Gift Cards 101 – Things To Consider

The season of giving is just ahead of us, and what better gift to give someone than “money” for them to shop for themselves. Gift cards are a great way for retailers to gain revenue this time of year, as well as they offer many other advantages. As small boutique owners, it’s important you are aware of these benefits while also safe guarding your business with gift card guidelines that are specific to your store and business needs.

Setting Up Gift Cards Within Your Store Management System

The key to controlling when gift cards are purchased and then later used is essential. There are two main ways to do this as a small retailer, but the point is to make sure it’s being done. Your choices include:

1. Implement and self manage  your gift card program within your own store. This is often the most effective in cost for stores with only one or just a few doors total.

2. Invest in a software or support from a company that controls these details for you. If you have many associates, a busy online store, multiple store locations or simply want the most effective way to get this done, this is your option. One company to consider is Card FX, www.cardfxdirect.com, a direct marketing company designed to support retailers with gift card programs and more.

Which ever choice is right for you, make sure you are recording and tracking the following:

1. When the gift card was purchased. Include the full date, including month, day and year. State this clearly on the actual gift card as well as in your tracking records.

2. How much the gift card was purchased for.Include this in both written terms and numerical amount in your records as well as on the actual gift card. An example of this is what you would see on a check. For example, Fifty Dollars and no cents & $50.00. Make sure this is duplicatd for less opportunity for misinterpretation, error or theft.

3. The gift card number, which should be singular in the sense that no other gift card will have this number.This should be recorded on your end as well as clearly identifable on the gift card. If it is your first gift card issued, the number may be “1″ or if you prefer “101″. Either way, keep track of the numbers in order from each gift card purchased.

4. Identify any rules that may apply to the gift card. If you have multiple stores and yet the gift card only applies to one of the stores, make sure this is clearly stated on the gift card. Any details that may come up as a potential problem later should be avoided by outlining these points to your consumer in advance.

5. If there is an expiration date to the gift card, make this known on your gift card as well as in your store tracking system. It’s also a good idea to let the purchaser of the gift card know this, as well. As a small business owner, it’s important to control the dollars coming and going out of your store each year on a tight budget. By enforcing an  expiration date, this helps you do this. Otherwise you may deal with gift cards coming when you have new management, new rules and new expectations. There are rules to this, however, that the government enforces per state. Learn more here regarding what is required by your state law, http://www.consumersunion.org/pub/core_financial_services/003889.html. 

6. Once a gift card is redeemed, make sure to document that it has been used. Note if it has been used in full or only partially. In addition, when possible include reference to the receipt of the purchase made with the gift card.

Benefits Of Gift Cards To The Retailer

It is pretty clear what the benefits of a gift card is to the receiver, but to a small boutique owner, online store owner or any other small business owner, the benefits are not always so clear. A few reasons to consider going through the steps to get a gift card program implemented for your store/s include:

1. Gift cards offer the opportunity for new customers to be introduced to your store.If someone receives a gift card and is unfamiliar with your store, they now have a reason to become famialir with it.

2.  Gift cards bring repeat business to your store. By having at least two visits occur from the purchase of one gift card – the first visit being at the time of purchase and the second visit being when redeemed – you have the opportunity to sell even more than just the value of the gift card. You could sell additional products or services at either time that exceed the value of the gift card.

3. Gift cards give people something to think about. When you receive a gift card, it’s fun to think about how you will use it. This adds excitement to the shopping trip for the consumer and often brings additional sales as a result.

4. When the size, color or style just doesn’t work out, gift cards always make a great option for the gift giver. Why waste  the opportunity for a sale when a gift card always works?!

Finally, make sure to make your gift card enticing and fun by making it look great. Don’t just xerox some gift cards on stock paper and call it a day. Take the time to make them look like something special. Use your store logo, colors and image to enhance the card and package it neatly and nicely. While you don’t need to invest a ton here to make this happen, find a way to still get it done affordably by  being creative. Visual impact goes a long way in retail and doesn’t skip past gift cards!

Have other thoughts or ideas on why gift cards are important for small retail owners? Let us know! Please comment below.

Store Loyalty or Brand Loyalty – Which is Stronger?

We all have our favorites. Whether it’s a favorite food, favorite song or favorite routine, each of us are independently partial to one thing versus another. So when it comes to shopping, it’s no surprise customers have their own personal favorites. Favorite sales associates, favorite times to shop, favorite colors, favorite styles… You get the idea. Among these favorites include favorite stores and favorite brands. So the question is – which loyalty is stronger? That of stores or that of brands?

