What is the biggest problem facing quick service restaurants (QSR,) hotels and most all retail?
We’ve devalued our customers. We’ve believed the myths of the Analyticals that the customer just wants to get the room key, the widget, the burrito – FAST. Continue reading 5 Incredibly Easy Things You Can Do To Bring the Holiday Spirit To Your Customers »
Five minute interview of Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor on MSNBC by Rod Kurtz, Senior Editor of Inc. magazine on Phibbs four points retailers can use right now to alter holiday sales and get ready for the New Year.
They include website tips, being remarkable, building your list and tracking your numbers.
Succeeding in Holiday Sales
Customers are opening their wallets in a big way this holiday so you are bound to be out of certain products, sizes or colors – especially if they are on sale. Emphasize to your staff to sell what they have in store.
Some store employees with no sales training feel they “have” to call another store because to them, that is good customer service. No it isn’t. 
Customers who ask you to call another store should told the hard truth, it is just too busy to accurately check an item. Suggest other colors or other products you have plenty of.
Here’s why transfers do not make you money… Continue reading Retail Holiday Sales Tip: Why You Must Stop the Interstore Transfers »
With all the demands of retail including longer hours, employees calling in sick and returns, it is easy to throw up your hands and become the Grinch. You can’t let that comfortable old “grinchy” feeling in or it will cost you sales.
So how to avoid it?
First, embrace the idea of the holiday music. Instead of fighting it, look at it as a reminder these are the money weeks. Remember holiday music makes shoppers feel merry. And happy shoppers buy more than unhappy ones. Continue reading 7 Tips For Retailers To Avoid Holiday Burn Out »
How can you succeed in your holiday sales? You’ve got to be thinking ahead.
It isn’t about having enough gift wrap – though that is important.
It isn’t about making sure everyone knows where and how to change the register paper – though that too is important.
No, you need to think about who will come back for you in 2011.
So number one is to build a website so new customers can find you next year. Don’t do this yourself, hire someone – I’ve given you what’s needed in my book, The Retail Doctor’s Guide to Growing Your Business (Wiley.)
#2 is to be remarkable. That’s not adequate, that’s not OK, that means your service is so great I would crawl over glass naked to shop with you.
#3 is to build your list. That could be a physical mailing list – though that is expensive. That could be an email list or even a Facebook Fan page.
#4 is to track your numbers this holiday so you know who is doing the job. That goes for your employees, your brands and individual products.
Pay attention to these four tips now and you’ll be positioned to grow your business both this holiday season and next year.
Watch the entire three minute interview of Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor with Rod Kurtz, Senior Editor of Inc. magazine expand on these four points retailers can use right now.
Retail Holiday Sales Success
Bob Phibbs is the Retail Doctor, consultant, speaker and author to help any size brand or company grow their sales using his proven methods. Find out more at www.retaildoc.com
