MELKSHAM Town Council has shared its “top tips to encourage shoppers’ with local businesses as the country emerges from its second national lockdown.
The town council says, “As we emerge from the second lockdown of 2020, shops are experiencing busy days as people catch up with Christmas preparations. Consider how you can encourage more shoppers into your premises:
• Remind customers you’re open again.
• Tell customers when you’re open.
• Consider extending your shop opening times so customers feel safer in less crowded shops.
• Consider dedicated opening times for the elderly, the vulnerable and the anxious.
• Customers are on the hunt for bargains – but seek to add perceived value rather than cutting prices wherever possible in order to maintain margins.
• Consider stocking ‘unique’ brands and/or specifications wherever possible in order to make price comparisons more tricky.
• Emphasise product know-ledge, advice and service – generally this is how best to differentiate specialist high street retailers from online stores.
• Consider how to deliver ‘experience retail’ – for example: gift wrapping, tasters, demonstrations, Christmas decorations in shops, special Christmas menus, in premises aroma – wine mulling in a stock pot or soup kettle creates a lovely aroma, even if you don’t serve it, just using it for the aroma. (Be careful that hot mulled wine is safe and secure where it’s kept though).
“Find Tier 2 guidance from the government here: https://bit.ly/36t5VHj.”
