Posted by admin on September 09, 2011 0 Comments
Some really easy tips on how to do this:
- Start asking for customers emails. Not Asking is one of the biggest problems I see daily in my work with retailers . Data base marketing works , so I want you to start thinking in this way. Please remember - the biggest untapped sales potential is right there in-front of you. By inviting existing customers to come back regularly to your store you increase your sales.
- Train your staff to ask every customer for their email address. Be diligent; here is an idea that works give your staff $1 for each e-mail they collect. This works like a charm.
- The customer must feel there is value in it for them to give you their email. Make sure you deliver value. Make the promise to your customers very clear. Let them know that they will have instant access to unadvertised specials and customer-only updates?
- Write up a script and keep it by the cash until your staff have to memory what you want them to say.
- Your job as a retail store owner is to follow up regularly with your customers. Contact your customer list monthly through e-blasts, Face Book, Twitter, and Linkedin etc.
- Looking for a very easy way to manage your newsletter and customer data base use Constant Contact ( Steve link to my affiliate )
Barbara
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Posted by retailmakeover on September 08, 2011 0 Comments
The best advice I can give you is that with in the safety and security procedures for your store you should include your policies on 
shoplifting and employee theft. Your policies should be in writing and shared with your staff.
Let us look at some things you can do from your store design to training your staff that will help deter shoplifters and shrinkage.
Here are some great tips:
- Your cash register should be placed closer to the front so that customers must pass it when exiting the store. Middle side left is my recommendation.
- Fixtures and displays should be kept low in the center of the store for better site lines.
- A well-lit store with no dark corners is what you want to achieve.
- Use mirrors to cover blind spots.
- Also, consider putting clearance items in your blind spot areas. If something goes missing, it is not too big a deal.
- In addition, a tidy well-organized shop makes it very easy for you to see if products are missing.
- One of the best ways to reduce shoplifting is a well-trained staff. A staff that is engaged with customers when they are in the store. Train your staff to say hello, look at the person and smile - it is the best greeting for all customers but for those who are shoplifters it says… I have been noticed; it may be too risky to steal something from this store.
- Signage helps . Post your policy on shoplifting in clear view.
- Put small expensive items in locked fixtures and cabinets. Place these fixtures as close to the cash counter as possible.
- One of the most effective ways for retailers to prevent shoplifting is to install an electronic security system. As this is one of the most costly ways to go, I would like you to consider the pros and cons before going this route.
- A well-designed store layout will not eliminate all shoplifting but will help reduce it. Wider aisles with shorter fixture lengths in the middle of the store are what you want. This strategy makes it less likely for shoplifters to feel secure and hidden from view.
- Heighten awareness from staff is a must. Please teach your staff to combat shoplifting by being proactive and aware of what’s going on in your store at all times.
- Your staff needs to be up to date on regular price points and what is on sale. Teach them, if the price does not make sense, always check. Customer price-switching is preventable.
- Your shoplifting procedures should be in writing and laid out for your staff so they know what to do if they suspect someone. You do not want any staff member to be in a position of confrontation and in any danger. Theft prevention should be your goal.
Let's have a quick look at internal theft:
- Retailers do not like to think that your staff is stealing from you, but the sad reality is that a percentage of your staff will steal when the circumstances and the opportunity is there.
- Theft by employees is a very big problem in Retail today and many companies are reluctant to address it. You have the right to protect what you own, and you should not make any apologies for taking whatever lawful and appropriate action you can to do so.
- Establishing clear policies, procedures and staff training will go a long way to helping your business eliminate shoplifting and shrinkage.
Do not ignore these issues, get started today.
Barbara
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Posted by retailmakeover on September 07, 2011 0 Comments
Your store can now compete with the big guys; Shoppetalk will give you the edge!
Signage is one of the most important ways to convey your message to customers. Your store name, promotions, pricing, and product information should be conveyed through signage.
As a customer walks by your store, you have about 3 seconds to let them know what they will find inside. What message are you sending? Professional signage will attract the customer, provide just the right amount of information and invite the customer to enter your store or try your product.
Barbara
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Posted by retailmakeover on August 29, 2011 0 Comments
It is over to you:
Check your store out today and see what areas need your immediate attention. Be proactive with the information, I have shared with you and keep your customers staying in and shopping your store longer.
Barbara
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Posted by retailmakeover on August 24, 2011 0 Comments
Offensive Odors:
Customers understand if they visit a lawn and garden center they will have to deal with the smell of fertilizer. Certain odors are 
understandable and may even appeal to the customer's sense of smell. However, shoppers do not want to smell an employee's lunch drifting across the store. Use neutralizers to combat any offensive odors.
Barbara
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Posted by retailmakeover on August 23, 2011 0 Comments
Loud Music:
Playing music in a retail store can help create a certain atmosphere for your shoppers. Music that is too loud, inappropriate or of poor
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quality can have customers leaving your store, ruining a positive shopping experience and shortening their time with you.
Barbara
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Posted by retailmakeover on August 18, 2011 0 Comments
A Permanent Clearance Area:
Set up a permanent clearance area at the back of your store. It is a good idea. Many customers love rummaging through
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clearance areas. Set this area up if you do not have one, this will keep customers in your store longer, looking for good deals. As well, placing your sales items towards the back of the store will force customers to walk by the regularly priced merchandise before coming across the sale items, thus increasing the probability for sales of regular merchandise. Clearly, mark your sales prices on all your merchandise and on signs that will grab your customers' attention.
Barbara
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Posted by retailmakeover on August 15, 2011 0 Comments
Relevant Stock:
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Stocking and selling relevant products. This one is simple. If the products you sell, are products customers want they will stay shopping in your store longer.
Barbara
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Posted by retailmakeover on August 13, 2011 0 Comments
Your Stores Atmosphere:
Creating a great atmosphere can affect your customers shopping experience, having them stay in your store longer. At times even picking your store experience over the competitions in your market place.
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Here, I would like you to focus on updating your store design. Rule of thumb, keep maintenance and design updates current. Do not wait for 5,10,15 or 20 years to make store design changes.
Barbara
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Posted by retailmakeover on August 11, 2011 0 Comments
Promotional Area:
In store, promotional and departmental signage is important in helping keep customers in your store. A well-signed store gives information to customers and again keeps them shopping longer.
Barbara
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shoplifting and employee theft. Your policies should be in writing and shared with your staff.
