Start a retail store? This is what you need: tag guns and more

Well, whether you're looking to open a small neighborhood liquor store or a large clothing emporium, you'll need the same basic supplies to help you run it. A large part of your supply list will be based on the type of rooms your business will have, i.e. warehouse, break room, etc.

So without further ado, here are some of the basic supplies that any retail business is going to require:

Let's start with the warehouse. After all, every retail store must have a stock room, otherwise it is not a big stock room.

Price tagging guns, of course, are a vital tool for any retail industry. Invented in 1899, pistols and price tags are generally found in every single retail store, and yours probably shouldn't be trying to change the trend.

Also, to go with the labeling guns, you will need price tags; otherwise you only have one useless piece of plastic. Look for any additional signage or labellers you may need

Don't forget the shelves, if your store doesn't already have them installed, as well as the trash cans and garbage bags. And be sure to keep those trash cans tidy! No business is helped by having overflowing garbage bags sitting around. Also, customers who can't find a place to deposit their trash have a tendency to put it in a place they won't be very happy about.

Brooms, mops and other cleaning supplies should also be a priority. If your store sells something wet, go ahead and get a "Wet Floor" sign. Yes, it's as silly as the labels "This drink is hot" on coffee cups, but it has the same purpose: to protect your butt from being sued.

Now for your sales area. The obvious needs are cash registers, shopping baskets, and bags of various sizes. Depending on the size of the store, you may also want to consider shopping carts.

What you are selling, where you are selling, and how much you plan to sell should be considered when deciding on a security system. Some business owners are comfortable simply with safety mirrors. Others spend thousands of dollars on intricate, complicated, and unflappable security systems. Deciding what is best, yet most reasonable for you, is important not only to keep your store, staff, customers, and products safe, but also to save you money.

Now if you have a break room, the items it contains should be based on how you want to treat your staff. Some company break rooms only have a coffee maker and a rocking chair. Others have kitchen appliances, entertainment systems, pool tables, etc. What you put in your break room is based solely on how comfortable you want your staff to feel.