12 Steps To Starting African Store Business

Opening an African store can be a lucrative business venture, especially if you live in a city with little competition and high population of immigrants.African store is a small retail business that sells ethnic products (foods, drinks, hair attachment, movies, music, clothes, cosmetics, artworks etc.)

Marketing and Business Plan
It’s very important to develop your marketing and business plan when starting an African store. To create a business plan, list the business structure, name of your store, the estimated startup costs, the services and items you want to offer.

Key to getting started
When you want to start a business, there are several things to consider before you can sell your product or service. Most African stores need to complete a minimum of three basic steps:

• Find out what licences and regulations apply to your type of business
• Choose a business structure and register or incorporate your business
• Determine the taxation involved

Regulations and Location
Your business may need licences and permits from the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government. Make sure you comply with the federal, local and state guidelines.
You also need to consider your customers’ safety and the location must be convenient for them too.  The location should be where your target market is crowded and easy access for your customers.

Food safety and labeling
Your local health unit is the main contact for information on food safety and label requirements. You should contact your local health authority and arrange an inspection of your African store, equipment and processes to make sure your business is complying with local and federal legislation.

Equipment needed for Your African Store
The type of equipment you need for your African store depends on what you plan to sell. At a minimum, you need the following items:

• Cash register with credit card processing machine
• Freezers and refrigerators for perishable goods
• Shelves and display cases for displaying items
• Carts or baskets for customer use
• Security systems with alarms and cameras

Taxation
Depending on your location and the type of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

Finding Genuine Suppliers
You need a strong and reliable network of distributors to get the goods for your African store. Establishing relationships with genuine suppliers is very important. You will need wholesalers to provide you with the products you will offer at very competitive prices. Consider the needs of your African store as well as your budget before deciding who to partner with.

Stocking your store with products
Stock your store shelves with the items you will sell. Use methods that will make restocking and ordering simpler for you and those working with you.

Launching your African store
When launching your African store, consider offering special deals and using banners to attract customers. Make sure that your target market knows about your grand opening, you can invite your friends and family members to graze your store opening.

Advertising your African store
Advertising for your African store startup begins at the shelf level. This means item placement is important.  Wherever you advertise, include coupons and information on the latest items and sales. Feature innovative and creative product offerings that differentiate your store from the competition. Do mouth to mouth advertisement (tell people about your store)

Build a Solid Online Presence
Build online presence for your African store:

• Online store
• Local business listings
• Review sites (Yelp)
• Social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Mobile apps
• Google Maps
• Google my Business

NEXT STEP
Partner with Feco Foods Private Label Services for quality African food products supplies, branding and packaging. Get Free Online Presence for your African store