Do and Don't: Windows Deserve Respect

Windows are there to SELL to customers. They are usually the first thing customers see and therefore, the start of a selling process. Placing inventory boxes or garbage right in this location just because there is room, is counter productive to what the store is trying to achieve.

DO: Allocating space around a display builds both business and product credibility. It enhances the perceived value of the products displayed and gives it the respect it deserves. This window effectively conveys this to customers.

DON’T: AVOID placing items that do not belong in a shop window! What an otherwise is a beautiful and eye catching display is ruined by the inventory boxes behind the display and the garbage adjacent to it.

 

Do and Don't: Housekeeping is MAJOR

I understand how store can be busy and when delivery comes in, it adds to the chaos. However, is it acceptable at any one point to line boxes along an aisle, thereby blocking access to merchandise? Isn't that lost sales?

DO: Clean clear aisles are inviting and does not deter customers from coming in despite the line up at the cash desk.

DON'T: No room to store just delivered inventory? Maybe stacking them up closer to the back will minimize hindrances and allow more access to products being sold. Besides, these are trip hazards and the last thing retailers need is a lawsuit.

Do and Don't: Bugged by the Bag

In some outdoor city markets such those in Asia, where pollution and dust is a big issue, retailers will often have one single clothing item on display and the rest in their original plastic wrap. This is how customers prefer to buy them as they are assured of a clean garment and retailers do not mind as labour costs are not high. However in first world department stores and boutiques, retailers will have all the garments out to encourage customer interaction with the products, as well as promote self-service. When customers see items in bags, they immediately think back stock and off limits to their inspection.

DO: Have all merchandise ready for display. This means removing them from their original packaging and tagged with the right information. Clothing displayed this way encourages customers to touch and buy the products more so than if they are covered in plastic.

DON'T: Yes, this is the top shelf but these specific merchandise are not displayed elsewhere and I wanted to take a closer look at the gray sweater.  However with the plastic cover, my impression is that these items aren't for sale. Oh well, possible lost sale!

Do and Don't: Is MESSY Part of Your Retail Identity?

How much mess is acceptable? Some people say when a bin is messy, its a sign that business is good and there are tons of customers in the store. I agree- it is sometimes ok for bins to be messy- especially during busy times. However where does one draw the line? What about feature displays? Power wall displays? When does it become detrimental to sales?

DO: A nice inviting towel display is always a welcome sight. It conveys a well organized business who prioritizes upkeep of displays.
DON'T: Yes, I realize it can be busy at times, but on a Tuesday afternoon?! It is most likely from the weekend rush, and yet nothing has been done since then? When is cutting too much staff hours that it compromises business identity ok? Talk about devaluing products.

Do and Don't: Hello? Anyone Home?!

DO: A warm and welcoming storefront converses to customers not only through signage but also its feature products.

DON'T: I was sitting outside this shop for well over half an hour and not a single soul seem to be working in this entrance section. What a wasted opportunity as many people passed by seeing this empty storefront. Avoid wasting any chance to sell!

Do and Don't: Nothing Simple in Garbage

DO: At closing time, bringing garbage out for pick-up in clear plastic bags is a good step in keeping shrinkage down. DON'T: Using store's shopping bag as garbage bins is a surefire way to encourage internal theft.

Do and Don't: Housekeeping- behind the cash desk

DO: Keep back of cash desks neat and tidy. Just because this is the back does not mean customers now have their blinders on. Remember, this is often where the last impression is formed.

DON'T: When did backs of cash desks become garbage storage? I was purchasing something from this store and this is the cash counter they used to process my transaction. Needless to say the cashier had a harder time bagging my items when she had to move things around to access the bags.

Do and Don't: Housekeeping--DUSTBALLS ARE NOT ROMANTIC

DO: Nice, clean fluffy towels invite customers' touch. DON'T: Towels with dustballs, anyone?! Ewwww.