| If you manage a small retail store or boutique, | | | | make them leave satisfied and they're sure to tell |
| you need to be prepared to go with the flow, | | | | someone. That doesn't mean that you should let |
| secure your niche, and develop a strategy that | | | | them walk all over you, but it does mean that |
| will help you create a stronghold in an irresolute | | | | you should put up with more professionally than |
| industry. Times can and will change. Shoppers will | | | | you would personally! Going above and beyond |
| go from loving shopping malls to shopping at giant | | | | with your customer service will have people not |
| "carry-all" retail stores. They'll leave the giants and | | | | only returning to your store, but recruiting more |
| prefer eclectic boutiques. They'll eventually skip | | | | customers for you. |
| the boutiques and turn to online shopping. You | | | | Another thing that you should remember is that |
| never know what the next trend will be, so you | | | | you can turn someone from an occasional |
| need to do everything in your power to stake | | | | browser or one-time purchase client into an |
| your claim to the customers that make the | | | | enthusiastic advocate for your business. Basically, |
| difference for you. | | | | your excitement about your products can be |
| First, make sure that you're constantly trying to | | | | contagious. Let them know all about the quality of |
| overcome the fears and reservations of your | | | | your products. Let them in on your personal |
| clientele. Many retailers believe that if you | | | | attachment to the business. Get them on your |
| overcome the fear, you'll make the sale. Put into | | | | side by talking and including them in the |
| practice easy return policies. Don't exclude certain | | | | conversation. As long as what you talk about is |
| items from your promotions. No one trusts a lot | | | | informative, true, and relevant, they should |
| of fine print. Make sure that your name is known. | | | | become confident in their decision to make a |
| Radio spots, sponsorship at local events, social | | | | purchase or recommend you to someone that |
| networking promotions, all get your name out | | | | would. |
| there. Do everything in your power to gain the | | | | Make sure that your store is always nice and |
| confidence of the shopper before they even visit | | | | neat. Items should be easy to browse. Don't |
| your store. | | | | crowd your garment racks together where no |
| Nothing is more powerful than a word of mouth | | | | one can comfortably shop. Use slatwall panels to |
| recommendation. Keep this in mind when you are | | | | create three dimensional displays and slatwall |
| interacting with a customer. Ever heard of the | | | | accessories to create texture and depth all |
| saying, "the customer is always right"? Well, that | | | | around the store. Slatwall gets everything up |
| carries a lot of weight when you're dealing with | | | | where people can see it. It can grab attention |
| someone who is less than happy. Find a way to | | | | from the street, walkway, or sidewalk. |