New Store Opening Readiness Punch List

Pre-opening inspection template for verifying new store readiness before opening day, including fixture installation, signage placement, department inventory readiness, technology systems testing, and associate orientation completion.

Inspection Details

• Store name and location confirmed
  Enter the store name, address, and opening date for this inspection.
• Inspection date and time recorded
  Record when the readiness walk-through was completed.
• Inspector and opening leader identified
  Enter the names and roles of the inspector and opening leader or project lead.
• Open items from prior punch list reviewed
  Confirm whether any previously identified deficiencies were reviewed before this inspection.
• Photos captured for unresolved deficiencies
  Confirm whether photo evidence was captured for any unresolved items.

Fixture Installation and Store Build-Out

• All permanent fixtures installed and secured
  Verify gondolas, shelving, counters, endcaps, and other permanent fixtures are fully installed, level, and secured.
• Fixtures free of visible damage and installation defects
  Check for missing hardware, exposed sharp edges, instability, or visible damage that could create a safety or operational deficiency.
• Merchandising fixtures aligned to approved planogram
  Confirm fixture placement matches the approved layout and does not block customer circulation, exits, or accessible routes.
• Checkout counters and service desks operationally ready
  Verify counters, bagging areas, and service desks are installed, clean, and ready for use.
• Backroom storage fixtures installed and labeled
  Confirm storage racks, bins, and receiving fixtures are installed and labeled for efficient inventory handling.

Signage, Wayfinding, and Customer Communication

• Exterior store signage installed and visible
  Verify primary exterior signage is installed, illuminated if applicable, and visible from the customer approach.
• Required safety and emergency signage posted
  Confirm exit signs, occupancy notices, emergency instructions, and other required safety postings are in place and legible.
• Department and aisle signage installed correctly
  Verify department headers, aisle markers, and directional signs are installed in the correct locations and match the store layout.
• Promotional and opening-day signage approved and current
  Confirm all promotional signs, grand opening messaging, and price communication are current, approved, and not outdated.
• Accessibility and wayfinding signage unobstructed
  Check that accessible route markers, restrooms, fitting rooms, and service signage are visible and not blocked by product or fixtures.

Department Inventory and Merchandising Readiness

• Core opening inventory received and staged
  Confirm opening inventory has been received, counted, and staged for each department according to the opening plan.
• Shelves, pegs, and display areas stocked to opening minimums
  Verify departments have sufficient product on shelves and displays to support opening-day sales and presentation standards.
• Merchandise organized by department and category
  Confirm product is sorted, labeled, and placed in the correct department locations without mixed or misplaced stock.
• Price tags and shelf labels match displayed merchandise
  Check that shelf tags, labels, and promotional pricing match the product on display and are legible.
• Backstock and reserve inventory stored safely
  Verify reserve inventory is stored in designated areas, stacked safely, and does not block access, exits, or equipment.
• Department presentation meets opening standards
  Rate the overall presentation readiness of each department, including cleanliness, organization, and visual merchandising.

Technology Systems and Equipment Testing

• POS terminals power on and process test transaction
  Verify point-of-sale terminals boot correctly and complete a successful test transaction.
• Payment devices and receipt printers function correctly
  Confirm card readers, contactless payment devices, and receipt printers are connected and operating without error.
• Network, Wi-Fi, and back-office systems operational
  Verify store network connectivity, Wi-Fi coverage, and back-office access are functioning for opening operations.
• Security, alarm, and camera systems tested
  Confirm alarm panels, intrusion systems, and cameras are powered, recording, and tested per site procedure.
• Equipment exceptions documented and assigned
  List any technology or equipment issues that remain open, including owner, corrective action, and target completion date.

Associate Orientation and Opening Team Readiness

• All scheduled associates completed orientation
  Confirm required orientation has been completed for all associates scheduled to work opening day.
• Roles, responsibilities, and escalation contacts communicated
  Verify associates understand opening-day roles, who to contact for issues, and the escalation process for deficiencies.
• Safety procedures reviewed with opening team
  Confirm the team has been briefed on emergency exits, incident reporting, PPE expectations, and store-specific safety procedures.
• Training sign-off records available
  Verify training or orientation sign-off records are available for review and stored with opening documentation.