MY DOORS ARE CLOSED…..NOW WHAT??
(aka how to stay stoked during these crazy times!)
In the past couple of weeks, I’ve had numerous conversations with specialty retailers across the nation to brainstorm ways to keep revenue flowing, customers happy, employees paid and much more.
Here are a few ideas that may help you during these unprecedented challenges:
–COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS—keep them coming to you!
Send messages to keep them stoked and positive via email, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, direct mail
Announce the “special” services that you are offering–i.e. free local board delivery, free t-shirt with any online purchase, etc.
Create online videos of new products arriving in the store, review of latest surfboard or fins
Partner with local gym, physical therapist, yoga studio on how to stay in shape for surfing/paddling
Raffle off a high-ticket (but slow moving) item—surfboard, paddleboard, paddle, wetsuit
–DO A PHYSICAL INVENTORY
Compare/update physical numbers to those on your POS system
Identify products to go on sale
–REVIEW/UPDATE POS/POP SYSTEM
Update, correct any numbers, based on physical inventory
Create a 1 page “hot sheet” which identifies top sellers, slow movers, low inventory levels
–REVIEW ALL PENDING ORDERS NOT YET RECEIVED
Revamp 2nd quarter sales projections, and adjust open-to-buy accordingly
Adjust ship dates or cancel orders if necessary
–RE-MERCHANDISE THE STORE
Great time for new paint, more lighting, revamped dressing rooms, expanded window display
Move racks around—move departments around—make it look new and fresh!
–DEVELOP NEW ART/LOGOS FOR YOUR PRIVATE LABEL GOODS
Good time to focus on high quality, high margin products
Add a new category
–DO SOME EMPLOYEE TRAINING
Create “what if” scenarios and have them act them out with each other
i.e. how to handle refunds, how to upsell without pressure, how to cross-merchandise
key questions in selling a surfboard, paddleboard or wetsuit
–REVAMP/FINE-TUNE YOUR WEBSITE/ONLINE PRESENCE
Add new photos, change color scheme, update blog or videos
Call me if you want to discuss any of these in greater detail, or need new private label products!
Dave Seehafer-Global Wave Ventures, 4/1/20