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Let’s take a break from the drama of the business and economic news, and its uncontrollables. It's time to put the fun back into retailing!
Remembering that "Retail IS detail," focus on attracting and appealing to your very best customers.
And we have the (free!) tools to make all this happen. But be ready: surprises and new insights will emerge.
First, check out this article on The ROI site: Rating Your Store From a Shopper's Perspective. See the 25 "retail is detail" items that do matter to shoppers, from Accessibility to Windows (and yes, Bathrooms really do matter.)
Then, use The ROI's Store Rater tool (either on paper or online) to rate your store, to give it a grade (just like shoppers do every day!)
Then - and this is the key – see what the Tally Sheet shows as the 25 items are regrouped into 5 major categories: - First Impressions - The Basics - Merchandise - Marketing - Theater of Retail.
At a glance, see which categories are particularly strong, and which, if any, need more attention right now.
Plus, it's easy to involve your staff, which can motivate them all the more as they are part of "why?" certain things need to change.
Nothing like some Springtime fresh perspective, is there?
You – and your shoppers – will be delighted with the results.
Yes, we know. Owning a retail business these days is one flexibility test after another. And there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. In the United States, one of the most widespread impacts of the virus is uncertainty. With no end in sight. It is the virus that is in charge. As the president of Alaska Airlines noted, "We don't know what the future looks like."* But the fact remains, whomever is selling to the ultimate consumer has leverage. Might that be you?
According to the calendar, as of March 21, it officially is springtime. No matter what the weather is doing. Well, it's time to bring the calendar to real life! Spring is really a state of mind! The dark winter has passed. Even the rain is warmer in the spring. And new growth is beginning to sprout; leaves are coming out. It's a wonderful, fresh outlook. And that of course means it is a wonderful opportunity for retailers to refresh and reenergize their stores. No matter what merchandise you sell - whether it's tires, apparel, books, housewares, office supplies, whatever - every retailer is in the fashion business. And that means that your customers are wanting what is new and fresh.You know; "in fashion."
We once knew a lady who steadfastly championed the idea that Labor Day should be considered New Year's Eve, and the Tuesday after Labor Day as the start of the New Year. (Yes, she was ahead of her time in many other ways as well.)
Here's her reasoning about the "real" New Year's Eve: as summer fades away and vacations end, the new school year starts up; the baseball season pennant race is on; football games begin.
As all this happens, she explained, most people take on a renewed sense of energy.
The promise of a fresh start is everywhere. Optimism abounds!
Is there a more difficult everyday challenge? As owners of businesses, we've got all of the issues of the times right on our plates. Think about it:
Is there a more difficult every day challenge than maintaining perspective? We don't think so.
Incredible value! 👀
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