In independent research conducted by Retail Minded, 100 female consumers between the ages of 19 and 30 voted in favor of store loyalty versus brand at a difference of 71 to 29. The same research was conducted with 100 female consumers between the ages of 31 and 55, with their preference being brands at a split of 63 to 27.

Based on feedback and comments collected during this research, many of the consumers had similiar viewpoints on a few key issues, including price, customer service and quality.  This included:

1. For the majority of consumers, price matters despite the store or the brand. Most consumers are willing to consider other options, whether store or brand, for a significant savings.

2. Customer service can impact a consumer’s decision to buy something despite store, brand or price. Outstanding customer service may not always be recognized with sales, however most consumers will remember great customer service and return to a specific store as a result.

3. The quality of a product is not always an influence on the consumer. This depends on the consumer, however is considered more as consumers get older. Preference to style is preferred over quality for the majority of those researched by 22%.

As a store owner, it’s important to acknowledge you can support customers with both loyalty to your store and loyalty to brands you sell. Wholesalers and brand representatives need to recognize that they can support retailers in helping promote their brand through product knowledge and other selling tips. This can increase brand awareness and ultimately help build brand loyalty. Finally, understanding how consumers decide on their purchases can influence how you can support them. Whether store loyal, brand loyal or a new customer with no loyalty established yet, each consumer can teach us a lesson as retail and wholesale professionals. Making sure to stay in touch with who your consumers are can add value to your business, whether you are a store or brand. And hopefully, along the way, you will fall into some favorite lists of your customers!

Are You Candid Enough With Your Customers?

Want to really gain respect from you customers? Be candidly honest. If something looks bad on a customer, let them know – gently, of course, and with an alternative in mind. But either way, be honest about your retail instincts and for that matter, your style instincts. Whether you sell apparel, footwear, furniture, art, accessories or anything else, being up front and honest with your customers can gain you sales in return, even if you have to miss a sale to get there. For example, if you are selling a service and someone wants your opinion on one versus another, it’s your job to educate them on your thoughts on both. It’s also your job to tell them your preference if they ask – or possibly  give them a suggestion even if they don’t ask. The point is that you want to gain trust, value and respect from your customers through honest communication. Being candid about your viewpoints on what  you are selling – and most importantly, what you are selling with them in mind – offers the opportunity for a relationship to be built on the honesty you are giving them. In turn, they are more likely to believe you when you tell them something does look great or is worth trying. Don’t just sell anything to sell it. Consider who your audience is and if it is meant for them. This will allow you to gain valuable returns in not only sales, but respect, as well, while building long lasting customer relationships.

The Positive Spin For Negative Feedback

If someone is unable to discover on their own through probing and “conversational interviewing” the area of needed improvement, don’t point out what is wrong but rather what can be done to achieve a result that is important or desirable to both parties involved. For example, rather than show someone stressed out at work, Corona© shows us through their advertising campaigns that that if you drink their beer, you will be relaxing on a peaceful beach in the Caribbean. Alcohol advertisers are masters of this type of tactic!

We can all agree that feedback is a necessity in any type of relationship, but the actual giving and receiving of it can be a bit arduous in many aspects. Feedback can take many forms: 360 assessments, conversations with your clients, performance reviews, customer/employee opinion surveys, chatting over dinner with significant others, and check-ins with those reporting to you - to name a few. Positive feedback is fun and easier, so let’s talk about the harder part of feedback: the areas of needed improvement – A.K.A. critical feedback.  Ideally, and if feedback is being given in a face-to-face interaction, with proper probing and reflective listening, the reviewee will discover the areas of needed improvement that need addressing and then resistance is minimized and growth strategies can begin to be developed. However, sometimes the issue needs to be presented by the reviewer as they are the one who has taken the responsibility for the other’s growth (by giving feedback as well as by being their manager). The problem is that many times the reviewer’s critical feedback takes on an air of criticism that leads to excuses, defensive behaviors, frustration and resentment.

