Look for things that make each competitor weaker. You will likely use this information when you are opening a dollar store.

Carry a small notebook with you. Note the store, positive things that make the store stand out, things that detract that you would never imple

Are you considering the possibility of opening a dollar store? If so, then learn everything possible from your competitors. Spend a little time examining the competition before, during and after you conduct your grand opening event. Visit direct competitors as well as stores that will overlap with your store for customers.

Learn what your direct competitors are doing. Start with competitors in the immediate area of your store. Then work your way away from your store in an ever-increasing area. Be sure to include well known and larger stores even if they are well away from your operation. These bigger players can have a huge impact on you when you are opening a dollar store.

Find out about products that are carried, special promotions that might be going on, methods for displaying merchandise, as well as the general operation of their stores. How is their customer service? How do they treat customers at the checkout area? Is the store clean and well organized? Are there very many customers in the store? Look at everything that makes each competitor stronger. Look for things that make each competitor weaker. You will likely use this information when you are opening a dollar store.

Carry a small notebook with you. Note the store, positive things that make the store stand out, things that detract that you would never implem

ores that will overlap with your store for customers.

Learn what your direct competitors are doing. Start with competitors in the immediate area of your store. Then work your way away from your store in an ever-increasing area. Be sure to include well known and larger stores even if they are well away from your operation. These bigger players can have a huge impact on you when you are opening a dollar store.

Find out about products that are carried, special promotions that might be going on, methods for displaying merchandise, as well as the general operation of their stores. How is their customer service? How do they treat customers at the checkout area? Is the store clean and well organized? Are there very many customers in the store? Look at everything that makes each competitor stronger. Look for things that make each competitor weaker. You will likely use this information when you are opening a dollar store.

Carry a small notebook with you. Note the store, positive things that make the store stand out, things that detract that you would never imple

er stores even if they are well away from your operation. These bigger players can have a huge impact on you when you are opening a dollar store.

Find out about products that are carried, special promotions that might be going on, methods for displaying merchandise, as well as the general operation of their stores. How is their customer service? How do they treat customers at the checkout area? Is the store clean and well organized? Are there very many customers in the store? Look at everything that makes each competitor stronger. Look for things that make each competitor weaker. You will likely use this information when you are opening a dollar store.

Carry a small notebook with you. Note the store, positive things that make the store stand out, things that detract that you would never imple

as well as the general operation of their stores. How is their customer service? How do they treat customers at the checkout area? Is the store clean and well organized? Are there very many customers in the store? Look at everything that makes each competitor stronger. Look for things that make each competitor weaker. You will likely use this information when you are opening a dollar store.

Carry a small notebook with you. Note the store, positive things that make the store stand out, things that detract that you would never imple

Look for things that make each competitor weaker. You will likely use this information when you are opening a dollar store.

Carry a small notebook with you. Note the store, positive things that make the store stand out, things that detract that you would never implement in your store, general customer information and other pieces of data that might be of interest to you. This will be powerful information that you will be able to use when opening a dollar store.

Use your notes from all visits to create a list of potential positive changes and things to be avoided when opening a dollar store. Look for things that you can implement in your own operation. While you may not implement something exactly the same as you have seen, these visits can be a great time for you to examine and then think about new, different and better methods for operating your own store.

Be sure to introduce yourself to the owner or manager while you are there. Provide a business card. Remember that just as you are proud of your store, every other independent owner who is opening a dollar store will be the same. Find something that stands out and give them some positive feedback. Invite them to visit your store in the future. Ask them to ask for you when they come into the store.