Coat Check/Retail Space

[jpeckster]

Another discussion item...

In our region we feel that a free coat check is paramount to a good business (tipping optional) we have had problems allocating space for this as it reduces the floor space and sales per square foot, not including the staff and other costs with keeping it safe and secure.

Instead we have thought about making it a combo retail space/coat check. Here we would sell our tabacco (cigarettes, cigars, lighters, etc) adult novelty items, t-shirt, hats or other promo items as a way to generate some revenue to help cover the costs of the coat check. We don't want it to get too tacky or trinkety and deter from the overall space/atmosphere of the club.

Any thoughts or experience with this?

Cheers,
Jimbo

[Baudtender]

The idea appeals to me for one very good reason - I've seen
a lot of clubs put their clothing/novelties in the same place as
the person accepting admissions fees/tickets. Well, it strikes
me that a significant portion of possible sales are going to come
from people leaving, not entering, and crossing the flow of
traffic or re-entering is an obstacle to these sales. On the other
hand, if people have to pass by your sales area on their way
out, you're going to catch those sales you might otherwise
have lost. Not to mention that it's also a great spot in the
traffic flow to present items that complete the experience -
giveaway items, calendars of events, email-newsletter
signups, 1-free-cover-with-1-paid-entry on your next visit
coupons, "season tickets" for door charges, etc. By placing it
near both the interior entrance/exits, you sport a chance of
capturing their attention at least once, if not twice per visit.

I admire your intent to provide the service for "free" - my wheels
are turning and I'm convinced that so long as you required them
to be bonded, insured and save you harmless from liability, you
might be able to set up the personal item check area with a
private contractor that costs you nothing out of pocket, yet
provides a value-added service as well as replaces a payroll
expense - you give 'em a cut of your retail items sold, and they
keep all tips. Work on a week-by-week lease of the space (let's
say for a dollar, auto-renewing unless cancelled in writing by
either party with 24 hours advance notice of the next renewel
period) and define in the lease precisely what is and isn't allowed
in their "kiosk" (boot shine with slipper loan, limo discounts,
other items/services for sale that might or might not conflict with
your interests, and so on.)

Of course, your liability could be further insulated by disclosing
this arrangement and spelling out any assumed or implied
warranty on the claim ticket as far as the club is concerned.

Baudtender

[themusicman]

Along those same lines, I wonder if you could put in some of those lockers near the door like you see in theme parks and airports. Just a thought that popped in my head........

[jpeckster]

Baudtender---

We are in complete agreement about traffic patterns. The coat check should be near the entrance to be successful and the retail area needs to be close to the exit. So how do you mesh the two into a successful operation??

Location, location, location. Space and placement is the major consideration.

We hadn't thought of hiring an outside vendor to do this, but your idea is certainly worth exploring. The calendar of events, coupons, flyers, etc is also a great tip for self promotion.

The self serve lockers are also a though worth consideration.

Cheers,
Jimbo