All indications are that this holiday season is going to be a great one for retailers. Shoppers have begun their shopping earlier than ever and they are looking for items that are timeless and special. So, it should be a win/win holiday for the jewelry retailer. Like your customer, you need a Holiday To Do List – It’s not too late to put these sales success ideas into place.
Plan for Impulse Purchases
According to CreditCards.com, 84% of survey respondents have made an impulse buy. 79% made their impulse purchases in a store. Remember that you have a captive audience – once a customer is in the store why not suggest gifts for others on their shopping list. Have key price point items – wrapped and ready. A few well-placed signs can encourage shoppers to check off a few more gifts on their shopping list. Like:
Stocking Stuffers under $XXX
Something for your Bestie?
You can never have enough jewelry!
Jewelry always fits!
Focus on Customer Service
The holiday shopping season can be stressful for you and your employees, but it is taxing on your customer as well. That’s why you need to make sure that you and your employees are ready to provide the best customer service possible during this time of the year. Think of offering options: by appointment only hours, shop by zoom appointments, home delivery, curb side pick-up, a comfortable chair and bag check while customers shop in nearby stores, and last but not least, free gift wrapping.
Nice not Naughty
Make sure that your staff members are cordial, knowledgeable and polite, whether it’s in-store, online or on the phone. Putting in the extra effort into customer service over the holiday season will no doubt pay dividends for you into the New Year and beyond.
Be Aware of Your Inventory
Prepare a list of top selling items and be sure to update the list daily (twice a day on weekends) to show available inventory. Be sure that your staff is aware of what’s in stock and is well trained on each key item. Have alternate suggestions ready as styles sell out.
Post Store Hours
Many stores reduced or changed their hours during the pandemic, so it’s important that your customer can easily find out when you are open. Create a new sign in the front window stating: “convenient holiday shopping hours.” Be sure that your website shows your store hours, front and center and have your outgoing phone message stating the hours. When calling a customer, be sure to end the call by mentioning the store hours
Collect Customer Data
The holiday season is the perfect time to make sure you round up as much customer data as possible. Find creative ways to capture names, phone numbers, email, and home addresses from your customers in order to get them to come back and turn them into regular shoppers. The more you talk to customers and the better your communication with them, the more likely they are to return.
Suggest a Gift Card
If the right item is not in stock or the customer is not sure exactly what will please, suggest a gift card. Studies show that customers spend upwards of 22% over the face value of the gift card when redeemed.
Be Mindful of the Post-Holiday Rush
The holiday rush doesn’t end with Christmas. Post-holiday sales are a great way to get rid of extra inventory and slow sellers. You’re going to need a focused team so that your customer service does not wane during this period.
Obviously, you and your staff members will already be tired from the holiday rush, but toughing it out and staying focused will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on your customers.
And to all a good night…
