Components of a Business Layout The floor layout diagrams used in this presentation were taken from Meyer, Earl C. and Kathleen R. Allen, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, 1st edition (New York: Glencoe-McGraw Hill, 1994),
Business layout A floor plan or map that shows how the space in the site will be used to conduct business.
Physical Layout Patterns Right-angle grid Open layout Enclosed layout Landscaped layout
Right-Angle Grid Layout Produces a pattern of crossing aisles that provides a highly-structured system for facilitating the flow of traffic Reduces security concerns Works well for self-service operations such as grocery stores Diagram from Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (1994), p. 185.
Consists of completely open sales space bounded by outside walls Enhances visibility of merchandise and sales coverage Provides security Open Layout Diagram from Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (1994), p. 185.
Enclosed Layout Organizes types of merchandise into separate operations divided by walls Creates individual shopping environments Used by department stores Diagram from Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (1994), p. 186.
Landscaped Layout Combines the elements of the open and enclosed layouts Improves customer and sales staff interaction Encourages creative displays Does not use space efficiently Increases the danger of shoplifting Diagram from Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (1994), p. 186.
Standard Items Necessary for Business Operations (will vary depending on the type of business) Furniture: desks, chairs, bookcases, filing cabinets, tables, computer stands Fixtures: lamps, overhead lights, shelving, counters, showcases
Standard Items Necessary for Business Operations (continued) Office equipment: computers, telephones, photocopiers, fax machines Office supplies: pencils, scissors, paper clips, manila folders, calendars, pens, stationery
Standard Items Necessary for Business Operations (continued) Maintenance supplies: paper towels, toilet tissue, cleaning supplies Kitchen supplies: coffee maker, small refrigerator, microwave, coffee, tea