Since 1983, we have opened over 3,000 retail stores.
The average is between 2,000 – 4,000 sq. ft. However, our real estate department will research all available locations; every size store can be successful in the proper environment. We build stores from 1,000 square feet to 10,000 and larger. The proper location in terms of population, traffic, good co-tenants, and distance from competition can enable many different store sizes to be successful. Our Real Estate department is skilled in identifying trade areas in which your store size can thrive. There is very little direct party supply competition in virtually all areas.
There are over 36 specific holidays and seasons that your party store will merchandise to. You will cover all holidays and seasons such as Patriotic, birthdays, weddings, engagement parties, all themed movies (Marvel, Disney, etc.), and other themed events (such as “over the hill” 60th birthdays, etc.). You will also merchandise gift bags, mylar balloons, create custom balloon arrangements, bouquets, balloon arches, and so much more.
Average product cost in a well-run store is 50% of retail, meaning you will have an average gross margin of approximately 50%. However, with little or no competition, you will have the flexibility to increase your retail prices to create more profit for yourself.
The number will vary based on the size of your store, level of business, and the amount of time you yourself will dedicate to working the business. We can provide you with sample schedules for your size store. You will want to adjust the work hours as the sales in your store become evident. This is important, as salary is the largest controllable expense that you will have.
No, we do not. However, we make sure each store has a distinct trade area and, of course, we will NEVER locate one of our stores in close proximity to one of our existing stores, or to any other competitor. We will ALWAYS make sure that each store has its own distinct trade area.
The training is very detailed and is done online, so you can complete the training at your own pace, on your own timeline. A trainer in our office is always available should you have questions.
This is based on the store package that you select. The expenses above the cost of your package will basically consist of 1 month’s rent, 1 month’s security, utility deposits, and other start-up expenses. We will estimate the amount of working capital you will need based on the store size you develop.
It includes financing, site location, and leasing assistance. We coordinate with your landlord to make sure all is ready prior to our arrival. It includes all the fixturing and equipment you will need for your store, as well as all the labor required to put your store together, directed by a professional Buildout Supervisor. It also covers all training (both before and after opening), access to our supplier network, a seasonal newsletter with the best new product and supplier information, and the best long-term support available—with never a franchise fee or royalty.
Yes, we have several third-party funding sources that we can review with you; they will be able to address most credit profiles.
No, our training is extensive and complete. After your training is finished, you will be fully ready to operate your store.
The financial process can be as little as a few days, or longer depending on your credit profile and any credit optimization required. The Site and Leasing process typically takes 45-60 days. It can finish much sooner, however, finding the right location is very important, so we take the time necessary to identify all viable locations and negotiate on a number of them so you have the best possible array of choices from which to decide.
This is a difficult question to answer; at this point, we do not know anything about a potential location. We can assist in assessing the potential of an actual location. What I can tell you now is that the average transaction in the party store industry ranges from $28 – $35. Large sales and gross margins of 50% or better fuel these stores.
Typically, our stores open around 9:00 AM and close around 8:00 or 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Sundays are shorter hours, typically 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Your hours will be dictated in part by the hours that your shopping center keeps or that your lease requires. Occasionally your shopping center may extend hours during holiday seasons. You are not typically required to extend yours unless your lease specifies otherwise, but if you can capture extra business, it is highly recommended.
You will have a Site Location specialist working for you. He or she will identify every possible location and will assess the location utilizing demographics, population, traffic counts, and the competitive environment. Locations that meet our requirements will be passed on to you for your review. You will assist by reviewing items we cannot see (e.g., is the center well maintained? Is it well lit at night?). You will want to see the condition of the store; we will make arrangements for you to get inside each potential location. The condition of the space will be important, as we will address what we want the landlord to do for you as part of the many provisions we include in our initial letter of intent and subsequent negotiations—all designed to protect YOU.
NO.
We negotiate for the landlord to deliver a space in “vanilla shell” condition. Then, our crew and setup supervisor will fixture the interior of your store. We will install the slat wall on all the interior walls, assemble all the fixtures, the cash counters, and all the specialty display units. We will stock the store and receive all merchandise. We will provide ALL the labor needed to ready your store for opening.
Yes, we deal with a large number of different suppliers all over the United States. Some are general party supply providers, others specialize in Licensed products (Disney, Marvel, NFL, MLB, and so on). All are the best for their particular category, both in terms of quality and price.
