ask a pro Proactive Measures
Communicate to your customers once
a month. Tell them what’s going on in
the store (see calendar of events) and invite
them to come in and shop. If you don’t
have your customer’s e-mail or mailing
addresses, start collecting them now.
No excuses. A database is a very
valuable tool.
TRAIN STAFF TO SELL
Ringing up a purchase no longer cuts
the mustard. Staff needs to know how
to sell. Their ability to sell customers
and increase sales with add-on items
will add dollars to your bottom line.
Don’t wait. Start implementing these
ideas immediately.
“What proactive measures
can I take right now
in light of the current
economy?”
If you’re sitting back waiting for business
to come your way, you might as well roll
up your sign and go home. You need to
be aggressive in this economy. People are
still shopping, but with so many choices
you have to make an effort to ensure your
customers are coming to you first. Here
are my four favourite ways to get their
attention.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
You should have two to three
promotional events in-store each
month. Sales, special events, demos,
seminars, new product launches,
special offers, parties and customer
appreciation events are just a few ideas.
Barbara Crowhurst is a retail
specialist, business coach and
trainer with an extensive
background in retail business
management, store design and
merchandising. She is currently
working and coaching retailers
throughout Canada, the
United States and Mexico.
Telephone: (905) 686-8898
www.barbaracrowhurst.com
“People are still shopping, but with so many
choices you have to make an effort to ensure
your customers are coming to you first.”
