Old Orchard Construction Update #1
Construction is in full swing at our second store, currently scheduled to open on November 24th at Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, IL (details about this location here). We broke ground on October 25th and expect the build-out to be complete exactly four weeks later.
This second location, while easier in that we do not have to create every design and operational element from scratch, is significantly more complex in that it requires a complete tear down and re-build. We'll be replacing EVERYTHING including the exterior facade, glazing (glass) and all interior walls, ceilings, etc. Under normal circumstances I'd never recommend a small business taking on this type of challenge, but we are paying a lower rent in-part because of the work required to renovate the space and bring it up to the mall's current design standards.
While the final bill for this store will be a little more than 50% more expensive than Naperville, I'm pretty confident that the final result will be well worth it. This store should be gorgeous!
With the open exactly three weeks from today, things are moving at a frenzied pace. The remainder of the part time staff should be on board by the end of the week, and training begins in earnest this weekend. Construction begins on the furniture and fixtures on Monday, and we're currently working on our opening inventory orders based on the initial sales results from Naperville.
In addition to the pictures to the right, I've begun an Old Orchard Construction Album where you'll be able to see the store progress from beginning to end. In case you missed it, here's a link to the Naperville Construction Album.
More details to come soon.
Adagio Teas
Twitter: @AdagioRetail