As unbelievable as it may feel, second semester is already around the corner. Here are five tips to get your store ready.
1 – Stock Up and Manage Inventory
Prepare for an influx of shopping as students prepare for or arrive for second semester. Make sure you are stocked up and have proper inventory on products normally purchased. If you are unsure what top products for this coming year are, check out DSC’s School & Dorm Supplies Portal for recommendations!
2 – Invest in Merchandising
Presentation is everything in retail spaces. One of the top reasons a customer makes a purchase is because something catches their attention. Visual merchandising is designed to attract, engage, and motivate customers. Increase brand awareness and drive the sales in your store with visually appealing displays. For the best displays, check out DSC’s Merchandising Portal. Here are some tips on how you can get the most out of your displays.
3 – Create an Easy Online Shopping Experience
Most of your customer base are accustomed to online shopping, especially post COVID-19. Providing an online shopping cart on your website for either shipping or buy online-pick up in store options, is a great way to prepare for the upcoming rush. For website tips, check out this article.
4 – Provide Multiple Checkout Locations In-Store
As you prepare for the second semester rush, one area of your store to consider is the checkout area. Is the process to check out efficient, easy, and quick? Or are customers standing in long, cramped lines? Studies have shown that the average customer only has the patience to wait in line for 5-10 minutes.
If you have the space, you can consider mobile point-of-sales systems so transactions can be made anywhere in the store. Make sure you have a POS software with fast transaction speeds.
5 – Take Advantage of Reviews
In this digital age, many students turn to online product reviews to make their shopping decisions. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your reviews. You should also consider putting product reviews on your website as well. Your students belong to Gen Z and they want to know their peers’ opinion of the product. By making product reviews visible on your site, you tell your students that you are trustworthy because you are transparent.
The more prepared your store is, the better you will feel entering this next busy season. How have you been preparing your store? Share in the comments below!
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