Setting Store Hours and Planning Your Schedule

How to Choose Store Hours That Work for You and Your Customers

Setting hours can feel like guesswork. You want to be open when business is good, but every hour open (and staffed) costs time or money. Here’s how to find the sweet spot for your consignment or resale shop:

• Research your area. What are typical hours for similar shops? Visit competitors and note their busiest times.
• Know your customer. Families shop weekends, working adults often visit after 5pm or Saturdays. If you’re close to schools, “after school” hours may be busy.
• Consider location and safety. Well-trafficked areas may do well being open later. Shops in quieter areas often close at dusk.
• Start with core hours. Many successful shops run 11am–5pm or 12pm–6pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Adjust based on demand and your own ability to staff.

Creating a Starter Store Schedule

• Pick consistent hours at first. For example, “Open Tue–Sat, 11am–5pm” is easy for shoppers to remember and covers busy times.
• Identify your slowest and peak hours by tracking sales in your software for a few weeks then consider trimming or shifting open times as needed.
• Consider special “late” hours one night a week, or “Sunday pop-up” events if you notice extra demand.
• Announce hours everywhere: on your door, website, Google Business Profile, and social media.

Solo Owner? Plan Realistically for Time Off!

• Working six or seven days is not sustainable. Name one or two “shop closed” days per week, even if demand seems strong when you open.
• If possible, close for most major holidays communicate these well in advance.
• Adjust seasonal hours (for example, longer hours before Christmas or back-to-school, shorter in January or summer) to match foot traffic.

Staff Planning and Family Balance

• If working alone, try to schedule errands, intake, cleaning, and bookkeeping outside open hours whenever possible. This improves customer service and prevents burnout.
• Once you can afford to, hire part-time help for peak hours, new intake days, or as backup for emergencies. This protects your health and your bottom line.

Holidays, Events, and Weather: Plan for the Unexpected

• Post a yearly calendar of planned closings (holidays/vacation) and unexpected weather plans right by your front door and online.
• Adjust hours for sidewalk sales, local events, or special “consignor drive” days to capture bigger crowds.

FAQ: Store Hours and Retail Schedule Decisions

Quick Scheduling Checklist

• Check local shop hours before setting your own
• Start with 5 or 6 days per week, with at least 1 “rest” day
• Post hours on every customer touchpoint
• Review after 1-2 months move hours earlier or later if you spot dead periods
• Plan help or coverage for lunch, illness, or family events if you can

Next Steps and Advice

• Update your Google, Facebook, and any online directories with hours monthly
• Try a “suggestion box” near the register for customer hour feedback
• Track sales by hour/day in your consignment software to see trends
• Read store policies guide for ideas on how to address closures, holidays, and late pickups

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