If you are currently running – or thinking about running – a retail business, there are a few issues to consider to make sure that you are on the right track to success. Here is a look at a few points that should be noted.
Listen to your customers
It might be irksome to go with “the customer is always right” philosophy – and it’s not always the case – but take the opportunity to listen to any constructive criticism you get and take action where you see fit. There might be some good ideas in there.
Listen to your staff
Your employees are there on the front line and can see for themselves what is or isn’t working in the store. They might also have some interesting ideas that you haven’t considered. Be open to their opinions.
Train your employees
Make sure that the connection between your staff and customers works. Provide your staff with all the relevant training and knowledge to guide your customers on a positive journey to purchase, as detailed by the eLearning Industry.
Play on emotions
Whether you’re High Street, online or both, there’s always the chance to play on customers’ emotions when they’re shopping. Use mood-enhancing colours on your website or in store media such as music and scents. According to https://moodmedia.co.uk/in-store-music-for-business/, an emotional connection can influence a customer’s behaviour.
Meet your customers everywhere
Research which sales and communications channels your customers are using online and make sure that your business is there on their buying journey. Find out which apps and websites they’re using and create a strategy to meet them at critical points to engage and encourage sales.
Don’t get left behind
Keep an eye out for emerging technologies and trends and see if they are useful to you. In such a fast-paced industry, it’s important to keep abreast of any innovative developments. This doesn’t mean that you should worry about taking on every gadget and invest in every trend, but be aware of what is happening and see if it can benefit your company.
Many of these pointers can be revisited numerous times a year to make sure that they are built in to your commercial strategies and where any change of focus or direction may be required to achieve the best results.
