THERE IS A HELL! - - - IT IS CALLED RETAIL RETAIL – DEAD END CAREER? | Page 8

RETAIL – DEAD END CAREER?
The job of a Retail Store Manager is to oversee and thus ensure
smooth running of the store.
Some of the key retail services performed by a Store Manager
are: meeting sales and personal targets, ensuring customer
satisfaction via maximizing the shopping experience of
customers; managing all aspects of store operations in order to
ensure maximum sales as well as profit; etc. Retail management
also includes focusing on key initiatives in business, daily cost
control in operations, risk management, payroll management,
loss prevention, inventory management, marketing execution,
and store presentation.
Retail Store Managers should have organizational skills which
includes the ability of paying attention to detail as well as
following-up matters. The job also involves the capability of
managing multiple priorities along with management skills like
communication, recruiting, training, and coaching.
Here are some tips (IMHO) that can help you become a successful Store Manager and finetune Retail Store Management

1. The customer is always right:

Yes, that age-old saying holds true even today. The customer is the most important
facet of any business. Hence, as a retail Store Manager you need to ensure that the
whole team comprehends that the customer is their top-most priority, that the
customer should be satisfied with the goods and service you provide, and that you
never challenge the customer! The customer is ALWAYS right! (I have also written a
separate article called the Customer is Always Right – Not?)

2. Make the customer feel special:

Everybody likes feeling special. So, when you are with a customer, give him or her
your exclusive attention, listening closely to whatever they may be saying to you.
During that time don't let anything else interrupt you. You may even go so far as
making a flattering comment or two. If it is a clothes store, compliment the customer
after he/she tries on something; if it is a food store, give them tips regarding which
product is more healthy, etc. You may also inquire about their work to be able to
suggest them suitable options from your store.

3. Please the customer:

Although this is often touted, it is seldom practiced! As a retail Store Manager, see to
it that the sales staff does that extra bit to make the customer feel pleased, especially
as a measure of calming their displeasure about something. For instance, some special
store giveaways can be packed with their purchases, or you may handout a discount
coupon. You may even offer refreshments.

4. Deliver more than what you promise:

The difference in "promise less but deliver more" and "deliver more than you promise"
is that of attitude. If you promise less, you may come across as playing a safe game.

dodie ste®eo p®odu©tion ™

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