5 instant refresher techniques for *inside* your boutique or shop
Everyone close your eyes. Imagine strolling along downtown with your friends for an afternoon shopping trip. Maybe you just had some brunch. Maybe you just had 1 (or 3) mimosas. You’re feeling great. You stop and notice a boutique you’ve never been in before. Maybe this could be your new favorite store? Who knows? Let’s go see!
What does it feel like when you go inside? Is some chill music playing? Does the merchandise look cared for? What makes you feel excited and comfortable in this store while you’re shopping?
As shop owners, I think it’s normal to not notice when there’s a stale energy starts to settle in the store. I mean, You have hundreds of tasks to do each day in addition to assisting customers. Depending on the week, you could be processing a mountain of deliveries or trying to catch up on the books. It’s easy to not take the time to stop and look at your sales floor from the perspective of the customer. Details are missed and the wrong impressions can be made. And we all know you’re better than that! When you don’t have time to remerchandise your entire store, but you need some fresh energy, here are a few things you can do that won’t take all day:
1) Refresh your windows
This can mean changing out the merchandise or dusting and cleaning the glass. Windows will be your customer’s first impression. Make it count. A good rule is to change up the merchandise every week to keep it fresh. I realize it’s difficult to do each week, but it’s something to shoot for!
2) Play music in the background
For the love of all things retail, please play music in your store. Folks don’t like silence. It feels awkward and uncomfortable. It’ll make your space move inviting if there is music that fits your brand playing in the background. If you don’t have a stereo system, put a Bluetooth speaker in a corner until you get one. It makes a huge difference.
3) Light a candle
Candles make your space feel cozy and inviting. Bonus points if you light a candle you sell in the shop. If candles make you nervous, try a reed diffuser or wax melter. If your shop smells lovely, people will want to stay and browse longer!
4) Tuck the tags in
Want to instantly class up the joint? Hide the price tags. Turn them around, place them inside the clothes or under gift items. This not only makes the store look so much more elevated, but your customers will also be drawn to that item for a longer amount of time.
5) Try unboxing new deliveries on the sales floor
How special is it when you’re the first to lay eyes on something that no one else has? Customers will feel that excitement when you start unboxing those new deliveries on the floor. Get them involved by saying things like, “Look how beautiful this is! We just took it out of the box!” It can make everyone feel like they are a part of your community – which is the point, right? Plus, it’s a way to be more productive.
When you’re a busy shop owner, you don’t always have time on your side. But you still gotta make that money honey. Do you have any other energy boosting tips that you use at your shop? Please share in the comments!