Published on : 31 January 20203 min reading time

It is undeniable that opening a store is a project in the making. The steps to follow, whether you are at the administrative level or in the internal organization of your company, are numerous and delicate. It is never a mistake to take the time to inform yourself about the necessary preparations, since the long-term success of the store will depend on it.

Preparations for opening a store

The success of your future store will largely depend on how much time you now devote to the project. As with any business, you need to do market research with accurate data. This is the first step in judging whether or not your products will find enough customers to keep the store going. Remember that some sectors are more promising than others. Adapt your marketing strategy to the products you plan to sell in your store. Take into account the geographical area in which you are located. Keep an eye out for competitors in the same area. What don’t they have and what will potential customers need? Use this to your advantage.

The formalities of setting up your store

You must know all the administrative formalities relating to the opening of your business. Regulations are not the same for all sectors of activity. Depending on your sector and the type of your products, the requirements will be more or less strict, so check with the relevant officials in your locality. In any case, you will need to be registered with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS) and file a declaration with the tax authorities. These two formalities are largely taken care of by the Centre de formalité des entreprises (CFE). The formalities will also depend on the legal status you choose. It is advisable to seek the advice of an expert to find out which status is the most advantageous for your business.

Commercial leases and businesses

When it comes to the premises to set up your store, the first mistake to avoid at all costs is to confuse the commercial lease with the goodwill. A commercial lease is a lease agreement used to operate a business. It is subject to regulations that protect the tenant. The business allows the tenant to operate a commercial activity. It is concluded between the tenant manager and the owner of the business.