The upheavals of the past twelve months have challenged us all, but no group has had to adapt and transform the way they do business more than retailers serving their local community. Here are some of the most successful and easy-to-adopt strategies to keep you moving towards success in the new reality.
Local deliveries
Whether you’re in the food business or an independent hardware store, there’s no denying that more and more of your customers will be looking for the convenience of delivery to their doorstep. Even if they come to your physical location to browse, offering to deliver heavy or bulky items will give you that extra edge and help to build loyalty.
Online ordering
The transition to online shopping is undoubtedly the biggest retail trend of the decade. To catch this wave, be sure that you take a closer look at your website. How does it compare with those of your competitors? Is it fit for purpose, with options for online browsing, ordering, and payment? You may need to invest in some professional help to get it up to scratch, but the advantage will be that your customers can be based anywhere.
Transform the customer’s experience
More than ever before, you need to make sure that every customer who sets foot inside your store has a great experience. If you’ve been used to taking a steady stream of visitors for granted, it’s time to change your approach. Think about how people are welcomed when they enter, how easy is it for them to find exactly what they’re looking for? Are products and prices clearly labeled –for under $100, a Brother’s labeler or equivalent can make it so much quicker for the customer to locate the right product. Do some intensive re-training, so that every member of your team is an expert on your all products. Keep in mind that your aim is to delight each customer, so they’ll want to return.
Get mobile
Over the coming months, outdoor spaces and events will start to come to life again. Remind people who you are, and attract new customers by attending local markets and fairs. Investing in a lightweight, branded marquee will enable you to make your presence felt at one-off events even when they take place outside your local area. Not only will you have the opportunity to generate extra revenue, but you’ll also be able to connect with and impress a new audience.
Build community presence
These challenging times have brought communities together, and we’ve come to value those who support others. What has your business been doing to help the local community recently? Consider how you can contribute to a social initiative, or launch one of your own. The possibilities are endless. Organizing the clean-up of a local beauty spot, donating special treats to front-line workers, or offering the use of your vehicle to transport those in need. You’ll not only raise your profile and cement your links with the community, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of making a genuine contribution to the well-being of those around you.