A wonderful way to reduce these negative outcomes is to give the “negative” feedback in specific, actionable, positive steps with a positive pairing of what’s in it for the reviewee to begin correcting the needed areas. For example, if  the boss of an employee named Natalie is filling in the comment box on her Annual Performance Appraisal and says something like “Natalie has poor customer service orientation,” she may feel attacked, wary of where the information came from, discouraged and unmotivated.  Now if the same issue is addressed in a manner more along the lines of “If Natalie increased her attention to the needs, wants and behaviors of her customers (specific actionable steps), she would be able to further strengthen her customer relations and  increase her sales and commission earned  (paired with a positive outcome that Natalie and her employer care about),” she is more likely to feel cared about (the reviewer took a few extra seconds to specify what would make her better), empowered, and integral part of the organization (or relationship), and motivated! WIN-WIN!

By choosing words that support your associates, you are choosing to help support your business, as well. Make sure to think, react and manage with a positive spin to eliminate negative work!

The above article was  contributed by Jonathan Eisler, MA, Organizational Consultant at RAJ Associates. While most would say that the reason any company and those that work there exist is to make money (an operations mentality), RAJ Associates believes the reason all businesses SHOULD exist is to acquire new relationships and improve upon the ones that they already have (a marketing mentality).  Our team of Industrial Organizational Psychologists  works collaboratively to deliver high impact training, coaching and professional development  that assists managers in becoming coaches, sales reps becoming consultants and customer service agents becoming client advocates so that adaptive constructive change is inevitable! Get in touch to learn more.  www.jonathaneisler.com, www.rajassoc.com, (312) 943-0479, jonathan@rajassoc.com

Letting Your Customers Lead You

With the economy still down and retailers still struggling, business owners are leaning on a variety of sources to help keep their businesses alive. Consultants, trusted colleagues, local business groups and more are available to help provide solutions to retailers looking for new ways to stay afloat. One of their most promising sources, though, is often overlooked in their customers. Tapping into the thoughts and suggestions that customers can provide can lead to solutions that retailers can gain from. Listening and responding to what your customers are telling you is among the most effective ways to keep your business healthy. A few suggestions on ways to get your customers to talk include:

1. A good, old fashion suggestion box. Let your customers anonymously provide feedback by writing down their opinions and sharing them with you without judegment. By positioning this box in a visible yet somewhat private area, customers will be more inclined to share their comments without feeling that they will be criticized for their thoughts. Some customers won’t care at all that their opinions may or may not be preferred, but others will so it is best to lean on the side of comfort here. A good place to locate this box may be in the dressing room area, by the front door or even on a shelve in your store display. While the cash wrap may seem ideal, it also draw attention to someone putting a comment in it. Don’t forget to include paper and a pen for comments to be shared on!

2. Blog it and ask for comments. Does your business use a blog? This is a great way to gain customer interaction and gain insight from what they are thinking. Encourage them to post comments on product suggestions, customer service and all else that relates to your retail business.

3. Customers deserve some appreciation! Use an event to drive traffic to your store while making it all about them. Thank them for their support as customers with some cocktails, appetizers, sales and entertainment… then while you are at it, ask them for more support with feedback on how to make your store even better. By making it fun, they will be more likely to want to talk.

Keeping it simple goes a long way, as well. Simply reach out to your customers while they are in your store and through converstaion, gain feedback from them. Ask them directly about your product assortment, missed opportunities, customer service and anything else you believe you can learn from. Wondering about a competitor? Ask them. Customers can provide real life insight that can help your business thrive when applied to your business strategy. That said – be aware that not everything you hear will be worth reacting to (use your best judgement here) and likewise, you won’t always love what you hear but may still need to react to it. You may not be able to make everyone happy all the time, but it will be rewarding to know you are at least trying! Best of all, you should find happiness in productivity and sales if you respond to this feedback accordingly!

Why Email Etiquette Matters

Whether in retail or wholesale, there is no question that you will use email to get much of your business done. However, because many of us are very familiar with email and use it in our everyday lives with little thought to grammar, punctuation, proper language and more, business email etiquette has become a  bit “sloppy” as a result. Recognizing this and reacting to it can impact your business, though, and should be considered in an effort to gain more professional respect, efficient response times in your email communication and much more.

Protecting Yourself And Your Business 

The first thing to recognize is that if you have other people working for you and your business, it’s important that they understand what you expect from them in their email communication. By making your guidelines clear for all employees of your company, you can avoid possible problems, including potential liability issues and even lawsuits. While some of the below points may seem clear to you, it is beneficial to make your points known to all your employees.

