Location and premises

Space and access are the main aspects to consider when choosing a Wholefood Planets are not city centre retail outlets, and both benefit from and require the space offered by warehouse locations. There should be sufficient space to keep the packing, retail, office and warehousing functions in one place. This arrangement encourages members of staff to move outside their comfort zones and learn new skills, ensuring multi-skilling and successful co-operative working. It also ensures that there is always a good number of staff on hand so that customers can ask for information and products easily.

Having plenty of space also allows for a coffee shop/café to be included. In order to store delivered goods effectively, storage space is maximised with high racking continuing in the areas above and below the display space. High ceilings in the warehouses create a tranquil, spacious environment with no high tech noise and screens.

It is best to find a warehouse with in excess of 8,000 square feet allocated for retail, warehouse, packing, office and staff spaces. Initially it might make financial sense to sublet some retail and warehouse space, until the business grows to utilise the full building. Finding the best building in the right location takes time and therefore it is better to find premises that will house the business in the long term, in contrast to building the business in a smaller place and moving it later.

Outside the building, customer parking space is required (as much as possible but at least ten bays with possibility for overflow on Saturdays). Separate from the customer parking, space is needed for delivery vehicles to both park and turn. Access to main routes is important for both customers and deliveries.