Dianne Pajo
When a customer walks into a store, their eyes should be trained on the product, not on dirty windows or messy dressing rooms. While store owners need to focus on the product, they must also see everything else. They must make sure all a customer sees is the product. Check out these things owners need to maintain in a retail store.
Mirrors and Windows
Have you ever stepped inside a retail store with smudged windows and mirrors? If you have, you know how unattractive it looks. It may not seem like a big deal in the beginning, but unkept windows and mirrors are telling.
Wiping down these areas takes a few minutes and can’t be overlooked. Customers want to see themselves with a clear view, especially if they’re trying on merchandise. A smudge can alter the perspective completely.
Clean your shop windows at the beginning and end of each day, and check the mirrors in the dressing rooms periodically.
Dressing Rooms
Speaking of dressing rooms, no one likes to step inside a messy one. Naturally, you have someone posted nearby to handle the clothing and place it back on a rack. But when was the last time you gave your dressing rooms a good look?
Inspect the floor, benches, hooks, racks, doors, and doorknobs. Chipped paint, loose seating, or damaged knobs are not a good look. If these issues start to add up, prepare for some quick repairs and a simple paint job.
Signs
Customers are looking at the pricing and any other messages displayed inside the store. But owners need to look at the sign holder too. Don’t kid yourself—the thickness of a sign holder matters. Thicker sign holders mean less maintenance on your end.
Check the signs at least once a week. Over time, the holders accumulate a lot of bumps and scrapes. Too many blemishes make it difficult to read the signs properly. If you notice your sign holders are looking worn, swap them out.
Back Room
Just because customers don’t see the back rooms doesn’t mean owners can neglect these areas. In fact, the state of the back room could be a direct reflection of the rest of the store. An unorganized back room will show on the front floor.
Keep a thorough log of the inventory and organize all the shelves. Try to refrain from mixing items together or placing products down and planning to get to them later. Everything needs to go in its proper place.
Be a proud store owner and properly maintain all the areas of your retail business.