1. Avoid any comments or language that are racist, sexist, defamatory, offensive or obscene. This includes forwarding anything that includes these details.

2. Keep your language gender neutral.

3. Do not use email to discuss confidential information, such as social security numbers or personal issues that have been identified as such.

4. Use disclaimers on all emails sent both internally and externally that highlight specifics to your company and protects you from possible problems due to unprofessional emails.

Becoming Efficient Through Your Choice Of Words

Time is of essence to everyone these days, so there is no point in wasting anyone’s time – particucarly in the busy world of retail. The goal should be to get to the point in your email communication. But in doing this, you should be polite and clear through your choice of words. A few tips on how to do this include:

1. Be direct and clear with a polite, respectful tone.

2. Answer any questions that have been directed to you with respect and direct questions you may have in a clear, professional matter. Often people get frustrated when they think their time is being wasted answering what they believe should already be known, so you want to avoid giving the impression of “frustration” or “annoyance” in your emails.

3. Use proper paragraph structures and professional layouts  for your reader to easily read through your email. Avoid one, long email that all blends together.

4. Do not write in all capital letters. This gives the impression you are screaming. In addition, do not write in all lower case letters. This gives the impression you are lazy.

5. Read and edit your email prior to hitting send. It’s amazing what reading it can often point out to you. Take the time to make necessary changes.

6. Avoid abbreviations even if you think they are obvious. What is obvious to you may not be to someone else.

7. Do not request delivery and read receipts. This takes time away from your audience since they likely have to approve this request. In addition, it’s often perceived as annoying and not necessary in most situations.

8. Don’t forget to include a concise, meaningful subject in your subject line. It should identify what the email is about without being too long in length.

Be Professional And Get Treated Professionally

Fingers get pointed whether we like it or not. He said, she  said is unfortunately part of most businesses, so make sure that what he or she is saying about you is not that you are unprofessional. A few additional points can help portray your business as the professional leaders you want to be.

1. Always respond quickly to emails. Don’t let emails sit in your in-box without at least a short, efficient and professional reply to the sender notifying them of when you can get back to them with additional emails. This puts your audience at peace for a bit and allows you to gain professional respect along the way.

2. Do not overuse the high priority option unless you truly, 110% believe your email is of high priority. Late shipments would fall into this category so a retailer could plan accordingly. However, letting your retailers know about a new product would not be considered high priority in regards to email notifications.

3. Don’t let your emotions get in the way of your professional words. Feeling pissed? That’s human. But think about how your emotions may come across in your choice of words in an email that can ultimately result in your business success – or failures.

4. Be careful who you copy (cc) and blind copy (bcc) on your emails. In addition, only hit “Reply All” when necessary and keep those not necessary in the email correspondence off the email thread.

Finally, enforcing an email policy for your business can help ensure professional communication and results. Identifying what is important to your business through a written policy is the best way to do this. Make sure to communicate these details to all necessary employees and have them sign an acknowledgement that they have read and understand it. By enforcing this, you protect yourself and your company. In addition, you gain respect from clients, customers, potential accounts and more! A better possible result? Increased sales! So make sure you are putting in place an email policy today!

Return Policies – Is Yours In Check?

Retailers have various return policies from no returns accepted to no return limits. For the most part, however, things are not so black and white – which, in my professional opinion, is a good thing. Setting up clear return policies allows your customers to understand that their purchases must adhere to your policies in case they change their mind. This doesn’t mean they can’t change their mind, but it means they should be responsible about their purchases so that you, as a retailer, can be responsible with your planning and inventory, as well.

Boutique stores often struggle with customers who want to return products weeks after a purchase. Because your inventory is not as deep as larger retailers, such as Macy’s, you typically cannot afford to accept returns too far after a purchase is made due to the fact that the product may no longer be on your selling floor as well as various other reasons.

In addition to controlling your inventory, you need to control your own checkbooks. If returns come in too far after originally purchased, your entire checkbook, so to speak, can get all messed up. We definitely don’t want to see you in a money hole due to returns!

Finally, the reality is that customers try and get away with everything these days. If you sell apparel or accessories, you may know this all to well. For those of you that don’t, here’s the scoop…. Customers sometimes buy things, wear them and then return them. Gross, right? Rude too. But none the less, it happens. Not all customers deserve this bad rap, but it’s because of these customers that we need to watch out for each other. So with these few points to consider, here are a few return policy tips:

1. Allow returns on all merchandise possible for up to a designated time frame. Typically, I reccomend 10 to 14 days maximum. People know within that time if they want to keep something or not, so offering more time just allows for them to push the limitations that you as  a retailer should consider (those mentioned above).

