Fun and Consistent Retail Environments

The competition amongst retail stores has become especially fierce in recent years, due to the larger corporations ability to undercut prices and supply mass quantity. Customers are rarely loyal to particular retailers because of their past experiences or previous purchases. Instead, the masses are flocking to the bargain prices. How can everyone else compete in this kind of situation? These large-scale retailers should not be seen as the enemy who is stealing away all of the business. Instead, they are serving to divide the customers who are looking for price from those that are looking to enjoy their experience and find quality products.

Everyone has a time in their life when they are just looking for the bargain, but many people reach a point where quality, durability, and the over all shopping experience becomes more important as there economic status becomes a little more stable. These people do not want to fight the crowds to shuffle through messy aisles to find what they are looking for. These are the people who are looking for a smaller retailer that will give them attention and provide a fun enjoyable atmosphere. Believe it or not, putting a little extra money into your store displays will definitely improve sales, and you don't have to do much. Just add a little flair to your displays like balloons or wall decorations. Try to create a personality to your store. This can be very inexpensive and really go a long way. As the different holiday seasons come around, use a little bit more of your budget to decorate seasonally. There is nothing that puts shoppers in the mood to buy more than a little holiday cheer.

A huge addition to your sales floor can be providing some sort of free refreshment. Many smaller stores just provide coffee in a large thermos with cream and sugar. Customers really appreciate the effort to keep them comfortable. You can also consider providing some other light treats like mints, donuts, or candies. You might end up spending a thousand dollars or so, annually, but it will keep customers coming back. You will be surprised how many people might be in the neighborhood and decide to browse your store because they could get a free 25 cent cup of coffee.

The musical choice for background shopping music will also have a great impact on your shoppers. Consider the largest demographic of your shoppers and choose music that is fitting and upbeat for them to enjoy. Playing music in the parking lot, restrooms, and waiting areas is also a good idea. Music has the ability to communicate so much to your customers about your retail establishment. Is it fun? Are your employees cheerful? Make a good mix of songs on an mp3 player or computer and just keep those songs shuffling throughout the day to ensure that every customer enjoys the same quality of background music.

This brings me to the point to making sure all of your customers receive the same visual display and customer service treatment. The weekdays have traditionally been used for all of the mass restocking and rearranging so that everything is ready to go on Saturday (for the "best" crowds). There is one major problem with this model. Those customers who visit during the week see a second rate version of your retail store. Just because they come on a weekday does not mean their business is any less important. If they enjoy their first trip, they are more likely to come again. First impressions always count. Make sure that your business puts its best foot forward everyday. If you are going to be open, you need to be at the top of your game. Otherwise, it is better to stay open on Saturdays and closed during the week.

Above all, have fun with your retail environment. Odds are, if you are not enjoying it, nobody else is. Host special events and provide prizes or fun activities, or invite authors for book signings or musicians to play. You don't need to do this every week, or even every month, but bringing in some special fun things will keep your employees enjoying their jobs and help customers see that coming to your store is more than getting a bargain, but having a good time as well.

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

About the Author: Ron Maier is the Vice President of S & L Store Fixtures, a leading online provider of slatwalls, and many other retail store displays. For more information, please visit www.slstoredisplays.com

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