Sam Dushey's Tips for Retail Stores Looking to Grow in 2019

In 2019, the retail marketplace has grown to nearly $3.8 trillion. Strong economic fundamentals mean that consumers are ready to spend money to buy the things they want and need. Retail companies in Chelsea face stiff competition from local stores and from the Internet. Shoppers are increasingly turning to eCommerce alternatives, adding another layer of complexity to the competition in the retail space.

Chelsea retailers of all sizes are constantly looking for ways to distinguish themselves from their competition and to come out on top. Retail experts like Sam Dushey have special techniques to enhance the sales of these companies and to ensure their success in a competitive environment. Here are 5 tips to continue growing your store in 2019.

1. Use Public Relations Wisely

Don’t forget to take advantage of public relations and local news sites. Get into the habit of sending press releases to the local media. You may find that local newspapers and television channels have an interest in your activities.

It is also smart to offer your business as a place for community groups to meet. When people are in your store regularly, they are likely to form a good opinion of your store and are more likely to buy something. Hosting networking events is beneficial for both your business and your customers.

2. Set Prices Carefully

It is important to set your prices at the right level. You will want to offer your customers the best value for their dollar, but you need to leave enough margin to make a profit. Balancing the needs of your business versus your customers’ desire to save money can be challenging, but it is possible to satisfy both sides.

3. Focus on Customer Service

No matter what kind of retail business you own, it is crucial that your employees provide excellent customer service. Customer service can make or break a business of any size. By presenting the best customer service, you are telling your customers that they matter. They may choose to visit your small store over a big box establishment because you take such good care of your customers.

Train your employees to provide cheerful, practical help to your customers. Teach your employees to take care of most common problems without needing to speak with a manager. Empower them to make customer service decisions. Put store policies in place which are customer-friendly. Take good care with your return policies and make them as reasonable as possible.

4. Enhance Your Store

Modernizing your store can be a big help in promoting sales. Rather than presenting a crowded, jumbled set of products, modern stores are often streamlined and minimalist. Use the power of good lighting and interesting displays to attract attention to your products. Consider putting in TV or computer monitors so you can share product videos or entertainment.

5. Social Media

In today’s competitive retail environment, businesses in Chelsea can’t afford to neglect social media. Every retail business should have a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Youth-focused businesses may also want a presence on Snapchat.

One caution is that if you are not prepared to update your social media feeds regularly, don’t use it at all. Customers are quickly put off by stale content. Fortunately, there are software solutions like Hootsuite that enable businesses to schedule posts even months in advance.

It is also crucial that businesses pay attention to their comments and mentions. Having a bad reputation online can damage your sales.

Keeping Up with Retail Competition

When you follow these five tips, you will find new solutions for marketing your business. Retail experts like Sam Dushey can help Chelsea businesses optimize their sales. Paying attention to how your business fits in with the local retail environment in Chelsea will help you determine where you can make changes that will enhance your bottom line. Remember to pay close attention to your customers’ needs and make them your number one priority.