The story is the same on every high street. More and more retail stores are closing down due to the rise of the online competition. It’s a sad sign of the times, for both consumers (though they have contributed to the loss) and for retail owners who have had to relinquish the battle. Should you own a retail store, you will understand the battle. How can you stay open when Amazon, eBay and the like (as well as the bigger retail giants) are taking a share of your customers away from you? It’s not easy, but don’t give up the fight just yet. Here are some tips you may find useful.
- Engage with your customers. Don’t let your customers get away from you. Use the customer engagement tips here, build relations with your customers, and find ways to deepen their connection to your store. Talk to them on social media, hold special events within your store, and use customer surveys to find out more about them. The more you can do to keep your customers the better.
- Give your store a facelift. You won’t draw in any customers if your storefront is drab and generic, so use a spot of paint, use signage in bold and bright colours, and attract your customers from the outside. When the customers are in, ensure everything is well signposted, with clear and uncluttered aisles, with products displayed in an attractive design. Visit https://hydeproductsusa.com for advice on your inner architecture, using their services to expand your store. Perhaps install a customer bathroom, changing room, showroom, product testing area… think big, and find new ways to improve the usability of your store.
- Keep your finger on the pulse. What are the current trends in business? By doing some research, by visiting websites such as this one, https://www.shopify.com, talking to other industry leaders in your locale, and surveying customers, you will be able to stay current, despite the threat of the competition. Rather than fearing change, embrace it, and diversify and amend your business to stay in line with what the modern consumer wants in today’s shopping arena.
- Sort out your inventory. If you are struggling to sell your stock, there may be a very good reason for this. Is it outdated? Is it overpriced? Think about it. Replaced outdated stock with something that is new and relevant to the customer. If your pricing is too steep, check out your competition (online and off) and price your products to be competitive. Speak to your suppliers as well, and try to purchase stock at a cheaper price, perhaps by bulk buying certain items. Then have a sale, and clear out your unwanted stock under the pretense that you are being generous to your customers.
- Focus on your staff. Regardless of your presence on the shop floor, ensure your staff are well-trained in the areas of customer service and sales. The more work they can do to support your struggling business, the better. Motivate them with incentives (there are loads of examples at https://blog.bonus.ly/) and get them on board with improving your retail business.
These are just a few of the ways you can turn around your struggling business. We hope we have been able to help, but remember to speak to those other people who can aid you, such as business mentors, industry professionals, and your financial advisers. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your business.
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