Bob, you nailed it. I could not agree with you more. People have learned they want and need to connect. Those who are doing a fabulous job will thrive while the others will fall away. Now is out time to shine and with the pandemic hopefully behind us we have gotten all our “ducks” in a row. Our websites look fantastic, our stores look fantastic, our social media looks fantastic ~ we’re ready! Thanks for all your positive posts.
Your right on! People got a glimpse of what the future of their community would look like with businesses shuttered during lock down. It wasn’t pretty. They have been back in droves and we hear at least weekly, how thrilled they are that we’re are still open + thriving. We actually moved and doubled our space during lockdown and sales are up exponentially with new customers finding us daily, on web and in store. As a result of the pandemic we’ve had to go where the people are; web, delivery, phone, virtual, text and we kept a pretty active social platform going. It was a stretch at times and still is but it works as long as we work it!
DISCLAIMER! I’ve not had time to watch any of the retail summit due to no time on my part. We are so busy, sales have doubled, I can’t get product, and I spend all day on ordering, unpacking, and displaying. We used to be a one employee daily shop, now we are two. Great problems!! Foot traffic has doubled! My shop is on the southeast coast at the beach. I know I’m not the only one, as my reps have said to order big, take it now, store in your living room. So I know I’m not alone in this, as my discussions with other tourist based shops , drive to markets, say the same. My dilemma is when will it return to pre pandemic levels so I’m not overstocked and eating product? Yeah, don’t cry for me Argentina, I’m banking for the next hurricane, but I’d love to hear others in the same position. Btw, I miss whiz Bang when you came to Atlanta for those great seminars, yes, been following you that long!
I could not agree with you more Bob and in fact, this change was in play pre-pandemic. It’s just accelerated post-pandemic. As a consultant that focuses on the independent retail in-store experience, I like to remind retailers that:
1. In-store shopping is the one of the few FREE entertainment activities. Strolling a main street and window shopping and browsing in shops is a wonderful way to pass the time.
2. Humans want and need to have contact with other humans.
Independent Brick & Mortars are great at providing both entertainment and human connection. Make these criteria the bedrock of your omnichannel touch points to build loyalty, increase sales and grow!
I agree! We are seeing a big increase in traffic!! I feel like you have been preparing us for this for a long time-telling us to brush up on the fundamentals that those who made it through wouldn’t have as much competition. It’s happening! Thanks for your insight and your enthusiasm!
Thank you for being our cheerleader Bob! We are seeing incredible foot traffic. Our customers never left and are back in droves because we kept the lines of communication open even while we worked hard to create an online store. Omni channel is the name of the game. Thanks for helping drive that point home💛
Thank you for your insight. Adapting to the Omni Experiential model is what I will be incorporating into my new, non-retail position. As a former Chamber chairwoman, I’ve looked to your retail ideas for the brick and mortar companies in my city. Over the years, I’ve also taken those same retail ideas and tools that can be used in membership organizations. We do not have brick & mortar retail stores, but rather meeting locations. Once the pandemic hit, all of the clubs met and continue to meet online. Some folded, of course, because there was no one there to guide them. Some are beginning to have hybrid meetings if they’re able to find a “brick and mortar” facility that will host them.
Absolutely correct! We are seeing # of tickets up 7%, sales up 13% with gross profit up 14%.
UP! UP! and AWAY!! People are shopping many ways, but they are so glad to be returning to the “old” ways of being part of their community and that includes coming in their favorite stores!
Thank you for the positivity! I think you are absolutely correct that great retailers will succeed and that letting customer choose which way they want to experience your store is an important part of that success!
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Anna, you’re welcome!
Bob
Bob, you nailed it. I could not agree with you more. People have learned they want and need to connect. Those who are doing a fabulous job will thrive while the others will fall away. Now is out time to shine and with the pandemic hopefully behind us we have gotten all our “ducks” in a row. Our websites look fantastic, our stores look fantastic, our social media looks fantastic ~ we’re ready! Thanks for all your positive posts.
Georgianne, thanks for your comment. Glad to see you ready to go!
