Expansion Roadmap
The step-by-step path we follow with retail clients from first conversation to opening day at a second shop.
How we guide your second shop from idea to opening
Every retailer arrives at a different stage. Some have three leases on the table; others are still wondering whether their suburb can support another door. Our roadmap adapts to your starting point, but the sequence below shows how a typical expansion planning engagement unfolds.
Discovery conversation
A 45-minute call or meeting at your existing shop. We review trading history, your reasons for expanding, and any sites you are already considering. You receive a honest view on whether now is the right time.
Scope and proposal
Within three business days we send a written proposal with deliverables, timeline, and fixed fee. Once accepted and deposit received, we schedule discovery sessions and request POS exports and supplier lead-time data.
Site shortlist and walks
We define selection criteria with you — rent-to-sales thresholds, delivery access, customer demographics — then walk up to three premises together. Marcus documents visibility, neighbour mix, and lease red flags.
Financial model and stock plan
Claire builds a 24-month cash-flow model with conservative, expected, and strong scenarios. We recommend how to split stock between locations and estimate the working-capital buffer you need before opening day.
Operations and staffing
Priya drafts roster templates, role descriptions, and handover procedures. If you engage the standalone Staffing & Operations Plan, this phase includes trial-shift guidance for your first manager hire.
Final plan and handover
You receive the complete expansion document: site recommendation, financial model, stock split, opening checklist, and lease questions for your solicitor. We walk through it in a 90-minute session and remain available for two weeks of clarification emails.
Typical timeline
Most engagements run six to eight weeks from deposit to final delivery. Site Selection Reviews alone take two weeks. Staffing plans take three weeks and can run in parallel once a site is chosen.
Where to begin
If you have been trading at least eighteen months and are weighing a second location, request an expansion review and tell us your category, current suburb, and target opening window.