Store Sections

• The easiest stores to shop in are those where you can browse the aisles and the merchandise is readily available. When setting up your parent-teacher store, it may be best to split the store into sections according to subject, such as a few aisles dedicated to math materials and manipulatives and a few aisles for books and reading accessories. For parents and child-care providers working with very young children, try to have an area dedicated to infant and toddler learning supplies and materials.
  
  

Expert Staff

• Though it is possible to staff your store with those who are not experts in the education field, your customers will appreciate the expertise of retired or current educators and child-care specialists. Offering their expert opinions in regard to a particular curriculum, learning toy or activity, expert staff members can give shoppers an added level of confidence that they have chosen to shop in the best store.
  
  

Classes

• Offer weekend classes at your store. Taught by your expert staff members, these classes can include anything from home-school science experiments to creative discipline techniques for the classroom. Display a suggestion box at the front of your store, and encourage shoppers to suggest classes or activities that they are interested in learning more about. Bring in a child-development or education expert to lead the classes on weekend mornings if you are unable to hire expert staff members.
  
  

Children's Activities

• Many home-schooling parents do not have the option of leaving their children at home or in the care of others while they shop and browse for home-school materials. For these customers, offer simple children's activities on certain days or certain hours so that they are able to browse without distraction. An art project that is appropriate for many ages, face painting, coloring activities or story time are all good ideas that will keep children occupied while their parents shop for educational supplies and materials.