Bennett’s of Irongate in Derby is the oldest department store in Britain—and possibly the world. It was founded in 1734, and still stands to this day, trading in the same building.

Somewhere along the way, some department stores became known as ‘houses’. Not many have retained the ‘house’ name but House of Fraser is one company that has.

It is unclear where the term originated and why, but some references to it still exist, for example staff discount is still referred to as a ‘house discount’.

Those of us who have worked in stores know very well what the areas behind the scenes in the house or store look like. Invariably a mess. If it’s not damaged stock, its unused fixtures, ticket stands, cardboard boxes, hangers – you name it. The dispatch department is a favourite dumping area and the display department another and then if they exist in your environment, fitting rooms.

If any of this sounds vaguely familiar, you are not alone. And if it is so prevalent, why bother? Just turn a blind eye?

The problem is that this mess doesn’t get better. It only gets worse. There may be a bit of a cleanup at stocktaking time but it soon reverts to how it was.

Another problem with this mess is that it has a number of different touch points.

Shrinkage figures can be inflated due to old or damaged stock being overlooked, and this is often a health and safety issue. For example fire exits are sometimes blocked.

But most importantly it creates a culture of ill discipline and disorderliness. Once this becomes entrenched it flows on to other areas of the business.

So how can it be tackled?

Set a week in a ‘good’ (quiet) month. Organise the logistics – the means of getting stock out of departments, a couple of large skips. Set the rules – if in doubt chuck it out. And set the processes to write off stock or perhaps don’t bother – you probably don’t know that you once owned it. And, above all, set the post clean up rules and ensure they are rigidly enforced.

You will be amazed at the amount of space that will be freed and that can be put to good use. Plus some charities will be really happy with some of the better stuff.

When it comes to fixtures and fittings, ensure you have a place to which these can be sent and stored.

Again you will be surprised, at what you own – and what you have recently bought because you didn’t think you had enough.

Don’t agree? Think there too many other things that are more important like getting sales in this tough environment? It is hard to fault that logic. So I guess just forget about it and wait until there is a better time to do this cleanup. It’s called ‘never’.

Stuart Bennie is a retail consultant at Impact Retailing www.impactretailing.com.au and can be contacted at stuart@impactretailing.com.au or  0414 631 702