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We’re familiar with a middle-aged woman who recently applied for a sales job at a local “dress shop.” She’s a very pleasant person with an above-average family lifestyle. She sure didn’t need the income.
Another woman we know prides herself on going to her favorite supermarket almost every day. She wouldn’t have to; she wants to. Why?
Maybe you don’t agree with us, but we think that we’re all going through a period of uncertainty, worry, sadness and concerns that seem to put a damper on much of normal pleasantries.
This gloom is getting old and those who can are seeking places where they’ll find smiles. And independent retailers specialize in smiles! 😊
Years ago a Nordstrom executive was asked how they were able to get such good sales people. The answer was classic. “We interview for their personality. Are they upbeat, pleasant, and genuinely like people? That’s the primary step. Then we teach them everything else.”
Look. If you don’t agree with us, that’s okay. But, in your store, do all of us a big favor. Fake it ‘til you make it!
Thanks.
As your stores are able to re-open after the coronavirus shutdowns, how they look tells a powerful story. And for you, a great opportunity. This is no time to try to go back to normal, back to business-as-usual. Nor to simply have all kinds of protective shields in your store. While necessary, how welcoming is that? Instead, this actually IS a second chance to make a good first impression! Take full advantage!
YOUR GOAL: QUICKLY GET TO A FIRST DRAFT. Face it. Sales are dropping. By how much? For how long? Nobody knows for sure. But, you can make some assumptions, some educated guesses. Put those into the 3-in-1 Cash Flow Calculator.
These totally volatile times cause a lot of opinions and fears to be swirling around. Seeing "what if...?" can be very helpful. All in just minutes. On your own.
Consider this retailer, whose sales over the last 4 weeks are down 12% compared to last year. Some retailers in this situation essentially freak out. But others know to keep asking questions. Before they decide what to do next to fix lagging sales, they want to know "Why?" So, here is one way to get to the numbers behind the numbers; to begin to know the "why" of your sales trends. All it takes is tapping into the data that's already in your POS system, and putting together a little summary tally sheet. Here's one example.
The savvy retailers know that now is the time to be putting the finishing touches on – wait for it – being ready for December 26! Yes, this unique time period between December 26 and New Year's Day is a tremendous make-or-break opportunity. Indeed, many retailers find they net more from this time than any earlier stretch of 6-10 days!
First, the many opportunities to reduce expenses "back to normal". Less advertising cost. Less staff. Fewer hours.
That was the headline in a recent business page editorial*. And the writer was able to cite chapter and verse of all-too-prevalent lousy shopping experiences for customers.
As noted by a Wharton School professor, "retailers frequently reduce headcount because 'you immediately see the savings in payroll but you don't necessarily know what damage that does to the top line.'" Of course, the retailers that professor is referencing are the Big Guys who have to satisfy their investors every quarter. As independent retailers, you have advantages that are unavailable to the Big Guys.
The savvy retailers know that now is the time to be putting the finishing touches on being ready for – wait for it – December 26!
This unique time period between December 26 and January 10th is a tremendous make-or-break opportunity. Indeed, many retailers find they net more from this time than any earlier stretch of 15 days!
First, the many opportunities to reduce expenses "back to normal." Less advertising cost. Less staff. Fewer hours.
Second, those people using Gift Certificates, making returns or exchanges are potential new customers. Likely, many of them haven't been in your store before. A great opportunity!
And third, the opportunity to clear out seasonal merchandise, generate cash, and move on to the New Year.
Incredible value! 👀
Start NOW!