Are You Open for Business?
Monday seems to be the new Sunday, with ‘closed' signs in the windows of numerous of small shops and 
restaurants. I empathize with the business owner who feels the need for a day off, and decides to close on Monday since it's the slowest weekday. But as a friend recently said to me, "If I make a special trip to a shop, and they're closed, it may be a long time before I try again."
In addition to the inconvenience of stores not being open on Monday, she was upset about stores that closed earlier than their posted closing time. She gave an example of a jeweler who was on his way out of the door when she arrived, half an hour before the shop was supposed to close -- but he wouldn't stay to let her pick up her special order.
We all know that there are personal emergencies and weather crises such as blizzards and tornadoes that are legitimate excuses for not staying open as promised, and that being closed on Mondays does provide a day of rest for a sole proprietor.
But as independent retailers, we face stiff competition from chain stores that open early and stay open late, and from the Internet, which is open 24/7. I am not suggesting that you consider trying to match the hours of a local all-night discount store, but you should try your best to make your hours comply with the shopping patterns of your customers.
A new restaurant and a new hotel will soon be opening near our shop, and we know that this will mean more shoppers in the evening. We are already talking with our staff about whether or not we can accommodate this change by being open later on Fridays.
We are already open Monday through Thursday until 8, and frankly there are months in the winter when this seems unnecessary. But I feel that consistency in hours is very important, and I can't expect my customers to remember that we're only open until 5:30 on Tuesday if it's February.
There is of course an added cost in being open longer hours, and in being open on Mondays. Try doing a survey of your customers to see:
• what hours the other independent shops they visit are open
• when they would ideally like you to be open
Then calculate how much you would need to sell to pay an employee or two so that you could be open the extra hours, or extra day. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that you can still have your time off -- and be open for business.
Gerry commented:
A million thanks for posting this infroamiton.
Frenchie commented:
A rollnig stone is worth two in the bush, thanks to this article.
Lori A. Webster commented:
It's essential that businesses stay consistent with their hours. I am part of a formerly family-owned collection of stores, and when different stores started closing early or before the times posted on the doors, business fell for everyone. Our store has never altered our hours since we took over in 2007 and we are open 7 days a week, even though we commute and are tired! It's a commitment that customers appreciate.
Diane Silverstein commented:
As a professional shopper I find it REALLY irritating to arrive at a store that has either closed earlier than posted, or has on the door, "back in 5 minutes", with no indication of the time frame indicated. I would never do this to my customers!
Absolutely Fabulous is open 7 days a week, 10am till 7pm, and has been since opening 4 years ago. A couple of customers have asked for us to stay open later but I'm TIRED and HUNGRY enough by the time I get home! If someone arrives at 6.59pm a staff member, usually me, will always stay and roll out the welcome mat, along with a glass of champagne if needed!
Barbara Mooney/Daisy's commented:
I have had my store 7 years and never been open on Mondays. This year I decided to go for it and now am open 7 days a week. I have enough staff that I can still get in some days off. Business was very good from day one. Absolutely worth it.
Linda Wolbert commented:
We have been in the same location with essentially the same hours for fifteen years. I agree that consistency is key. Over they years we have polled our customers about evening hours and 90% have said they will shop us when we are open which is 10 to 6 M-Sat. and noon to 4 on Sundays (in season Nov.-June) We close on Sundays in the summer. We have also offered evening hours "by appointment" and very seldom does anyone request it. The key is being worth it. Lots of businesses and services have compressed hours ( Theaters, doctors, etc.) The secret is offering the very best service and shopping experience when you are open.
Jeff Stephens commented:
Interesting article. Store owners must remain consistent with THEIR HOURS and not be concerned about the competition.
When we had our retail store, we established our hours early on, Tuesday - Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM. To this day, the current owners are keeping those same hours. If you are a good business and treat your customers with respect they will shop your store at the times you are open. Yes, we had a competitor move very close by one year, and yes he did not survive in our area very long. If you give the best customer serivce at a fair price, deliver on time you will have all the business you need.
