In this episode of Real Retail TV, we’re going to explore how to make decisions during this uncertain time where things are changing daily, if not hourly.
Please, tell us how you’ll use the new “WhizBang! Triple-A” in the comments section below.
Bob: We are a florist business and this is my first year in business, going on year 2. I have found that being proactive in my approach with my customers has given me many rewards the past two weeks. We deliver curb to curb. If our customers look at our facebook page, they can order and we will meet them at the curb or delivery locally free of charge. Flower and balloon sales were great last week….I am now giving them hope for spring. This COVD-19 virus has kicked us but we are not down. We are not under a lock down as of today…so we are deliverying “one petal at a time” until then. Spring clean up is our theme this week. Indoor or Outdoors we are focusing on how to get ready for the outdoors and get your house in order indoors. I am remaining positive for our community. THAT IS WHAT THEY WILL REMEMBER AND THAT IS MY PLAN TO GET THRU THIS. Thank you for keeping us on track and thinking out of the box for our customers. They need it as much as we do…..THANK YOU!
I’m in Canada and the government has offered a generous emergency fund to keep employees with income. Problem is I would have to make up 25% of the payroll. With closure and no sales, impossible. Also do not want to take advantage of loans as debt never solves debt problems.
Thanks, Bob
Assessment=Limbo. We closed March 14, so no employees are on premises. By order of Governor, we are in lockdown. I really don’t know how to adjust in this scenario. I’m unsure if I can go by myself to my store to work behind closed doors. Four out of five of us are elderly.
Well Elaine, the “assess” part would be to get in touch with a government agency and ask your question. Another way to “assess” would be to go into work by yourself and see what happens. There is always a way to assess. You can figure it out!!!
We have found that communicating early on to our customers that with the fluidity of the environment, we will need to change processes / events with little leadtime or communication. We also let them know of 4 modes (Facebook, email, website, posted on door) where we would post changes and effective dates. Our customers tell us they appreciate the communication and what we are doing to keep everyone safe while trying to meet their needs. For example, we went from limiting number of people in the store, to curbside pick-up, to restricted hours of curbside, to appointments for pickup of their orders — all communicated about one day in advance of the change.
WhizBang! Retail Training helps retailers of all sizes build great stores. Founded in 1999 by retail experts Bob Negen and Susan Negen, we offer products and services designed to fit the needs of brand new retailers as well as seasoned owners and multi-store chains.
Search Our Articles
TOTW PopUp
/** This popup is made invisible by custom css in the theme options general section **/
Bob: We are a florist business and this is my first year in business, going on year 2. I have found that being proactive in my approach with my customers has given me many rewards the past two weeks. We deliver curb to curb. If our customers look at our facebook page, they can order and we will meet them at the curb or delivery locally free of charge. Flower and balloon sales were great last week….I am now giving them hope for spring. This COVD-19 virus has kicked us but we are not down. We are not under a lock down as of today…so we are deliverying “one petal at a time” until then. Spring clean up is our theme this week. Indoor or Outdoors we are focusing on how to get ready for the outdoors and get your house in order indoors. I am remaining positive for our community. THAT IS WHAT THEY WILL REMEMBER AND THAT IS MY PLAN TO GET THRU THIS. Thank you for keeping us on track and thinking out of the box for our customers. They need it as much as we do…..THANK YOU!
You’ve got this Rickie!
I’m in Canada and the government has offered a generous emergency fund to keep employees with income. Problem is I would have to make up 25% of the payroll. With closure and no sales, impossible. Also do not want to take advantage of loans as debt never solves debt problems.
Thanks, Bob
Assessment=Limbo. We closed March 14, so no employees are on premises. By order of Governor, we are in lockdown. I really don’t know how to adjust in this scenario. I’m unsure if I can go by myself to my store to work behind closed doors. Four out of five of us are elderly.
Well Elaine, the “assess” part would be to get in touch with a government agency and ask your question. Another way to “assess” would be to go into work by yourself and see what happens. There is always a way to assess. You can figure it out!!!
We have found that communicating early on to our customers that with the fluidity of the environment, we will need to change processes / events with little leadtime or communication. We also let them know of 4 modes (Facebook, email, website, posted on door) where we would post changes and effective dates. Our customers tell us they appreciate the communication and what we are doing to keep everyone safe while trying to meet their needs. For example, we went from limiting number of people in the store, to curbside pick-up, to restricted hours of curbside, to appointments for pickup of their orders — all communicated about one day in advance of the change.
Nice work Carroll!