How do I review a clothing store’s fitting room, mannequins and display fixtures?
Walk the floor as a shopper first, then as an inspector. Check fitting-room doors, mirrors and lighting, the state of the mannequins and racks, and ask for a list showing which fixtures are owned and which are leased or only borrowed.
Fixtures shape how a shop feels, and replacing them is a real cost. Visit once as a customer and note what you notice: is the fitting room clean, private and well lit, are mirrors flattering, do curtains or doors close properly? Then visit again with a checklist and look at hinges, hooks, rails, shelving joints and flooring.
Mannequins are easy to overlook. Look for chips, missing parts and outdated styling, and ask whether some belong to suppliers or a landlord. The same goes for racks, wall systems, signage and lighting. Ask for a list that says what is owned outright, what is financed, and what would stay with the premises after a sale. Anything not listed should be settled before you sign.
Finally, ask how the store is merchandised. Is there a seasonal display routine and who does it? Are there photos of past windows? A fresh layout may suit you better than the current one, so decide what you would keep, what you would change and when, and what that would cost you in time as well as money. An equipment appraiser can price replacement if your lender or lawyer wants it documented.
Key takeaways
- Inspect the fitting room as a customer would, then as an inspector.
- Ask for a list showing which fixtures are owned, financed or borrowed.
- Settle in writing which fixtures and displays are included in the sale, down to the mannequins.
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Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to conduct due diligence when buying a business
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentEquipment valuation: How to do it
- 03Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentWhat are the steps to buying a business?
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