Win with In-Store Service

Retailers know that they need to make their stores a nice place to shop, but how good are they at doing that?

It's about more than having pretty displays and the right items.  Of course, if you don't stock the right merchandise, and your store is dark, outdated, or hard to navigate, then you've got more fundamental problems.  But once you've got the basics worked out, how can you make your store a better place to shop than the guy next door?

Innovative and informative displays are the first step.  Instead of simply putting up overhead signs to indicate sections within the store, go at least one step further and incorporate displays within each section that show product details and tips for getting the most value out of a product.  If a customer can get a commodity at a big box store, or at your store, they're only likely to buy it from you if your price is competitive, and you can help them make a better informed decision than the big box store can.  This starts with creative and helpful displays.

It ends with empowered employees.  Make sure your employees not only are polite and know where things are, but make sure they are subject matter experts on the products in your store.  Training goes a long way toward customer satisfaction.  Today's consumers are already well educated by the web, so they want insightful and experienced input from store staff, not just a point in the right direction.

If you can combine good signage and really helpful employees, you're likely to stand out from the crowd, and your customers will reward you with purchases and loyalty.