Make Magic for the Holidays

Seven Tips forMaking the Season Shine

Store Experience Basics

• Everyone gets a warm welcome from identifiable staff

• Clean store, clear pathways, attractive displays

• Enough inventory for 90 days

• Attentive, informative staff

• Friendly, efficient process at cash wrap

• Packaging reflects identity and advertises store

• Everyone gets a warm good bye and is encouraged to return

1. Staff Training & Motivation

• Guide customers to displays

• Ask questions and listen

• Demonstrate how things work

• Staff must understand expectations

• Consider unexpected rewards

• Be serious and playful as needed

2. Develop Loyal Customers

• Develop a marketing calendar

• Events are an important draw—Must have advance planning

• Target audience: Stroller parties, senior day, teen evening

• Recruit influential ambassadors

• Outreach to concierges, business community

2. Develop Loyal Customers

• Frequent buyer cards

• Time sensitive promotions

• Cause oriented promotions

• Wish list

• “Random” discount rewards

3. Focus on Best Sellers

• 80% of revenue from 20% of products

• Make a 20% list and post for staff

• Display best sellers prominently

• Display and/or backstock multiples in store

• Consider pre wrapping best sellers

• Create displays by price range

• Create displays by gift recipient

4. Signage Rules!

• All the same color

• 2-3 consistent sizes

• Place upright. # 226-1257 Small Plexi Sign Holder– grandandbenedicts.com

• Signs include a reason to buy

• Store revenue supports museum

• Prices on products and signs

5. Use Your Reports

• To anticipate sales and order

• To restock continuously

• To re-merchandise

• Post your sales to beat your sales

• Make manual notes re: out of stocks, displays, windows, weather, conventions, exhibitions, events, staffing

6. Moving Slo-Mos

• Bundle them

• Create a surprise bag or box

• Create “attraction by association”

• “Shopping bag frenzy” promotion

• Develop a mark down policy and stick with it

• Set a regular time, place to offer markdowns

7. Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask

• Take care of yourself…

so you can take care of others.