Much to the relief of retailers around the country, the British government has finally confirmed the ability for non-essential retailers to once again open their doors to shoppers. This means that, in only a few weeks’ time, high streets will leave behind their emptiness and return to a pre-pandemic bustle, even if it is an initially slow transition.
Many retailers have found themselves unable to open for some months, even over the holiday period, leaving their stores in need of spruce. This isn’t necessarily to their advantage since it is predicted there will be exceptional demand with shoppers eager to leave many of their online shopping behind in exchange for the local and personal retail experiences. Not only will an ill-prepared store make a bad impression but it will also negatively affect sales.
To ensure this doesn’t happen and that your store is ready for optimum profits, here are the best ways you can prepare your store for the coming end of lockdown.
Expect Crowds
There are numerous predictions about how busy can expect their local high street to look. Some media channels are imagining only a small and cautious number while others foresee an excited and immediate return.
Either way, there is little harm in preparing your store’s layout for a crowded return and, should that be the reality, you will be glad that your shop is able to accommodate. To do this, keep your shop floor as clear as possible, with stock stored vertically and on walls, and with modular retail shelving too, such as slatwall panels. This will allow customers to both freely browse and for your staff to adjust the retail furniture with changing footfall.
Re-Train Staff
If your staff have been furloughed during your store’s closure, or if they have been performing tasks that aren’t necessarily customer-facing, then they may need a refresher of their service skills. They may also have not worked together as a team for some time, so it could be also worth holding a team-building activity to help restore their confidence, even if the activity is as simple as to help assemble new greeting card units or to paint the shopfront!
By reviewing their training, reminding them of health and safety practices, you will not only ensure a friendly and smooth reopening but one that will be free of potentially disastrous mistakes.
Prioritise Experience
With the general public being unable to enjoy shopping as they were once able to, this is a prime opportunity for retailers to demonstrate their value. While shopping online has long been a practical and efficient alternative way to obtain items, the personal and exciting experience of browsing has substantial advantages.
As a retailer, it is best to prioritise a customer’s experience during this time, since returning and lasting customer is now a vital lifeline for retailers, certainly over short term targets. To achieve this, ensure that a customer’s shopping experience is made simple, safe, and memorable by helping them to navigate the store and understand any social distance restrictions without embarrassment.
