Feasibility Study Sample

Feasibility Study for Nerd Sister Computers

The purpose of this feasibility study is to determine whether or not it will be profitable to open new Nerd Sisters computer outlet in the Davidson Mall. The purpose of this feasibility study is to determine whether or not it will be profitable to open new Nerd Sisters computer outlet in the Davidson Mall. Nerd Sisters has thus far been operating out of small warehouse space rented by Janet and Maria Evans but the company now needs retail outlet where it can sell its custom built laptop and notebook computers. This report was written for the benefit of the Nerd Sisters owners and investors and is not intended for public consumption.

Nerd Sister Computers is currently building and selling custom laptops and notebook computers out of warehouse space at Centennial Avenue. While the company intends to continue building and storing computers there the site is not conducive to sales to the general public. Because the warehouse space is one large room that is used primarily for assembling computers it is difficult to create an attractive space in which prospective customers can view and test drive computers.

The warehouse park is also not location that attracts the general public so it is not desirable sales location. Nerd Sister Computers will continue to sell computers over the internet but internet sales are now minimal. The Davidson Mall attracts shoppers from 75 mile radius and has other high tech and high fashion stores that may bring in exactly the sort of customers Nerd Sister Computers is looking for.

Needs

An attractive space in which to showcase and demonstrate our computers to prospective customers. Space that attracts the general public and the customers who are looking for hip hi tech devices.

Market

People who want portable computers designed to serve their specific needs and preferences.

Solution

A sales outlet in shopping mall or other popular public place.

Studies

According to study done last September for TrendStats International companies that sell merchandise and do not have facility where the public can comfortably see and touch that merchandise are missing out on at least 40% of potential sales. Also the previous year annual report for Spender Cash Corporation indicates that their annual sales doubled when they partnered with Now. Outlets to sell computers in stores as well as over the internet. The Davidson Mall is open from 9am – 9pm Saturday and 12 7pm on Sundays.

It currently has the following spaces available. Mall security and listings on outdoor and indoor signs are included in the rental price per month. Space Location.

Between Teck Shack and Sports stores across from Harmoney women’s business clothing store and The Reading Rack book store. Size. sq ft Rental. $950 to $1190 month depending on contract.

This space was formerly occupied by women’s clothing store. It includes very small storage office room and restroom in the back and currently includes two dressing rooms and cashier counter. There are electrical outlets spaced around the perimeter and two at the cashier counter.

Space Location. Between AllKidz Clothes and SoCool Shoes stores across from JackBoots shoe store and Marthena’s Hobbies. Size. sq ft Rental. $750 to $1000 month depending on contract This space was formerly occupied by specialty toy store.

The space is currently completely stripped of temporary walls or counters. It includes small restroom in the back corner. There are eight electrical outlets spaced around the perimeter.

Space Location. Between BigGals clothing store and vacant space soon to be converted to cinema complex across from south mall entry. Size. sq ft Rental. $875 to $1050 depending on contract This space was formerly occupied by party supply store.

It has cashier counter and small office and restroom at the back. There are nine electrical outlets spaced around the perimeter of the room. Alternatives to leasing space at the Davidson Mall are presented below.

Lease space elsewhere. Other possible alternatives are spaces at the Firwood Center Court and the Southside Mall. But all of these are substantially more expensive. Only the Southside Mall offers as much customer access and it is miles further away from the manufacturing facility.

Do not lease additional retail space; try to beef up current sales. Nerd Sister Computers could continue in its current space in the warehouse park. But then it is unlikely that many additional retail customers would be attracted to that site although attempts could be made by positioning large advertising sandwich boards on Centennial Avenue and taking out ads in local magazines and newspapers. In addition Nerd Sisters could pay for targeted ads on the internet to try to increase internet sales but studies show that most people want to see and touch computers and handheld devices before they buy.

Although the economy has only just begun to recover from the recent economic downturn we envision the following future potential for this project. The Davidson Mall is located in an area that includes many of the most sought after residential neighborhoods. More and more wealthy families are moving to the area purchasing and refurbishing the many historic homes found there.

The Coole Street Condo Development although temporarily halted due to the economy is now starting up again with all construction on its deluxe condos expected to be complete by May of next year. We anticipate that this area will continue to attract high income families who will shop at Davidson Mall. The Mall expects to begin construction on new cinema complex late next year which will bring in more customers. Thus we feel that the potential for selling customized computers at the Davidson Mall will increase in coming years.

With rental prices for vacant mall spaces currently at 10 year low now would be good time to lock in five year contract for mall space. We anticipate the following costs and benefits for opening retail space in the Davidson Mall. Based on our analysis of this project we recommend the following.

Lease space #16 in the Davidson Mall on five year contract Space number is ideally located to draw in customers for Nerd Sister Computers. Fifty percent of our clientele are upscale business women who are likely to buy clothing at Harmoney. And Teck Shack and The Reading Rack will draw in ‘educated geeks’ of all ages.

Teck Shack does offer few handheld computer devices that will compete with Nerd Sisters on minor level but ours are customizable not one type fits all so ours will compare favorably. Do minimal remodel ASAP. All present furnishings can be kept. Add display tables in center of room and display racks and shelves along walls.

Hire four part time sales clerks. Four part time sales clerks are cheaper than two full time employees because they will not receive benefits. Scheduling four people also allows for more flexibility than two full time employees would.

Due to the Mall’s proximity to the community college we recommend advertising in the community college’s computer studies program to attract some youthful tech savvy employees. Open with hi tech ‘fashion show.’ Because Nerd Sister Computers specializes in customized colors and configurations for portable computers we recommend opening with ‘fashion show’ theme. Consider featuring live models maybe design students from the community college program using cool computers in the store windows or at minimum renting mannequins and matching computers to clothing.