Sep 17, 2019 — Retail Improvement Grant

5 Things to Do Before You Apply for a Retail Improvement Grant

Got a project you're ready to propose? Great! Here are five things you should do first—they'll save you some time later.

Sep 17, 2019 — Retail Improvement Grant

5 Things to Do Before You Apply for a Retail Improvement Grant

Got a project you're ready to propose? Great! Here are five things you should do first—they'll save you some time later.

Note: This pilot program is available in the United States and Canada only.

The Retail Improvement Grant pilot program is the next step in elevating in-store Magic. The Wizards Play Network is dedicated to empowering stores to create world-class gaming experiences for their communities. The goal of this test program is to increase the number of stores that do.

Got something in mind? Great! Here are five things you should do before you apply—they'll save you some time later.

 

Consider Pursuing WPN Premium

 

Our ideal candidates will be WPN members who are actively pursuing WPN Premium and could use a little boost to get the across the finish line.

WPN Premium is a public recognition of the best game stores in the world. If a Retail Improvement Grant could help put you in that class, we're eager to see your application. The bar is high, but our hope is that this pilot program will help put it within reach of more WPN members.

If you're interested, here are some resources to check out.

 

2. Plan the Renovation With Key Metrics in Mind

 

Any valid test needs a way to measure results. We'll use the best available indicators of the quality of experience you offer—sales, Tickets, and Engaged Players.

As you plan your project, consider how the renovations will impact those metrics. Will it increase in revenue? Will it increase Tickets and Engaged Players? Will it draw new customers to your events?

Once you can confidently answer "yes" to each of those questions, it's time for the next step.

 

3. Budget the Project—Grants Will Cover Up to 50% of Total Project Cost

 

The goal of this pilot program is to give stores a boost as they work to make a sizeable aesthetic upgrade in their space. We intend to work with stores who are on board to supplement the grant amount with their own funds in order to achieve that goal.

The amount of each grant will be given based on cost of renovation, up to 50% of the project cost.

 

4. Take a "Before" Video and a Set of Photos*

 

Your walkthrough video should include the following areas to show where renovations will occur:

  • Entrance
  • Retail Area
  • Play Space
  • Point of Sale
  • Restrooms
  • Highlight of general upgrades, i.e. floor, ceiling, lighting, paint, storage, artwork placement, etc.

* Not required if you’ve already applied to WPN Premium, but may still be requested.

 

5. Use these Tools to Create a 3D Render of the "After"

 

We're looking to choose projects that will make the biggest impact with the greatest efficiency. To help us visualize that impact, create a 3D render of your proposal. You can use one of the tools listed below to create a PDF file and include it in your application.

Planner 5D

Homestyler

Smart Draw

Once you've completed those steps, it's time to apply!

Once applications are in, we will work with our partner, Siteline Productions, to identify up to ten grant recipients based on the project submissions. Proposals will receive a pre-generated response to confirm receipt. Grant recipients will be notified in mid-November.

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