5 Actions to take before re-opening on 12th April

April 12th is nearly upon us, is your shop ready to welcome customers back, showcase product and deliver an exciting retail experience?  If you need a nudge here are five actionable things you can do…. 

1 – CLEAN

Shops not only need to be clean but feel hygienic and fresh.  Re paint walls, fix broken fixtures and ensure an atmosphere of newness.  Check that your spotlights are dust free, working and focused on product.  Remove any out of date or tatty point of sale and graphics.  Book your window cleaner to clean inside and out. Implement a thorough Spring clean.

 2 – PLAN PRODUCT STORIES 

Think about your product mix, create clear, visually exciting stories.  What have people been longing to do and soon can? How can you help them enhance their experiences?  There will be a lot of reconnecting with family and friends and gift giving. Entertaining at home in the garden will be happening, what products can you pull together that inspire customers style to their garden and tables?

 3 – REFRESH YOUR LAYOUT

Social distancing measures will still be in place along with a cap on the number of customers in your store at any one time, so think about the customer journey and where fixtures are placed.  Ensure a feeling of space and easy access to all areas so customers shop the whole space and see all product available.

 4 – UPDATE YOUR WINDOW DISPLAYS

Hopefully window displays have been updated though out this lockdown, but now is the time to open with a fresh new scheme.  Highlight the newest, most relevant product and be creative in using, space, colour and props to entice customers in. Think about carrying the window theme further into the store, onto the first fixture and beyond.

 5 – CONNECT WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS

Talk to your tribe through all you channels of communication, ask what they want, what are they looking forward to?  Show and talk through the fantastic new product stories on offer.  Share your journey to re-opening, the highs and the lows, be authentic and build a community.

Good luck with re-opening! 

If you need any help with planning product, layout and window displays, please do get in touch.