When it comes to local small business retail, there are always things that need to be done in order to keep shoppers coming back in-stofre. As much as retail management is concerned with profit margins and sales, retail is also about forging relationships with shoppers. If you treat them right, they will return, for sure.
Be happy, friendly, but not creepy. Humans are naturally drawn toward others who are friendly and inviting. Your engagement needs to feel natural. It needs to welcome them, respect them but not intrude on their own space or time. It is important that any shop has time for this vital shopper interaction, when shoppers welcome it.
Know your customers. Greet them by name – it makes a world of difference.
Value your customers. People perceive value in many different ways. You need to explore ways of demonstrating value in ways your customers connect with.
Host events. Offer fun and entertaining ways to connect with what you sell and where you sell. be creative with your events, offer shoppers reasons to have fun with and in your business and sales will flow as a result. Events need to have a commercial focus for you, a goal or measure against which you can see the pay back for your investment. It’s business, after all.
Step ahead. What you do today matters. What you think about today in terms of tomorrow, next week, next month and longer matters more for being ahead of the pack ahead in the game is where you can discover valuable difference for your local small retail business.
Support your community through local charities that you understand and trust. Connect with causes you understand and like, that you can connect with. Support them in and through your retail business. Be subtle but clear about your support and engagement. This can help nurture community engagement with your shop. there is no better way to show you are local than through your connection with local charities and community groups.
* This blog post is brought to you by the team at www.towersystems.com.au where retailers can find POS software that helps them run more enjoyable, profitable and valuable businesses.