If you're pursuing Premium, applying for a Retail Improvement Grant should be at the top of your to-do list. These grants cover up to 50% of your renovation cost. We prioritize working with stores eager to improve their space—and nothing shows that eagerness like working toward Premium.

Today, we're shining the spotlight on two stores that took advantage of last year's pilot Retail Improvement Grant program and reached Premium as a result.

GameStorm: New Chairs and New Floors

Before obtaining a Retail Improvement Grant last year, GameStorm had the metrics to reach Premium, but they still had a few Premium Quality Checklist items to tackle.

First, one of the three most common hurdles to Premium: high-quality, matching tables and chairs.

They had to replace a lot of chairs to fill their whole play space. So, they applied for a grant to help cover the cost.

They checked the box with these comfortable, easy-to-maintain seats.

But they didn't stop there.

The concrete flooring also did not meet the Premium Quality Checklist requirement of "adding to an inviting interior layout and design."

With the help of a Retail Improvement Grant, GameStorm now has beautiful new laminate throughout their space that meets both Premium requirements and the store's needs—it's inviting while still durable and easy to clean.

With these changes, GameStorm made Premium on March 13, 2020.

Cool Stuff Games—Jacksonville: New Bathroom, New POS Organization, and More

Cool Stuff Games—Jacksonville had several projects they wanted to tackle as they worked toward Premium.

First, they wanted to completely renovate their bathrooms. The Premium Quality Checklist requires that restrooms be clean, well-supplied, in excellent repair, and include permanent hygiene fixtures like soap dispensers.

The store went above and beyond by using their grant to purchase new fixtures, like a new toilet and mirror, and turned the bathroom into an entirely new space.

Next, to meet the requirement of a clean, clutter-free, organized environment, Cool Stuff Games needed new counters behind the point of sale.

Their new counters keep overstock and supplies out of view, keeping customer focus on all the products available at the POS instead.

In addition to the above projects, Cool Stuff Games used their grant to repaint and buy Premium-quality light fixtures, trash cans, and chairs.

After finishing their improvements, Cool Stuff Games—Jacksonville reached Premium on March 31, 2020.

Your Store: Where Could Renovations Take You?

A Retail Improvement Grant can knock down the barriers between you and Premium by helping you finish your next project, no matter how large or small.

You can find everything you need to know to apply here.

Ready to complete your project? Apply for a Retail Improvement Grant today!