Bob
Your right on! People got a glimpse of what the future of their community would look like with businesses shuttered during lock down. It wasn’t pretty. They have been back in droves and we hear at least weekly, how thrilled they are that we’re are still open + thriving. We actually moved and doubled our space during lockdown and sales are up exponentially with new customers finding us daily, on web and in store. As a result of the pandemic we’ve had to go where the people are; web, delivery, phone, virtual, text and we kept a pretty active social platform going. It was a stretch at times and still is but it works as long as we work it!
Cheryl, thanks for your comment. Keep working it!
Bob
DISCLAIMER! I’ve not had time to watch any of the retail summit due to no time on my part. We are so busy, sales have doubled, I can’t get product, and I spend all day on ordering, unpacking, and displaying. We used to be a one employee daily shop, now we are two. Great problems!! Foot traffic has doubled! My shop is on the southeast coast at the beach. I know I’m not the only one, as my reps have said to order big, take it now, store in your living room. So I know I’m not alone in this, as my discussions with other tourist based shops , drive to markets, say the same. My dilemma is when will it return to pre pandemic levels so I’m not overstocked and eating product? Yeah, don’t cry for me Argentina, I’m banking for the next hurricane, but I’d love to hear others in the same position. Btw, I miss whiz Bang when you came to Atlanta for those great seminars, yes, been following you that long!
I agree, it’s a great problem to have! I hope to be back in Atlanta soon.
Bob
I could not agree with you more Bob and in fact, this change was in play pre-pandemic. It’s just accelerated post-pandemic. As a consultant that focuses on the independent retail in-store experience, I like to remind retailers that:
1. In-store shopping is the one of the few FREE entertainment activities. Strolling a main street and window shopping and browsing in shops is a wonderful way to pass the time.
2. Humans want and need to have contact with other humans.
Independent Brick & Mortars are great at providing both entertainment and human connection. Make these criteria the bedrock of your omnichannel touch points to build loyalty, increase sales and grow!
Anne, your comments are spot on. Thank you!
Bob
Love this video.. great advice and so true!
Michele, glad you liked the video and the advice!
Bob
I agree! We are seeing a big increase in traffic!! I feel like you have been preparing us for this for a long time-telling us to brush up on the fundamentals that those who made it through wouldn’t have as much competition. It’s happening! Thanks for your insight and your enthusiasm!
Tammy, thanks for your comments!
Bob
Thank you for being our cheerleader Bob! We are seeing incredible foot traffic. Our customers never left and are back in droves because we kept the lines of communication open even while we worked hard to create an online store. Omni channel is the name of the game. Thanks for helping drive that point home💛
Courean, I love being your cheerleader. Thanks for your comments!
Bob
Thank you for your insight. Adapting to the Omni Experiential model is what I will be incorporating into my new, non-retail position. As a former Chamber chairwoman, I’ve looked to your retail ideas for the brick and mortar companies in my city. Over the years, I’ve also taken those same retail ideas and tools that can be used in membership organizations. We do not have brick & mortar retail stores, but rather meeting locations. Once the pandemic hit, all of the clubs met and continue to meet online. Some folded, of course, because there was no one there to guide them. Some are beginning to have hybrid meetings if they’re able to find a “brick and mortar” facility that will host them.
Ann, thanks for your comments. What you’re doing sounds interesting!
Bob
Absolutely correct! We are seeing # of tickets up 7%, sales up 13% with gross profit up 14%.
UP! UP! and AWAY!! People are shopping many ways, but they are so glad to be returning to the “old” ways of being part of their community and that includes coming in their favorite stores!
Melissa, so glad to hear that you are up, up, up! Wow!
Bob
Thank you for the positivity! I think you are absolutely correct that great retailers will succeed and that letting customer choose which way they want to experience your store is an important part of that success!
Nancy, thanks for your comment. I’m glad you agree with me!
Bob
I DID find this helpful!!
Thanks for always bringing us “up”. Starting a new and hopeful week!
Linda, I’m glad you found it helpful!
Bob