第１６３２堀：お弁当屋さんの準備 (Part2)
"What about the other buildings?"
"They are all much the same. Though, of course, there are larger types available, but naturally, the rental costs and the scale of operations scale up accordingly."
I see. It stands to reason that there would be a variety of sizes for those looking to open a private shop. Since I am planning to run a personal bento shop, is this one sufficient? As I tilted my head in contemplation, Ratz offered a suggestion.
"Would you like to take a look at those as well?"
I had thought this building would suffice, but I reasoned that having a point of comparison would be wise. I accepted, and we immediately headed toward a larger storefront a few doors down.
"This one is about double the size of the last one, isn't it? You could probably fit a small café in here."
As Ria noted, the space was indeed generous enough to accommodate a café or a light-meal establishment. It would certainly be suitable for general retail as well.
"Indeed. No matter the trade, this size allows you to draw in a decent number of customers for transactions. However, the rent is commensurately higher, making it difficult to maintain unless you have a certain degree of confidence in your business."
I see. With a space this large, one would need a significant inventory to fill it. If I, an aspiring bento shop owner, were to lease this, I would need to offer a wide variety of bentos, perhaps even selling individual side dishes to fill the space. Furthermore, the volume would have to be substantial, and if it didn't sell, it would likely end up as waste. It would require a level of commercial acumen to ensure everything sells out—a talent I am not certain I possess.
"Thank you for showing me. As you said, I think the previous size is more appropriate for me."
"That’s true. We don’t have the capacity to produce enough goods to fill a shop this size, and we’re planning to keep the staff count modest, too."
"Well, that is the safer bet."
Ratz seemed satisfied with our conclusion, and we returned to the first shop we had been shown.
"Come to think of it, Ratz, why this one in particular, out of all the options?"
Ria asked the question suddenly. Now that she mentioned it, it was true—there were many identical storefronts, so why this specific location?
"Hm? Oh, well, your primary customers will be the staff at the government office, won't they? I didn't think there was any advantage to being further away."
"Ah, right."
"That makes sense. But if that was the goal, was it necessary to leave two or three empty storefronts between us and them?"
If the goal was proximity to the government office, I would have thought the end unit would have been fine.
"Corner units are prime real estate, and the units near the entrance are popular because they are the first things people see. While visibility alone doesn't guarantee sales, they are undoubtedly popular spots. If your shop were to become a hit there, that would be a different story, wouldn't it?"
"Ah, I see. We wouldn't want it to be *too* successful, would we? I’d end up spending every day just churning out bentos."
"I see. It would be troublesome if it sold too well. Since I am the one making them, that is only natural."
Though, in truth, I didn't expect it to be quite that popular. Another thought occurred to me then.
"I haven't seen anyone else around here. Are there no others looking to open shops?"
"Unfortunately, we haven't announced the recruitment yet. Besides, one of the units is reserved for the tourist information center run by the government. As I mentioned before, I am hoping that your bento shop will serve as excellent publicity."
Come to think of it, Seraria had mentioned something about creating magazines and pamphlets. Is that why it is so important that I succeed on my first attempt?
"I understand. I will make sure to produce results."
Everything had been laid out for me so carefully. Ensuring this succeeds would be the best way to show my gratitude to Yuki and everyone else who had helped me.
"Haha, you’re so earnest, Canaria."
"Well, having motivation is a good thing. That said, I have been asked to provide advice regarding this line of business, so please report back to me once your bento preparations are underway."
"Yes. I look forward to your guidance then."
With that, the shop was decided, and we began the preparations for the interior and the bento menu. The plans for the bento shop were now moving forward in earnest.
My favorite side dishes, I suppose, would have to be tamagoyaki and karaage.