According to the latest Canadian statistics, a new franchise opens in Canada every two hours, 365 days a year. This means the stakes are high for individuals opening new businesses and even higher for those taking a gamble on revitalizing an existing business that’s in serious need of a refresh.
For Kenji Takaki, the decision to buy the Clancy’s Meat Co. in Willowbrook Mall was the easy part.
The challenge? Undergoing a complete store makeover and showing consumers that they were in for something completely new.
With several years of management experience at one of Vancouver’s premiere hotels, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Takaki knew the key to turning the store around was customer service.
For the change, he tapped into his five-star hospitality skills by putting a laser focus on customer service.
Since the re-opening of the store in January, sales have grown month by month which Kenji attributes to a few simple strategies:
• Build on what you know: Draw on past life/work experience and incorporate skills you’ve already mastered;
• Open the front door: Keep it simple when it comes to unique ways to develop the business. Regardless of the winter weather, Kenji insisted that the front door was open to welcome new business;
• Grab a hold of expectations: Taking over an existing store means managing the relationship between the previous owner and the regular clientele. Be ready to suggest new products to replace old favourites that may have changed during the re-branding, and
• Use your resources: Call on your support system. Kenji found Paul Monger, CEO of Clancy’s Meat Co. an invaluable resource for encouragement, coaching and expertise.
