Everyone who runs a shop, no matter what its size or specialisation, will know that declines in sales are always going to happen at some point. Sometimes this is a seasonal thing, and sometimes it is simply down to market forces beyond anyone’s control. However, whilst you can’t ever avoid sales declines there are certain things you can do during difficult times to try and bolster your figures. For example:
Have a Sale: Holding an impromptu sale is one of the most tried-and-tested ways to give flagging profits a bit of a boost. Just make sure you advertise this well by putting up durable vinyl signs throughout the town in strategic locations where plenty of potential customers are likely to see them. You should use vinyl because if you use paper or cardboard the banners are likely to become damaged very quickly, particularly if it rains, which is not going to entice customers through the door. You could also advertise the sale in local newspapers, on flyers or even on the radio.
Create Strong Displays: Whether you’re chosen a sale or are having a promotions day, you need some well-designed displays to bring in the customers. They should be bright, clear and simple, and your message should come across in a matter of seconds before the passerby’s attention wanders. It’s particularly important, as mentioned earlier, to have weatherproof vinyl signs and banners placed in the local area, but attractive in-store displays are also helpful for when you’ve got the customers through the door as this will encourage them to buy. If you’re not great with the graphics, it might be worth calling in the services of a graphic designer to create your promotional material.
Create A Buzz: If you’re getting a new product in, or you’ve updated your shop in any way, then anything you can do to advertise this is great. Send a press release to the local media,or why not get involved in events in the local community? Basically, anything you can do to get your name out there, go for it.
Create Customer Loyalty: It’s no secret that if you treat your customers well they will come back. Consider setting up some kind of loyalty scheme, or why not hold a promotional day and invite long-standing customers to attend? Do some market research to find out what you can be doing better, as people like to feel their priorities are being addressed seriously, and it also helps you to reach out to customers on a more personal level.
Have a Sale: Holding an impromptu sale is one of the most tried-and-tested ways to give flagging profits a bit of a boost. Just make sure you advertise this well by putting up durable vinyl signs throughout the town in strategic locations where plenty of potential customers are likely to see them. You should use vinyl because if you use paper or cardboard the banners are likely to become damaged very quickly, particularly if it rains, which is not going to entice customers through the door. You could also advertise the sale in local newspapers, on flyers or even on the radio.
Create Strong Displays: Whether you’re chosen a sale or are having a promotions day, you need some well-designed displays to bring in the customers. They should be bright, clear and simple, and your message should come across in a matter of seconds before the passerby’s attention wanders. It’s particularly important, as mentioned earlier, to have weatherproof vinyl signs and banners placed in the local area, but attractive in-store displays are also helpful for when you’ve got the customers through the door as this will encourage them to buy. If you’re not great with the graphics, it might be worth calling in the services of a graphic designer to create your promotional material.
Create A Buzz: If you’re getting a new product in, or you’ve updated your shop in any way, then anything you can do to advertise this is great. Send a press release to the local media,or why not get involved in events in the local community? Basically, anything you can do to get your name out there, go for it.
Create Customer Loyalty: It’s no secret that if you treat your customers well they will come back. Consider setting up some kind of loyalty scheme, or why not hold a promotional day and invite long-standing customers to attend? Do some market research to find out what you can be doing better, as people like to feel their priorities are being addressed seriously, and it also helps you to reach out to customers on a more personal level.
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