Where more capital is available, it is better to select premises in which there is room for an expanding trade, and to endeavour to cultivate a superior class of customer. With regard to the possibilities of any neigh bourhood, due inquiry should be made, and a careful study of the surround ings undertaken. Whilst it is impossible to avoid altogether the presence of competition, opening in a "used up" district must be guarded against. There are, for example, certain suburbs of London which are neither growing as to population, nor is the quality of the inhabitants improving. On the other hand, other districts are rapidly being built upon, and with the private houses a certain proportion of shops are put up.
Another condition to be observed is whether the proposed shop is on the right or wrong side of the road, as almost every thoroughfare seems to have a side lined with successful businesses, whilst the opposite side is studded with the evidences of failure. As to the shop itself, it should be suited to the business proposed. A draper will require roomy premises, whilst a cellar will not be of great use. A grocer at starting may not need such a large shop, whilst a cellar, especially if it be light and dry, will be of great service. There should be good monis above the shop; for the beginner it is a great economy and convenience to live upon the premises. Again, a yard with back entrance, and a room behind the shop for storage purposes, are most useful to the grocer. In the case of the draper, the room behind the shop is of service, whilst the-yard may well be dispensed with.
In the selection of a shop, the question of the future of the business must be considered. It is, in general, the best policy, to begin with, to arrange with the landlord for a lease for seven years, with the option to extend the same for a further period. If greater caution than this be desirable, the shop may be taken, the landlord being willing, on a three years' agreement, with the option of a lease on its expiry. The beginner will thus safeguard himself in the event of his trade having grown, and good-will--which is largely attached to the premises—having been created.
In the selection of a shop it may be possible to find one w ith a front adaptable to the trade contemplated, already in position. In other cases, the landlord may be induced to put in a suitable front, especially if the premises are new. Indeed, it is usual to leave the completion of the premises, in this respect, until a new shop is let, when the wishes FA* the incoming tenant are met.
The foregoing limits and cautions are, of course, to be taken generally. Particular circumstances will arise in each case. However, no one should embark in business unless he is fully convinced that a trade is to be built up in the premises he has chosen. Fullest investigation should be made, and then the beginner must launch out, with every caution, it is true, but also with every confidence in both his own ability to make the shop a success, and in the capability of the shop as an instrument of successful trading C. L. T. BEEcroNn.
Organisino Secretary to the Institute of Certificated Grocers.