Holiday Tips for Retailers - #4 The Perfect Retail Store
Posted by Debra Neville
The Holiday Season is one of the best times to attract new customers into your retail store. Why? Because people like to shop this time of year, and they especially like to shop in attractive, well managed stores. What can you do to improve your odds of attracting more customers? Here are some ideas:
Make your store fun and festive (holiday décor that fits your market)
Yes, this can be expensive and time-consuming, but the rewards can be substantial. An inviting holiday experience attracts people in and keeps them browsing. Consider giving away special coffees or snacks to warm them up and keep them interested in your merchandise.
Keep your store clean and attractive, brightly lit and smelling good
The customer experience is all about sights, smells and sounds. Be careful with the smells, though. Don't forget that many people have allergies, so do your homework on best options for harmless scents.
Strategically place your products
With the right retail point of sale system in place, you should be able to analyze which products are best-sellers and slowest movers. Optimize your product layout...
- Logically laid out and easy to find what customers want
- Most desired in prominent positions
- Related products grouped in proximity
- Groupings of products provide customer solutions
Make it easy to move around, browse and view
A crowded store is obviously a good thing, but don't make things worse with narrow aisles or positions blocked by oversized displays. Avoid displays that are easy to knock over - which distresses both customers and your staff!
Make it easy to reach items, read info and try on apparel
You want to make your store as customer-friendly as possible. Make it easy for them to find, read, compare and try on your merchandise. Without this you can lose customers quickly.
Finally, the people you hire are the most important part of customer experience. Look for people who are friendly and knowledgeable. Customers want helpful but not obtrusive sales people. Don't forget about your own demeanor. If you love your store and everything inside it, let your customers know by the way you speak and act within it.
For more great tips download your copy of our "8 Ways Retailers Can Have a Happier Holiday Season" guide.
Photo credit: christiNYCa