2. It’s okay to accept no returns on some purchases. On sale? Over a certain price? Personal item such as lingerie? Sometimes it’s okay to make a firm “sales final” statement. Make sure, however, that your customer is aware of this before their purchase. I suggest getting a stamp or other identifying factor to highlight this on the receipt and even having them initial your copy of the receipt and their own so that they confirm they understand your policy. A great site for stamps to help control all your retail needs, including a “Final Sale” stamp,  is www.rubberstamps.net.

3.  Identify your return policies in a visible place for your customers to see and review at their leisure. Dressing rooms and the check out areas are both great places to show these details. Double exposing these details is encouraged, too. In addition, when possible have your policy written out on your printed receipt.

4. Tags and other retail labels should be on the product for returns. In my opinion, there should be no exceptions here. You are not Target – meaning, you do not have oodles and oodles of inventory. Respect the inventory you do have and don’t accept returns on product that have the tags removed. No matter what the customer says, this indicates it was worn or used.

5. There are always exceptions. True to life, there will always be scenarios that deserve a little slack. But that is your call… not mine.  As boutique owners, part of the luxury of running your own show is that you can make these choices. Then again, that isn’t always a luxury since you can’t point fingers at anyone else. None the less, you call the shots. Just remember the shots called make all the difference.

Lastly, remember that every detail matters here. Make sure that a receipt is ALWAYS included with the return, as well. In addition, you should address all these details in a friendly, professional tone – it doesn’t need to be as if you are the return policy police. But do be clear so that your customers are clear. This will definitely save many headaches – both emotionally and financially – later for both you and your customers.

5 Ways To Engage Your Customers

Whether you have a free standing store, an online store or sell in any other way, it is important to keep your customers engaged. By doing this, you keep their attention and hopefully will keep their business, as well. Five ways to help do this include the following.

[tweetmeme]1. Ask your customers their opinion. Have some ideas but not sure if your customers will respond to them favorably? Reach out to them and ask before you invest your time and money into this idea. You may be surprised with what you find out – and what you learn (including new, stronger ideas). Want to gain feedback from a recent sale or special event? Tell your customers “thanks” while also reaching for some insight on their thoughts. A great way to do this is to send a ”feedback” survey via email.  Get them to talk to you about what they really think of what you are doing for their business.

2. Be open to complaints and address them. We have all had our issues, let’s face it. Late deliveries, poor communication, damaged products – the list goes on and on. Sometimes it is out of our control however often, it’s not. Listen up when you hear a complaint and try to evaluate how you can improve on this the next time around. In addition, try to make sure your customer is ultimately happy. And of course, follow through! Let them know you heard them (give thanks here too) and that you are working on improving or fixing the situation.

3. Remember the little details of your customers lives. Their kids names, a special event they just went to, an upcoming occassion, where they work – make it a point to listen and then ask them in friendly yet professional ways how things are going when you talk to them. Each customer is different, though, and some may respond to this chit chat better than others. But those that enjoy it will appreciate it. Limit this to just a bit of time, though, as it’s important to get to business and not take up too much of your customer’s time.

4. Refer your customers new business when possible. Want to make your customers really happy? Bring them business! Whether it’s a small deal, a single sale or just a shopper who doesn’t even make a purchase, let them know you appreciate what they offer and tell others about it! Make sure they know you are referring people their way, but you don’t need to do this in a big way. Simply send them an email letting them know “so and so” may call them or stop by.

5. Actually care. So simple and yet so powerful. If you actually care about your customers, they are more likely to care about you. Are they struggling with bills this month due to the economy? Listen and see if you can extend their payment for you – if, of course, you know it will come. Are they dealing with a family crisis? Send your thoughts and best wishes – and mean it. Maybe you just value their business. Let them know! Sincere actions go a long way. Show how you care whenever you can.

Retail Minded is committed to helping independent retail and wholesale businesses thrive in all the ways that matter, but we can’t do this alone! We’d love to hear your thoughts for our readers to learn more. Please comment below.

