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Taking a Hard — and Helpful — Look After the Holiday Rush
By now, you’ve most likely examined your holiday season statistics. You’ve seen which products flew off the shelves — and which ones seemed content just taking up real estate.
Now is the perfect time to slow down and take a thoughtful, strategic look at the data. Where did shoppers eagerly part with their cash? And where did merchandise simply sit, waiting for a home?
Put Your Hot Sellers Front and Center
As you review your sales patterns, relocate your hottest items to even more prominent locations on your sales floor. (Bonus points: while moving things around, use the opportunity to clean, polish, and refresh your displays!)
Take a good look at your “bread and butter” products versus your “real estate hogs.” What are the key differences?
- Style?
- Purpose?
- Manufacturer?
- Customization options?
Back up your observations with your sales stats. Insights here will give you a roadmap for what to prioritize — and what to rethink.
Walk the Store Like a Customer Would
Once you’ve updated your merchandising, do the old “Walk the Store Lease Line” trick. Wander your own store like a customer seeing it for the first time.
What catches your eye?
What demands a second or third look?
Ask your staff to help assess “curb appeal.” More eyes = more ideas to refine your layout and spotlight your most stunning wares.
And while you’re walking:
- Note what’s working beautifully.
- Notice what’s missing that could take your store from good to absolutely breathtaking.
Don’t Overlook Technology: A Key to Relevance
One missing element might be technology upgrades that streamline the shopping and purchasing experience.
Today’s buyers grew up with technology at their fingertips. They expect a seamless experience, where they can browse, dream, and make educated decisions — often before even stepping foot in your store.
Tools like a design suite can:
- Showcase options that fit the customer’s taste and budget.
- Reduce the need for bloated inventory.
- Draw customers into a fun, interactive selection process.
Point-of-sale software is another must. A well-integrated system makes financial transactions fast, secure, and virtually painless. (Pun very much intended.)
Technology can enhance the experience — but never replace what matters most.
The Ultimate Secret Weapon: YOU and Your Staff
At the end of the day, relevance is rooted in tradition — and tradition means people.
If someone just wants a quick, no-thought purchase, they’ll hit “Buy Now” online or swing by a big box store.
But for investment purchases — the kind that are meant to last, to mean something — customers seek TRUST. They need a focused, committed, skilled guide to help them make the right decision.
Impeccability and Integrity
Customers can tell instantly if you and your team:
- Manage infinite details effortlessly.
- Commit fully to honesty, fairness, satisfaction, and quality.
Skill and Training Matter
Buyers are hopeful — but skeptical. They don’t want to be manipulated. They want someone who listens carefully, asks smart questions, and steers them toward the best options for their needs and dreams.
When your team is focused, careful, committed, and capable, magic happens:
- Customers thrive.
- Staff shines.
- Merchandise moves out the door and into happy hands.
The Payoff: Long-Term Success
Regular training keeps staff sharp, motivated, and proud of their role.
Holding your team accountable — and rewarding their wins — keeps energy high and goals in sight.
When you blend outstanding people skills with smart technology and eye-popping merchandising, your store doesn’t just survive. It becomes a destination.
Be sure to go to https://principlesforbusinessandlife.com/ – click on My Viewpoint Newsletter and read a fabulous article titled:From Nothing to Everything: My Journey
Through Grit and Determination
By Diana Machado
This Month’s Training Tools Special – Sales and Sales Managers Aptitude Tests- Regularly $149.00 – this month only $49.95.
IAS Training is revolutionizing the training industry with our Sales and Sales Management Aptitude Tests for potential new hires and existing staff.
The Aptitude test will take the guesswork out of hiring. At the very least you will know if they believe in the basic Sales Management principles and good salesmanship strategies and techniques. When hiring, you need to know if you are getting the person with the best chance of success and the willingness to do what you want them to do. Obviously, no one is qualified to work in your store until they have been trained to work in your store, doing things the way you want them done. What are their beliefs when it comes to approaching a customer? What are their beliefs relating to their responsibilities are as a salesperson? All of your questions are answered with the Aptitude Test.
For existing staff the Aptitude test will tell you where you need to work with your people on sales and sales management techniques.
We provide you with the answer sheet so you can do the analysis. Don’t expect people to get the exact right answers, however you will know if their thought process is in at least the same zip code. If you want us to look at the results and make recommendations, we can do that free of charge. We don’t want to replace your test for honesty/security etc. However, now you can find out if they will have what it takes to be successful when it comes to protecting your most valuable asset: your customers!
Go to https://principlesforbusinessandlife.com/ – click on Training Tools to place your order
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