September 28, 2010

Fall is in the air.  And so are the sales associated with Autumn.  A change of season often means a change in outlook. We’re headed for the holidays, and you need to prepare for the onslaught of shoppers looking for favorite seasonal products, at the best prices. Check out this week’s Strategist’s Tips, and prepare to do business!Also, be sure to look for this newsletter each week, or visit my blog at The Supermarket Strategist.

Kevin Ruddy

Your service managers are scheduled for early morning hours, but your customers shop in the early evening. The best practice for your store would be to make an adjustment. Rotate your team in order to cover your peak sales time. This also applies to product. Know the shopping trends of your store. If the early evening shopper is more apt to buy poultry than the morning crowd, be sure that fresh supplies of poultry are introduced to the shelves right before the evening crowd arrives. Keep records, as trends may change seasonally.

How many times have you been stopped short with the phrase “I’m sorry, but that’s company policy”?Whatever policies you have in place concerning customer problems, be sure they’re simple, open-ended and based on trust. Most policies are based on mistrust. (Policy has the same root word as “police”).  Be sure to include store policies that protect customers as well as the establishment. For instance, a “Fresh or It’s Free” guarantee will establish trust and good feelings with every customer who walks in your door.

Pay attention to your employees and treat them fairly. Establishing a good relationship with staff members is much more crucial for a small company. Even with rising unemployment, finding quality personnel is not easy for any business. And after all, where would your business be if not for the dedicated employees who represent your stores?Establish a rewards system, offering movie tickets or gift cards to high performing individuals or Associates of the Month. It’s all about incentive.

The Ipcress File, 1965
The Stepford Wives, 1975
Man Hunter, 1986
Baby Boom, 1987
The Big Lebowski, 1998
28 Days Later, 2002

Next Week

September 21, 2010

Introduction

Welcome to the second edition of The Supermarket Strategist. I’m thrilled to say that I received many comments and inquiries after my first newsletter. It was great hearing from all my supermarket colleagues. As we continue in the weeks to come, I invite all of you to contact me with suggestions on what topics you’d like me to cover. Or feel free to send your comments and suggestions on topics already discussed in past newsletters. So be sure to look for this newsletter each week, or visit my blog at The Supermarket Strategist.

Kevin Ruddy

Capitalizing on Your Knowledge & Experience

Many small business owners and their staff fail to recognize the wealth of product information and store services they share with inquiring customers every day. Compare this to the often untrained clerks at major chains. Recognize the value of the ideas and information you’ve been sharing with your customers for years. And be sure to emphasize this unique service with your own staff, so they will assure customers that you are the experts, and are there to help with their shopping experience.

Personalized Attention

Treat each customer as your best customer. As a storeowner, you can concentrate on the little details. Remember their names and their favorite products. Superb customer service is your biggest asset. People like to shop where they feel comfortable and where they know the owner and staff care about their wants and needs. Seems like a simple thing to do. But you’d be surprised how far a little attention can go where customer relationships are concerned. “Everyone’s favorite word is his or her name!” Dale Carnegie

Walk the Store

Walk your stores regularly and let your employees see that you are approachable. Take time to talk to each staff member, and listen to his or her concerns. Always add positive and constructive comments about their work. Remember to let them know that they are an essential part of the team, and can come to you personally with any concerns or ideas. Your employees are an extension of you. They represent you at store level. Building relationships with them is essential for optimal performance.

First Product Scanned

In June 1974, the first UPC scanner was installed at a Marsh’s supermarket in Ohio. The first product to have a bar code on its package was a packet of Wrigley’s Gum.

Next Week

Promotion

POS Hardware

Offer

Elite Display USA, Buy 100 Clips & Get 25 FREE

Free Sign

Apples Institutional

September 14, 2010

Welcome to the first edition of The Supermarket Strategist. I have created this weekly newsletter for supermarket professionals like you who are interested in Business Growth, Employee Relationships, Store Promotions, Marketing and more. Here you’ll find easy to read, clear and concise tips and information to assist you in your business success. As a supermarket insider, my goal is to share with you over 25 years of experience in the business. Look for this newsletter each week or visit my blog at The Supermarket Strategist.
Kevin Ruddy

Most retailers have the same look. And it’s often cold and impersonal. Your store can stand out by creating an inviting environment. Make shopping in your store more than just a weekly chore. It should be a pleasurable experience. Sights, sounds, smells…they all add up to an ambiance that shoppers will look for each time they visit. That will turn cherry pickers into loyal customers.

Consult the experts, your customers. Seek their suggestions and opinions by using questionnaires, comment cards or even run an informal focus group. You’ll be surprised at the “Wow, we never thought of that” reaction you’ll have at some of the comments. Also remember to have your cashiers randomly ask customers if they found everything they were looking for today. And have them record any helpful comments for you.

I can’t stress how important employer-employee relations are to your business. An open dialogue with your staff is key to their performance at store level. Let them know they are an essential part of the Team. It may sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating: A happy employee projects a positive attitude, and shoppers will react positively to it. Why not be know as “The Friendliest Store in Town!”

Sylvan Nathan Goldman first introduced the shopping cart on June 4, 1937 at Humpty Dumpty Supermarkets.

Print Solutions
Marketing/Branding
Web/Graphic Design
Food Photography
Point of Sale Hardware
Social Media Networking