The success of any business is largely dependent on its location. As a bakery owner, you want to pick out a storefront that your target market can easily find and visit. Choosing the right location for your store requires careful planning. If you want your customers to take a tasty trip to your bakery, there are certain considerations you need to know.
When finding a location for your bakery, consider its accessibility, the population density of the area, traffic counts, proximity to competitors, and access to parking.
The bakery location should be accessible
One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a possible bakery location is accessibility. You want a spot that is easy for customers to get to, either by car or public transportation. If you’re planning on having deliveries, you’ll also need to make sure that the spot you choose is convenient for delivery trucks.
The location should have access to major roads and thoroughfares to make it easier for customers to find their way to you. Having a place close to residential neighborhoods will also be beneficial, as this will give customers a more convenient option if they don’t want to go out of their way to get a treat.
Customers should find and reach your store with no to very minimal difficulty. Consider things like dedicated delivery parking spots and handicapped parking for customers with special needs, plus curb cuts and ramps for cart trolleys, pushcarts, wheelchairs, or strollers. This will make your shop more reachable to potential customers and make it easier for them to get buy the baked goods they need.
Consider the population density of the area
Your bakery location should have potential customers within a reasonable distance of your shop, or else you won’t make enough money to stay in business. Look at the population density in the area you’re considering. Ideally, you want an area with a high population density that is steadily growing.
You should also take into account other local businesses when thinking about population density. If other businesses sell similar products in the area, like a pastry shop or donut shop, you should consider if their presence will impact the amount of business you could get. If there’s an especially large concentration of competing businesses in the area, you may want to reconsider setting up shop in that location.
On the other hand, if there are very few bakeries in the area, you may have an advantage over the competition. Also, consider the types of people living in the area. If it’s a low-income neighborhood with few young families, chances are they won’t be able to buy your goods often. Whereas, if the area is home to many affluent families, they may be willing to spend more on bakery goods and become loyal customers.
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The traffic around the bakery area counts
Traffic counts can help you determine how many people are in the area and how much foot and vehicle traffic there is. By having a better understanding of the area’s traffic patterns, you can better gauge how much business you may get.
When a certain area has low traffic, you may not get that many customers. On the other hand, if there is a high amount of traffic, then you have a better chance of attracting more customers to your bakery. You should also consider the peak times of the day when most people are out and about so that you can plan your hours of operation accordingly.
It is also important to consider the types of vehicles that are present in the area. If the majority of vehicles are trucks or vans, then you may want to adjust your marketing strategies and products accordingly to attract those customers.
In addition to researching traffic counts, it is also beneficial to talk to local business owners who are familiar with the area to get an idea of how much business they receive from people driving by or walking past their shops. This can give you a better sense of what kind of foot traffic to expect for your bakeshop.
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Proximity to other bakeries
You need to identify the proximity of your location to other bakeries in the area. It’s important to research what other bakeries exist and how far away they are from your desired spot. Having too many competing bakeries close by could make it difficult for you to gain customers and compete against them.
On the other hand, being too far away from competitors could also make it difficult for you to establish a customer base. Try to find an area that has enough competition to make it interesting, but not so much that your bakery can’t stand out and be successful.
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Easy access to the bakery’s car park
Parking is crucial to your bakery’s success. Although pricey, it’s necessary to attract customers. When searching for a location, your bakery has several parking alternatives. The first option is to find neighboring lots or garages with enough room for you and your customers. These lots frequently have open space making them ideal for businesses in larger towns. However, the lot may have limited hours and additional fees depending on the time of day.
If you’re looking for free parking, try street parking. This may be a good alternative if you live in a residential neighborhood with many streets and sidewalks. Also, customers’ safety and street parking time constraints must be considered. If your business uses public parking, check local regulations to see if special licenses are needed.
Your bakery’s location, budget, and client base will determine the ideal parking choice. Doing so gives customers the convenience and ease of access they need when visiting.
Conclusion
The perfect spot for your bakery should be accessible and has a high traffic count with enough parking space. Also, when searching for your store’s potential location, you need to know the area’s population density and its proximity to competitors. The location of your business will play a significant role in its success, so it’s important to take the time to properly research your options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re on a street corner, you won’t get as many customers, and you might miss out on a lot of people who want to eat pastries on a busy, well-lit street. So, always pick a place with a lot of foot traffic to bring people to your bakery.
Bread and baked goods like muffins, bagels, quick bread, waffles, pastries, cakes, and cookies can be kept safely on the counter or in the pantry. Putting food in the refrigerator can extend its shelf life by two to three weeks by preventing problems like mold growth that cause it to go bad.
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This blog post is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney.
About the author. Entrepreneur and Bakery Business Fan.
Hi! I am Shawn and I am a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online bakery business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a bakery business owner, I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain customers, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Bakery Business Boss: I want to help bakery business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.