Say Thank You and Mean It!

Wow! What a whirlwind December was. We’re off to the start of another new year. Bye bye to 2014 and hello to 2015. Speaking of December, the month of power shopping reminds me of something I noticed a lot (too much in fact). When you work in retail, without exception you should always say thank you and mean it! This is especially true for small local stores. This didn’t happen with some of my local shopping experiences this holiday season.

I know it’s busy. I know it’s difficult. But…

When I shop in smaller stores I expect to be greeted when I enter, and thanked when I leave and it best be genuine. I want that Thank You even if I haven’t made a purchase. These two interactions are part of the customer experience that keeps me coming back.

Photographic Print Thank You by Duncan Andison

The big bad box store who shall not be named knows how important this is. They pay people to stand at the door saying hi and thank you. All too often though, it isn’t genuine. Just words they are repeating over and over.

Please, please, please understand the time of “buying local” has come. It’s your time as a local business owner to shine. People are becoming more intent on supporting their community by spending money locally. Customer experience matters, it is what can set us apart from big box.

Without exception, do what you have to do to ensure that every person walking in the door is greeted cheerfully and is thanked genuinely when they are leaving.

It’s simple…be honestly grateful that this individual chose to visit your place of business.

I am proud to say that I did most of my shopping locally this year (yeah me!) Also, supported local artists with some of my gift purchasing.

 

Besides saying thank you, here is some other advice to help improve retail customer experience.