Build two inventories: the premises and the merchandise
A retail recovery plan needs a physical work scope and an item disposition record. Separate stock, displays, fixtures, point-of-sale equipment, staff property and goods held for customers. Link each item group to its location and the person authorized to decide what happens to it.
An insurer’s stock valuation, a cleaning decision and the decision to sell a product again are different questions. Do not return an affected item to sale solely because the packaging looks normal or the exterior has been wiped.
Make stock decisions traceable
| Inventory field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| SKU or item description | Connects the recovery record to existing business records. |
| Quantity and location | Shows which stock group was assessed or moved. |
| Observed exposure | Records fire, smoke, water or heat concerns without guessing condition. |
| Assessor and decision | Names the person deciding cleaning, testing, return, replacement or disposal. |
| Destination | Tracks storage, specialist handling or disposal. |
| Approval reference | Connects the action to the appropriate owner or insurer instruction. |
Keep photographs and supporting records through your normal business process. For products with special health, safety or regulatory requirements, obtain the relevant specialist or regulator’s advice before a sale or use decision.
Separate customer property from store stock
Repairs awaiting collection, consignment goods, deliveries and returns may belong to another party. Identify those items early and ask the insurer or adviser how they should be documented. A blanket stock-disposal instruction can be inappropriate when the store does not own everything in the affected area.
Use authorized customer communications that explain the confirmed situation and next step. Avoid promising a cleaning outcome or replacement date before the responsible parties have assessed it.
Scope the whole operating route
Follow a customer and a delivery through the premises: entrance, sales floor, checkout, fitting or service area, washroom, stockroom and loading route. Identify where each route intersects restoration work or shared-building restrictions. Ask who coordinates alarms, sprinklers, HVAC and other systems with the landlord or centre manager.
- Which fixtures are retained, removed or rebuilt?
- What electrical or equipment review is needed for displays and tills?
- Are stockroom and ceiling spaces included in the assessment?
- Who manages waste, deliveries and temporary storage?
- Which current approvals or inspections affect public access?
Use a reopening checklist tied to the actual store
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A limited opening may require a different arrangement from normal operations. Confirm the proposal with the responsible building, fire and other authorities rather than inferring permission from completed decoration.
Keep the cost record readable
Ask the insurer about the actual policy’s stock, equipment, interruption and extra-expense provisions. Track relocation, storage and disposal separately from repair costs, with dates and reasons. A clean record helps distinguish the building loss from operating effects.
Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada · business coverage.
The commercial overview connects these retail decisions to the project team and insurer.
Sources and further reading
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Follow the source’s current guidance and the instructions for the actual property.