ALBERNI VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

DEADLINE EXTENDED!

RETAIL OPERATIONS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

November 22, 2013

GENERAL GOALS

• The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce (AVCOC) wishes to contract out the retail business within our building
• Establish a stronger retail presence by providing significant product mix, inventory levels along with general product of interest to the local community and the many visitors that enter our building

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Successful retailers; established, confident, capable of maintaining a reasonable inventory level; have the financial resources considered necessary for long term objectives.

OBJECTIVES

• To improve our retail presence by providing an interesting and affordable mix of inventory that our visitors are clearly looking for.
• Maintain a reasonable level of Port Alberni branded products such as T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts etc.
• Maintain a level of inventory consistent with First Nations art and culture; clearly something that our visitors are looking for

PROJECT DETAILS

• The retail environment would be leased out to the successful applicant on a minimum one year term.
• AVCOC would require that a minimum inventory level is maintained and products would have to be managed by the lessee except where mutually agreed upon.
• AVCOC would manage day to day sales and would expect a % of sales as commission for doing so. The lessee would be welcome to assist and/or participate and in order to do so would have to complete the necessary Visitor Centre training programs.

BUDGET, SCHEDULE & DESIGN CONSTRAINTS

• The Chamber of Commerce through its Visitor Centre operations is open year round; 7 days per week. Exceptions include: Statutory Holidays during the ‘off season’, December 24 – January 2^nd inclusive.
• Hours of business are set at 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday & 10:00am – 2:00pm Saturday / Sunday. Seasonal hours are adjusted from the period of the May long weekend through Thanksgiving during which time we have extended day time hours and full 8 – 9 hour open periods on the weekends.

RESOURCES PROVIDED

• Full-facility meeting rooms for staff training, various other activities
• No charge on above for one day per calendar month. Additional use may trigger meeting room costs.
• Lease will include incidental expenses such as Hydro, Internet etc.

SUCCESS EVALUATION

• The Chamber of Commerce will consult with the successful applicant to pre-determine expected sales based on the applicants current programs in place.
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SELECTION CRITERIA

• Applications/proposals to be received no later than December 20/2013 inclusive of inventory lists, confirmed retail/cost values of inventory, inclusion of Port Alberni Branded material etc., etc.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is prepared to meet the terms as agreed upon by the parties involved.
• Alberni