When you make the decision to close down your store, there are a lot of things to consider.
Closing down your store isn’t just going to affect your employees, but also your spouse or life partner.
Telling your spouse about your decision can be difficult and overwhelming.
However, we can help.
Here at Silverman Consulting And Retail Services we can help you stay organized and manage your store closing sale and asset liquidation.
But there’s more to it than just logistics, isn’t there?
There are many emotional aspects of closing a retail store as well.
Keep reading to learn about some of the strategies you can use to break the news to your spouse that you’re closing your retail store.
First, Think About What You’re Going To Talk About
Talking to your spouse about wanting to close down your business could cause tension and make them feel scared and overwhelmed.
However, there are ways to keep the conversation healthy and productive.
You want them to feel heard in their concerns.
But you also want to make sure that you’re providing them with a plan on what’s to come and how you’ve reached this decision.
Before talking to your spouse, it’s important to gather up all of the necessary information about your decision.
This might be easier if you’ve already talked to your business partner about closing your business.
Think about your reasoning for closing your store, your future plans, and how you’ll manage the transitional period.
By being prepared with what you’ll talk about, you can focus on giving your spouse assurance and direct answers rather than leaving them scared and confused.
Ideally, once you explain your decision and exit strategy, you’ll both feel confident and at ease in your decision.
Explain Why You’re Considering Closing Your Retail Store
There are many reasons why you would consider closing down your retail store.
Maybe you want a career change, are considering retirement, or are feeling drained by your current business.
RELATED: How To Avoid Retail Burnout When Running A Store
Regardless of the reason, it’s important to clearly communicate how you feel and what motivated you to make this decision.
Your spouse may not initially understand, and may feel stressed and overwhelmed by your announcement.
However, by explaining why you’re considering closing down your store, you can foster understanding and support.
Closing down your store doesn’t have to be a negative thing.
If you’re excited about entering a new phase in your life, sharing that with your life partner can help get them excited as well.
Make Sure Your Spouse Feels Heard
Making sure that your spouse feels heard can help open up communication and understanding about your decision.
Your life partner will likely have lots of questions and possible concerns.
Keeping a level head and listening to them and providing answers and support can help alleviate some of their worry.
It’s good to keep in mind that this news may come as a shock, and you’ll need to be kind and sympathetic so that they may process what you’ve told them.
Validate any fears or concerns that they express, particularly ones that you may also have as well.
This can show them that this decision wasn’t made lightly and you’re prepared for the next stages.
Making the decision to close down your store isn’t just about you, it’s a decision that affects both you and your life partner.
Take into account their feelings and opinions so that you can communicate more clearly and get on the same page.
Do Your Best To Alleviate Any Concerns They Have
Your spouse may have concerns and worries when you tell them that you’re considering closing down your store.
They might worry about added financial responsibilities on their part, or changes in the relationship and domestic duties.
You can alleviate their concerns by letting them know what your plan is for closing down your store.
It’s also a good idea to let them know what to expect as you transition into the next stage of your career.
Remind them that the transition process is only temporary.
Outline what solutions you’ve come up with to maintain your finances and lifestyle during this transitional period.
Listen to their concerns and try to have open communication about what compromises could be made that benefit you both.
Allow Them Space To Process This
While you may have been thinking of closing your retail store for years, your spouse may be just hearing about it now.
You’ve had time to process your feelings about this decision.
But your spouse hasn’t.
They may need some time to get on board with what you’re planning for the future.
If this is the case, allow them to take that time and process everything you’ve told them.
They may not fully understand where you’re coming from, may have concerns, or may even feel resentful and jealous if they feel stuck in their own career.
Pushing them to immediately support your decision 100% is unlikely to work in your favour.
Giving them space and keeping your communication open can help you foster teamwork and mutual understanding to tackle this new challenge together.
Keep Communications Open…
This isn’t a “what would you like for dinner tonight” type of topic.
This is a major life decision that can affect both of your lives in numerous aspects.
You’ll likely need to have ongoing conversations about this.
Understand the reality of that, and continue exploring the topic together.
During this type of transitional period, open communication is vital.
Your spouse may have questions, concerns, and certain needs.
By communicating openly, you can alleviate their concerns and offer assurance about how this decision will ultimately be beneficial for you both.
You may have to compromise at times so that your spouse doesn’t feel that your needs are more important than theirs.
…But Set Boundaries As You Need
It’s good to remember that this is a huge decision that will cause significant change in your life.
At times you may feel excited, while at other times you may feel uncertain.
While your life partner needs to process what you just told them, you yourself also have a lot of ongoing processing to do.
For many of us, our spouses are our greatest sources of emotional support.
However, if they’re feeling stressed and concerned about your decision, they may fuel your own doubts and uncertainties.
You may find that you’re not able to lean on them as much as in other situations.
In these cases, it’s a good idea to find other support resources.
This can include a mentor who has closed their own business, or friends, family members, a therapist, or even just some self care time.
Having the right kind of support can help you maintain your course of action and remain confident with your decision.
Contact Silverman Consulting And Retail Services Today
Deciding to close down your retail store, and talking to your spouse about it, can be difficult.
But you don’t have to do it without having a plan.
At Silverman Consulting and Retail Services we can help you manage your closing.
From managing a store closing sale to helping you liquidate your assets, we’re here to work with you.
Contact Silverman Consulting And Retail Services today.
Silverman Consulting & Retail Services229 Yonge St suite 400,
Toronto, ON M5B 1N9, Canada
1 (888) 955-1069