Expanding Your Store Hours Can Help Sales
Tip #384 - An Upward Spiral
Dear Tip of the Weeker,
Expand your holiday store hours to match those of your local mall or big box stores. As my farmer grandfather, Steve Nibbelink, used to say, "When the sun is shining, make hay."
And since the sun is shining during the holidays, expanding your hours is a surefire way to make the most from this holiday season. Here are four ways to make sure you get the most out of those extra hours:
- Hammer home your "Open later to serve you" or "If the mall is open, we’re open" message. Get the word out in every email communication, with in-store & exterior signage, on bag stuffers, and through your staff talking to customers about it. Train your staff to mention it to every person who comes in the door.
- Make sure your staff is thoroughly trained in selling skills and product knowledge - you don’t want to miss a single opportunity.
- Have a to-do list so that your people stay productive, even when your store is not busy.
- Keep marketing! Marketing is what drives traffic and supports longer hours.
Sure, some nights and some Sundays are going to be slower. However, a commitment to more customer-friendly hours will pay off in the end with stronger loyalty, higher sales, and more profit.
And besides, you NEVER want to send your customer to a competitor because they are open, and you’re not.
Wishing you great sales and lots of fun,
