Are You Ready for Industry Growth?
Every industry has been hit during these tough economic times, but one area is prospering. According to the Financial Times, “The resilience of large supermarket chains during the recession has triggered a boom in retail construction, even as high street shops cut back on new building and refurbishment. The jump in supermarket work highlights the polarising effect the downturn has had on the retail sector, with big-name food retailers consolidating their positions at the top of the market” (March 2011).
The retail construction business is slowly making its way back as a major player in the building industry and supermarkets have given it a place to shine. New, enormous and elaborate structures are being built to house sustenance that everyone needs, but that’s not all that’s happening. Grocery stores are becoming one-stop shops. Now retailers like Target and Wal-Mart are adding “super” to the front of their store signs. Running out for a carton of milk? Well now you can get the bowl, spoons, table and chairs that go with your morning breakfast. And don’t forget the refrigerator and light bulbs while you’re there.
But what does all of this mean for the construction industry? It means that contractors and builders need to pay special attention to the permits and licenses that come along with putting up massive structures that contain various products. You may need to obtain a business license, milk retail license and a frozen dessert retailer license, and those don’t begin to cover permits you may need for the non-food section of the store.
The permit business can take time, effort and research, but in order to have a happy owner and a legal store, contractors need to make sure that the correct permits and licenses are secured.