Not at this time. The supplier network and negotiated pricing that we provide is the centerpiece of our store packages, providing value to you for many years after you have opened your business. You can, however, visit the testimonial and photo gallery on our website and view in great detail the types of products available and the many categories we address. You can also visit the photo galleries on our Mega Store Builders Facebook page. Once your training commences, you will receive all of the most up-to-date supplier information.
We will be with you every step of the way, starting at Finance, then of course site location and lease negotiation. We will coordinate with your landlord to ensure all is ready for our arrival. You will always have access to our entire office staff for any assistance that you may need.
Other than start-up costs such as utilities and rent deposits, you will need to get a dumpster for the period of the buildout, due to the volume of cardboard and packing materials that will need to be disposed of.
No, we do not, due to the large variance in cost from market to market. However, we can make recommendations on the type of advertising that will be most effective in your specific area. More importantly, in Training, you will be taught many more “cost-effective” ways other than traditional advertising to get your store in front of your community, thereby creating additional traffic. We will assist you in creating a marketing program for your store utilizing community involvement, social media, your own website, assist in planning a grand opening, and more. Stores often “partner” with other providers in your area: bakeries for wedding and birthday cakes, bounce houses, etc. Many even get into party rentals (tables, chairs, popcorn machines, etc.) as ways to increase their business.
Yes, it is best to schedule a visit, as our staff is often out in the field visiting locations or store owners. You are more than welcome to meet all of our staff, visit with any or all of them, and ask any questions that you may have. Our office is located in Conway, AR. Our primary office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday. With an appointment, we can be available at any time! It is always better to let us know when you plan to visit, so we can make sure everyone is here for you.
We look forward to explaining all the advantages and value in our program to you!
Yes, absolutely! You are an independent owner, and so you can purchase from any supplier you choose. However, there are many benefits to buying within our network. We visit each supplier regularly, hand select only the best items, then negotiate the prices on each—if we cannot arrive at an acceptable price, that product is not made available to you! Remember, as part of our network, the pricing from our suppliers will provide you with the lowest pricing possible over what you would pay as an individual store owner. Just as importantly, the suppliers we have in our network are those that we have experience with over many years; they are reliable, ship as completely as possible, are responsive to our stores’ needs, and have quality products which they stand behind. It has taken many years to establish this group of suppliers.
None dictated by us. Each lease will seek to secure for you the exclusive for the dollar/party store use in your location. In some locations, the landlord may have restrictions on what you can carry; as we negotiate each location, we will together assess if those restrictions are ones you can live with. However, there may be federal, state, or local restrictions on what is legal to sell.
We have been in the retail business and developing Party Stores since 2000, and have been developing various types of retail stores for just over 40 years!
We are not in the real estate business; we are in the business of securing the best location at the best possible economic package (rent, free rent, tenant improvement allowances, etc.) for YOU. We utilize our own in-house staff to identify every available location—our only allegiance is to YOU!
We typically negotiate with your landlord to deliver a “vanilla shell”; a finished space with walls painted, flooring installed, etc. Sometimes, a landlord will want a tenant to take a space “as-is” and provide the tenant with a set amount of dollars per square foot to complete any needed work themselves. Depending on the extent of the work needed, this can be an advantage for you, or the work may be more involved and we may decide to not go this route. We will assess each space with you and determine what is best for YOU, then negotiate further with the landlord.
You will receive a time estimate for completion of your store when it is scheduled for buildout by our Operations department. For stores up to 3,000 sq. ft., it typically takes one to two weeks.
You will receive interior Grand Opening signage, Party “themed” signs, and signage to promote the different holidays and seasons. The package also includes interior perimeter signage and overhead signage, as well as signage for your endcaps and aisle markers giving your store a professional, “chain store” appearance. The new perimeter wall signage trims the tops of all interior walls; all of our signage is designed and manufactured specifically by us. It is unlike anything available in our industry and, of course, it is part of your store package! You will also receive a Grand Opening banner flag as well as a lighted open sign.
They are all included; the exact quantity depends on your store size.
(Please see Question #7 above).
You will receive the vendor list in your training materials, which contains our finest suppliers. You will learn what suppliers are best suited to be your general merchandise suppliers based on geography, shipping logistics, and product selection.
