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), 185-186.

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