We are only 9 weeks away from the biggest time of the year for retail. Christmas is a crazy time of year and nowhere is more crazy than retail.
To survive the silly season, it’s important to have a strategy and to re-focus on the things that will make a difference for you, and your team.
We've pulled out six tips from our retail sales training (that are completely free) to help your team survive and smash your budgets.
- SMILING: We've talked about this before but research shows that smiling makes you feel good and it makes the people around you feel good too. Customers cope with the pressures of parking, queues and financial stress better if they’re dealing with retailers that smile because they’ll receive a multitude of benefits. Some of which are: lowering blood pressure, boosting immunity and a release of endorphins into the body.
- BEING ON TIME: There’s something to be said for feeling organised and on top of things when you start your day. It helps to make you feel like you’re in control and lowers your stress levels so that you’re better able to deal with the extra volume of customers coming through the door. Don't start the day hurrying through the door, apologising for being late.
- GOING THE EXTRA MILE: Customers always love it when you go the extra mile, especially at Christmas time. Finding a product at another store, helping a customer get purchases to the car, or gift wrapping all make a difference and make you, and your store, stand out!
- ENERGY LEVELS: Good energy levels equals a good vibe. It’s as simple as that. Make sure your team is kept well fed and watered over this crazy time of the year. They’ll need it to keep up their energy. They’ll need a rest, both from being on their feet and from the constant contact with people. Here’s a Top Tip: Shout your team some snacks on a busy day, this will keep their energy levels up and overall boost morale.
- ATTITUDE: A great attitude from your whole team will help you get through all the tricky situations that Christmas brings, from running out of key lines, EFTPOS systems going down, sick team members and the rest! Operating above the line is always a choice and it’s something that you have to reinforce with your team daily. Some ways to keep everyone's attitudes in the green is to have a daily huddle before each shift and check-in with your team members. Share daily goals and targets, recap on the previous day's activity and ensure everyone is on the same page.
- PASSION: A passionate sales person often trumps a knowledgeable and skilled salesperson. We’re drawn to passionate people because they put 100% into what they love. Passion can’t be faked, it’s genuine and authentic, so encourage your team to be enthusiastic with customers, to enjoy the season and to have fun!
If you want to make the most of this year’s lead-up to Christmas trade, look after your team and encourage and challenge them to bring their A-game to work. If you have to be there, you may as well enjoy it!
