The holidays are the busiest time of the year for retailers. While the season of buying can be very stressful, it is necessary to put in the work now because it will carry you through some of your slower months. You can not plan for everything, but going into the season organized will only help create a smooth holiday season.
Add extra staff on the weekend and during peak store hours. It can reflect poorly when your store is full and you are understaffed and can’t accommodate customers. Get detailed schedules of your employees and plan for some sick calls. If necessary, begin looking for seasonal employees now. College students are ideal seasonal workers since they usually have around four weeks off from school.
Set-up a system for back stock and damaged merchandise. Chances are workers behind the counter will be swamped and not have time to put away unwanted or returned items. Designate a specific place for each of these and have someone keep an eye on the piles.
Keep your store room organized. Don’t try and control everything, you’ll drive yourself crazy.
Post important messages to customers. These can include:
- Return policy
- Holiday store hours
- Gift wrapping availability
- Holiday events you are sponsoring
Because your employees will take their cue from you, if you stay positive even when things are rough they will follow. Think about doing little things that will put your employees and customers at ease such as adding music to your store, having refreshments in the break room or making sure there is a greeter at the entrance.
How do you make the holidays in your store go by smoothly and successfully?
Tags: holidays, store fixtures, tuesday tips
