Retailer Resolutions

Linda Cahan -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 2/1/2001

It's a new year, and if you haven't made and started implementing your business resolutions yet, it's not too late. Here are a few suggestions to get you started on the right track.

No-cost Ways to Improve Your Store's Image

• Smile at your customers.

• Make change for parking meters.

• Let people use your bathroom.

• Be nice to newcomers. Today's stranger is tomorrow's customer.

• Use strong colors in your displays and have fun with them.

• Angle your display fixtures to lead customers to the back of your store.

• Change the look of your walls every four feet to attract attention.

• Use your store's support columns to display product.

The $15 Total Clean-Up

• Wash your walls between paint jobs.

• Clean your light bulbs to improve your store's lighting level.

• Clean your exterior sign. Keep it bright and inviting because first impressions count.

• Vacuum or wash your floor regularly. Replace cracked tiles or worn carpet.

• Put up a bulletin board to clear those papers from your desk or cash wrap counter.

Change Your Look without Breaking the Bank

• If you haven't repainted your store in four years, it's probably time. Use a light color to make your shop cheery. Stay away from strong tones like bright yellow, neon orange, red, or blue. White and off-whites are recommended, and interesting colors that enhance your merchandise are ideal.

• Examine your display fixtures and store lighting. Highlight your merchandise with display cubes and tables, or find one-of-a-kind tables and curio cases at tag sales. Don't skimp on lighting. Let your customer see the details of an item without having to hold it up to the light.

• Keep your windows beautiful and simple. Take a day each week to make subtle changes in your windows. Play with the elements in it to create a constantly changing display. When you're stuck for ideas, go window shopping and borrow themes from other retailers.