Make sure there are no other mall kiosks that will compete directly with you. After all, you want maximum opportunity to stand out and be yourself. But do chat with other kiosk owners about their experiences with sales and with mall management.

Make sure you understand what the mall provides and what they don’t. Details like storage, electricity, special lighting, wi-fi or other connectivity needs, common area maintenance and repairs, and parking (for you) all make a difference in the mall’s overall “presentation” to shoppers, not to mention your costs.

Malls usually provide some type of security, at least after hours. This is an important concern for every retailer, but your mall kiosk will be more “out there” than the in-line stores. You’ll want to direct extra attention to security measures – your own and the mall’s – that will protect against shoplifting or damage.

Your location within the mall

Have you thought about whether your mall kiosk will be permanent or temporary? Kiosks offer a variety of entrepreneurial options, but you have to be clear on your objectives before you can start any meaningful investigation into possible locations. There are pros and cons to mobile, temporary, and permanent placements.

Kiosks come in different configurations, whether you lease yours from the mall or custom-design it. Choosing the right size can be as important at choosing the right placement.

Ask about foot traffic where your kiosk will be positioned within the mall, because different areas can vary significantly. Then look at the in-line stores nearby. Ideally, they’ll sell merchandise complementary to yours, so shoppers headed their way may also be intrigued by your displays. If another kiosk is in this location or has been located there, ask about sales history.

The more time and care you invest in choosing a location for your mall kiosk, the happier you’ll be with your decision.

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Palmer Retail Solutions strives to offer our clients the absolute best combination of innovation, quality, service, and value for our diversified custom store fixtures and merchandising displays. For more information about our designs, retail fixtures, cash wraps, kiosks, or point of purchase displays, visit our website at: http://www.palmerretailsolutions.com. 

Topics: Kiosks

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