Store Update: Take a look behind-the-scenes!
You may know that we’ve been working on expanding our store – for most of this year! You might wonder, “What’s taking so long?” Well, it’s a bit of a process… and we want to get it right.
We’re working on building the showroom in our current space. We’ve manufactured all the shelving and we have the various security racks we need. We’re just stalling on installation because we’re working on some municipal work that is delaying us… if you happen to be an expert on zoning and have time for a chat, please reach out!
We’re also looking for the right warehouse. We feel a bit like Goldilocks. It can’t be too small or too big. It should be just right! Thanks to Zecko The Realtor, who has been our tireless advocate in that search. We’ve seen a lot of very boring empty buildings together!
We’re switching e-commerce platforms and we’ve built a new website. It now needs product and testing before we can turn it loose. We have really cool features in store we’re looking forward to showing you closer to opening day.
In order to align inventory across the showroom, warehouse, and website we need to overhaul our Point of Sale… boring but necessary! We’ve made decisions, we’re about to make the change.
Where does the product come from? Distributors. One of the interesting dynamics we’ve discovered is they typically don't want to talk to you until you’re licensed to sell firearms. Thankfully we’ve had some kind introductions that have allowed us some early access to people and information.
The last step, once most of the above is in place, is finally applying for the store license from the Chief Firearms Officer. That’s part of the process where we see if we’re prepared enough and what we still need to bring up to “code”.
While we’re a couple of months behind our targets, for reasons we couldn’t have been expected to predict, we are definitely making concrete progress. We think we can have the ducks in a line by the end of Summer.
What’s really driving this project is you: people who have made us the busiest CFSC training center in Ontario, who have held us to a high standard that defies expectations of most small firearms businesses, and who give us a push to keep building. This store is about expanding our ability to meet your needs. We can’t wait to get it done!
-The Range Arts Team