Keep it Neat!

For most of us, keeping our homes neat and tidy is important. We clean like mad before the in-laws come over for dinner, we ask, beg and demand our children clean their rooms and we feel a sense of accomplishment when we finally get the garage organized. With the rise of online shopping, bricks-and-mortar stores have to go even further in building a positive shopping experience for the consumer. That positive experiences starts with a well-organized and tidy space. Set a Schedule, Be Clear and Make a List For anyone who has ever worked in retail, the phrase, "If you can lean, you can clean," is probably familiar. What does that really mean, though? Clean what exactly? Instead of relying on employees to find items to clean, or merchandise to fold, create a list stating exactly what needs to be done per shift and when. This list should also offer examples of what is expected of employees when business is slow. There is always more work that can be done, often offering reminders can be help to keep your store in tip top condition. Bathrooms and Dressing Rooms Often bathrooms and dressing rooms are overlooked when it comes to keeping retail space tidy. Not every retailer will have a restroom available for public use, but no matter. Even if you don't expect customers to use your restroom, emergencies happen. Make sure your restroom is clean and stocked with the proper supplies. Further, no employee wants to work in a place with an unpleasant restroom. Dressing rooms should be picked up after each customer. Clothes should be returned to their proper place in the store or to a rack with other clothes that need to be returned. Any tags and hangers should be removed from the dressing room. If you use pins in your merchandise make sure your employees are doing a careful check, stepping on a garment pin is no way to win a customer. Poor Display Cases and Racks Take a walk around your store, does it feel like the walls are closing in? Is it impossible to remove one item without others falling down? You may have too much merchandise on display and need to cut back. If a customer can't find a product they are looking for they can't buy it. It is also difficult for customers to actually see every product when they are packed too tightly. Maybe you have the right amount of merchandise and the wrong way of displaying it. New fixtures including slatwall or gridwall can free up space, creating making a store feel less claustrophobic. Matching merchandise with the right display can also bolster visibility while creating a more organized feel. Provide Staff with the Right Tools If your staff does not have access to the tools it needs to keep your store organized, chances are you will end up with a messy space. Make sure you have solid folding boards and hangers . Provide cleaning supplies as well as paper towels or sponges. FInally, by all means if you staff requests something such as a new broom or a mop bucket, accommodate their request. An organized space means customers can find what they are looking for, as well as find items they didn't even know they wanted. While a chaotic retail space works for some retailers, most find that a neat store leads to an increased bottom line.