Retail Store Opening Checklist (Free Template)
A store that opens late or half-ready loses the morning customers who were passing anyway. This checklist is for store managers and keyholders in small independent shops: gift shops, boutiques, convenience stores, hardware stores and the like. It covers security, the registers, the sales floor and a final walk-through, so a new keyholder can open alone and the store looks the same whoever opened it.
Free, no sign-up. Edit it, print it, share it with your team.
What you'll need
- Keys and alarm code
- Starting cash for each register
- Today's deliveries and promotions
- Cleaning cloths
The checklist
Check the outside of the store before you unlock.
Windows, doors and security gates. If anything looks forced, don't go in; call your manager.
Watch out: Never go in alone if you think someone has broken in.
Turn off the alarm and lock the door behind you.
Keep it locked until opening time.
Switch on the lights, music, heating or cooling, and screens.
Check every light in the window display.
Count the starting cash into each register.
Count twice and write the amount on the sheet. Check that the card terminals are connected.
Read the shift log and your messages for today's tasks.
Deliveries, price changes, promotions and schedule changes.
Walk the sales floor and face the shelves.
Pull products to the front edge with labels facing out, and fill gaps from the stockroom.
Check the price tags on new and promoted items.
The shelf price must match the register. Fix any that don't.
Set up today's promotional displays.
Follow the photo or plan from the owner or head office, if you have one.
Clean the entrance, counters and fitting rooms.
Sweep the entrance and wipe the glass doors and counters.
Clear the aisles and the entrance of boxes and trip hazards.
Emergency exits must stay clear and unlocked while the store is open.
Brief everyone on shift.
Tasks, breaks and today's targets. Two minutes is enough.
Unlock the door at opening time.
Raise the security gates all the way, put out the sidewalk sign and greet the first customers.
How to adapt it
- Add a photo of the window display to the promotions step.
- Name the lights and screens to switch on in the third step.
- Keep a separate procedure for delivery days.
- Put a QR code by the staff entrance so the opener can follow the list.
Turn this template into training your team will actually open
In ShowHow, your staff read each step on their phone, with photos, in their own language, and you see who has confirmed it. Start from this template or film yourself doing the job.
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