We recently learned of a restaurant with a kids menu which is quite unusual. Of course, having a kids menu is not unique. But here's what IS unusual about this one.
When kids are asked "What would you like to eat?", often their answers can range from "I don't know" to "I don't care."
But at this restaurant, here is what each all-too-familiar answer brings to the table:
"I don't know" = baked ziti
"I don't care" = chicken tenders and fries
"I'm not hungry" = baked cheese ravioli
"I don't want that" = lasagna
"I'm tired" = choice of pasta, choice of sauce
"NOOOOOOOOO!" = ham and cheese pita with fries
"Fine!!!" = personal pizza
This "Menu Per Bambini" speaks volumes, doesn't it? It says to its customers, the parents, "We get it!" What a powerful connection with the customer. And a wonderful differentiation from other family restaurants. Not to mention a great word-of-mouth opportunity for attracting even more families. (In fact, couldn't they have a similar menu for Millennials? Or for weary business travelers? Or any number of folks suffering decision fatigue?) Most of all, we see it as a real inspiration.
• People prefer stores that are upbeat
• stores that provide solutions
• stores that make the experience worthwhile, even fun.
So, how might you and your stores be able to make this same kind of "We get it!" connection with your customers? It's time to unleash your store's personality. Let your likability come out.
Another real challenge of 2021 is rearing its head: Whatever you used to do in terms of managing your staff likely will not work this year.
In the aftermath of the pandemics, lockdowns, stimulus payments, low unemployment, and minimum wage increases, finding and keeping good employees is even more daunting for independent retailers.
As the Holiday Season approaches, finding good help promises to be especially challenging for retailers this year. Then, we read "10 Things to Know to Get And Keep Retail Jobs," a to-the-point commentary from Bob Phibbs*, who specializes in retail sales training. Here are his Top Ten recommendations for prospective retail employees:
There's little that any of us can do to address the public health crisis of the pandemic. Its impact on people and businesses is a widespread and major jolt, akin to the shocks of 9/11 and the 2008-09 economic meltdown. Even as painful and disruptive as the pandemic is at this moment, we must remind ourselves that it will subside. It's not whether it will subside, just when. But all of us are going to have to deal with the ensuing economic situation, and its effects on our sales, our customers, our employees. These are difficult times for us all. Retailing in particular is under enormous stress. Many feel like there are no good choices. But, there are good decisions. And The ROI is dedicated to helping you be able to make those good decisions for yourself.
There are three "pandemics" assailing us at the moment: the coronavirus; the economic collapse; the protests of racial injustice. The three months plus of stay at home restrictions and the shutdowns, and the confluence of these three pandemics has been a heavy burden. And it shows no signs of going away anytime soon. As the coronavirus continues to spread and surge (Apple re-closing 11 stores they had recently re-opened is a sobering reminder), the uncertainty and anxiety is only being prolonged.
Since Labor Day in the US is the first Monday in September, this year it happens as late as possible. Labor Day will not be celebrated until next Monday, September 7. Most years, most folks would be perfectly happy to have August stretched out even longer. Ahh, those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, right?
And so, meanwhile, we regard Consumer Confidence as THE key indicator of consumer spending. Just last week, the Conference Board reported that Consumer confidence is at a six year low*. Ouch! But, was that a surprise to retailers? Not really. Most retailers are well along in coping with these challenges.
Since we first established The Retail OWNERS Institute®, we have asserted that the greatest growth opportunity in retailing is between the ears of the owners. And nothing since then – not even (or maybe especially!) – a once-in-a-century pandemic has diminished our belief. Independent retailers and restauranteurs have been among the first business owners to pivot to a survival mode. Why? Because they have had plenty of practice!
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