5 Tips for Supporting Male Customers

Whether you are a guy or a gal, I think we can all agree… Men and women shop differently. It doesn’t take a ton of retail research to tell us this. We know this simply by co-existing with each other. As a result, it’s no surprise that how we support our male customers will likely vary a bit than our female customers. Below, gain a few tips on supporting men next time they come into your store.

1. Don’t “crowd” your male shoppers. While a woman may want you to tag along as they navigate your store (important to note… not all women, but some) most men shoppers do not want to feel as if you are following them around as they shop. What they do want, however, is clear direction and understanding of what they are looking for or any details you offer that may not be easy to identify. For example, do you offer free gift wrapping? Shipping? Is there a sale corner in your store? If so, politely share these details shortly after you greet them, then let them do their thing.

2. Provide options to your male customers. While men don’t want to feel crowded or as if they are being followed as they shop, they do want support in their shopping efforts. As they navigate your store, let them know you can offer them any help as they need it… then back off. They’ll ask if they want to, and if they don’t want to they won’t. You can further support either customer in this scenario by simply identifying a few options you have in your store. For example, “Happy to provide you a few options of what you may be looking for” or “We may have sizes or styles not on the floor, so please ask if you don’t see what you are looking for”.

3. Acknowledge your return policies and other policies you may have. Do you offer free alterations? Do you provide delivery? Do you have special services for your VIP customers? Let your shoppers – male and female – know! Men in particular enjoy “one stop shopping” so if you can deliver more than just a destination to buy something, but also to do anything else they may need, you will no doubt capture more male attention. And definitely do not forget to mention your return policy. This is key.

4. Communicate with men via strong store signage. Words are powerful, but not all words need to be spoken. Share your store details via in-store signage. While identifiying price points, product details and other must-know information is important for men to see, they also can be persuaded by signage to buy. For example, you could place a sign over a recent delivery of extra large toys / drills / furniture / anything that states  “Size Does Matter.” A play of words always gets attention, especially when you speak to the heart of men.

5. Avoid ignoring men altogether. There’s a fine line between giving a man space and not giving him any attention at all. If you ignore your men customers, they will ignore you, too. They need that extra push and support to get a sale made. Another tip? If a man happens to be accompanying a lady, be sure you have a chair and some magazines available for him to enjoy in case he is left waiting for his female friend to shop. And we’re talking Ladies Home Journal. Have a Sports Illustrated, Details Magazine, Time and a few others to cover the taste of all your customers. This type of support just may be his favorite of all.