Ways to Avoid Retail Theft

This past February, the National Retail Federation (NRF) announced that retail theft if on the rise due to our struggling economy. While theft is always an issue, this recent report cited that there are more organized groups than ever before committing retail theft and then reselling the stolen goods to gain profit from their illegal actions. These groups, referred to as Organized Retail Crime (ORC) result in a loss of over 30 billion dollars a year for retailers. As independent retailers, there area a few things you can do to help decrease your odds of being a part of theft.

1. Research shows that communicating with your customers decreases theft. Say hello to all customers that walk into your store within 30 seconds or a minute at the most so that they know you are aware of their presence and are alert with their actions. Continue to acknowledge them while they are in your store with engaging questions about your store, your product, or how you can help them. By reaching out to them throughout their store visit, they will have less likely of an opportunity to feel alone enough to commit a crime. An added bonus – since most customers are not in your store to shop lift, this simply provides increased customer service!

2. Make sure that you are aware of the inventory in your store. Keep an accurate checklist, whether manually, through Quickbooks or your own excel spreadsheet, so that you are aware of what is currently in stock, out of stock, damaged, sold, or missing. If you find that certain items are missing, it is likely they are a high theft item. Be aware of what may be considered high theft to avoid their potential loss as well as to provide extra overview on these products. You can do this by merchandising these products close to the cash wrap or where ever you and your staff are the most often. Another idea is to secure them with security tags that will alarm if they leave the store.

3. Install video cameras in your store. The catch? Even cameras that don’t work will alert thefts and persuade them NOT to shoplift. You can purchase video cameras that appear to be real or even buy real but used cameras that no longer work. Of course, working cameras would be your best bet but this is a costly investment that not everyone can afford. One company to check out for these options would be Security Tag Store, www.securitytagstore.com.

4. The floor plan of your store can increase or decrease your chance for theft. Try and balance your store space so that you have visible access to all areas in which a customer may be, with exception to a dressing room, of course. Use mirrors to see challenging corners that may not otherwise be visible. Lock up expensive merchandise in glass cases or with security tags. Do not allow customers access to dressing rooms without having to be let in by a sales associate and limit the number of items they can take into the room with them. When they come out of the room, count the products that came out with them to make sure nothing is missing. You can also use alarms on doors that should not be opened so that customers cannot sneak out a back door. Even customer bathrooms should be locked so that you can monitor who is going in and out of them. While this may seem like a few more extra steps then there is time in your day, all of these actions will provide valuable store security if you need it. In addition, it also provides supportive customer service.

5. Signage can be used to reinforce security messages. Let shoppers know you have security cameras or that your store has a security alarm system. Make sure potential thefts are reminded that you have sales associates watching both customers and products throughout the store. Don’t be scared to alarm them with “Shoplifters will be prosecuted” signs, as well.

Finally, make sure that your store is well kept in an effort to help you see what is out of place or possibly stolen. Tidy up every day throughout the day and make sure all of your sales associates do this, as well. Remind everyone, including yourself, that is not just to have a great looking store but also to avoid theft.

We need to hope that most customers are still honest and trustworthy, but as the saying goes – better safe than sorry! Make sure you are taking care of your store by  taking control of your store security.

Getting Rid Of The Bling

The good old days of multiple items per purchase and hefty commission checks for your associates are over. Consumers today are embracing the reality of their paychecks, or lack of them, and spending accordingly. To help let your customers know you are on board with them, eliminate the bling from your customer outreach. It’s time to get rid of the fancy and embrace simplicity. Consumers are and so should you.

With the economy still in an undesirable place and consumers still on guard about where and why they should spend their money, retailers and wholesalers both need to communicate in a style that customers today can relate to. Instead of offering all leather handbags, for example, offer some great fabric designed totes that are more affordable and just as stylish. Rather than suggest multiple layers for your spring look, suggest a single item dress as your trusted spring wardrobe staple. Embrace the simplicity that customers today are craving and respond to their needs. The goal, of course, is for you to not sell less but to sell smarter and to sell more as a result.

Let your customers know you are thinking about them in these tough times, as well. Sell your simple strategies by talking to your customers about how they will save from what you are offering them. Listen to their feedback, as well, and support them if you can. More than ever customers need to believe that retailers are on their side, so make sure your customers know this. As a result, you should find out they are on your side, as well. Don’t forget to know what your competition is up to, also, so you can stay one step ahead!

What are you doing to gain customer attention these days? We’d love to hear from you!

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