Tis’ the season for…headaches? The holiday season can be filled with plenty of stress to go along with the cheer. A dilemma every retailer is hoping for in the waning weeks of Holiday ’08: Too many customers at once. We know you’re hoping for this, but the downside is that too many people for your staff to handle can mean missed opportunities.
Some ideas from the November issue of InStore Magazine:
- Enlist Greeters: You don’t need an experienced sales person, just a cheerful employee who can watch the door and act as a point person for hectic customers.
- Offer Food & Drink: Customers will appreciate a moment to have a cup of coffee and a snack.
- Go The Extra Mile: If you’re swamped and see an important long-time customer, who says they’re going to grab lunch and come back, InStore suggests that you discreetly tell them to bring the receipt back (ensuring they return) and you’ll pick up the tab.
- Go The Extra Mile: If you’re swamped and see an important long-time customer, who says they’re going to grab lunch and come back, InStore suggests that you discreetly tell them to bring the receipt back (ensuring they return) and you’ll pick up the tab.
- Set a Good Mood: Background music, pleasant scents (like cinnamon or cider), and decorations all add to the holiday feel and make customers feel more welcome and willing to hang out (and buy).
- Acknowledgement: Even if you’re too busy to handle a customer, make sure to let them know you’re aware of their presence. Consumers know shopping can be a hassle over the holidays and that they may have to wait. But ignore them completely at your peril.
- Limit Chatter: The busy time isn’t the best moment to leisurely catch-up with customers. Be polite, tell them to stop in after the holiday (perhaps to tell you how the gift went over), but don’t be afraid to pick up the pace during this hectic time.
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