2021 has been some year for sure, packed with challenges, things that can make your retail business less enjoyable than you hoped.
I am grateful through my work to see retail in many situations and, over time, have learnt from these businesses and the people in them.
There is no doubt for me about the value of being happy in retail. But, it’s not something you can decide to feel. It’s not a switch you can flick.
Finding happiness in retail takes planning and engagement throughout the business. While it does sound like work, it is also about respecting the business and that there will always be challenges, and knowing that being happy can help you get through them.
Here are my tips for finding, nurturing and managing happiness in a local retail shop:
Have good data. Yeah, I know this is a boring topic for many. But as a POS software company with decades of experience we know the value of good data. Good data is your rock. Build on a rock and life is, for sure, good. Good data will make you happier because your decisions will be better, and by better we mean you’ll make more money, and that will make you happier.
Be in control. Stop getting pushed around. If a supplier pushes something on your, use your data to deal in the facts. This, too, will make you happier. Facts matter. Any time someone says fro this or that ask for evidenced preferably in your business data. yes, we are still banking on about the value of good business data.
Price for margin. Maximise when you can.
Price for turn. You can’t bank a gross profit percentage until you sell something. So, price to turn, and bank dollars.
Lean on others. Spread the load, share the responsibility. Hire well. Train well. rely on the team to help you and this will make them happier, you happier and the business a happier place overall.
Set your narrative. In social media posts, stories you share in the business and in your marketing set the tone, set the narrative to be positive, happy and optimistic. This will encourage others to do this too. Own your narrative and own your happiness.
Of course, there is way more everyday practical stuff too: happy music paying, happy window displays, happy product displays, featuring happy products, samples, taste tests, games, fun events, giveaways, competitions … all these things and more can make the shop transactionally happy, which is good, too.
Happiness is good for business and all who interact with it.
Good luck. Now, get out there and smile. 😃