The Biggest Problem For Retail

Things Haven’t Changed!:

I had an interview back in 1997 to become the General Manager of a new startup business in New Olreans.  That business would be called, Bedding Plus.  One of their questions to me was, What’s the biggest problem in retail today?  My answer was, customers want the best prices and best service all at the same time!  I got the job!  And that company thrives today.  Things haven’t changed much since then, either.  This is especially true with the rising costs of goods due to inflation.  Customers are very sensitive to prices.  However, they still expect to get the best service at the same time.  So, what can you do?

What Do You Have To Do?:

All you can do, is to do everything you can to meet their expectations.  Especially, with the internet being what it has become for consumers, you have to be price competitive.  They will shop prices, and will expect superior service regardless.  And only certain things can afford to be sold in brick-and-mortar shops.  Even certain mattresses are designed to be sold on the internet exclusively.  But, most people still need to lay down on a mattress for a good ten minutes.  It takes that time to determine if it’s going to be comfortable for them.  And advertising should make that very clear if you want them to come into your store.

Get Them Into Your Store!:

We spend about one third of our lives on our beds, and good sleep is critical to our health. So, we need to make these points.  What am I saying here?  Your first and most critical hurdle in retail is getting the customer into the store, whether online or otherwise.  For brick-and-mortar, you must make them give up the convenience of your internet competition.  They need a good reason to come to you.  Advertise that reason, the good price, and the great service they can expect.  Do that right, and they will come!  Then, give them what they expect, and they will buy.  Deliver the goods as expected, and they will provide positive review.  Those reviews, matter!