Article by Bob Hamilton
One of the biggest challenges faced by those opening a dollar store is to somehow create a store that stands apart from the crowd. Achieving this result takes a lot more than just having a good selection of dollar store merchandise on hand. It requires creating a store that will be remembered by shoppers. Your store must act almost as if it were a magnet that brings shoppers back for more purchases time and again. With competition coming from so many other retailers this is truly a challenge that must be overcome. In this article I present 6 powerful steps to creating a store that brings customers back.
#1) Know your competition when opening a dollar store. It takes little work, but it is important to know exactly where your competition is coming from. While most store owners only focus on other dollar stores, it is important to look further. Look at discount retailers, retailers that have added dollar departments, and even major online dollar stores. You must know both the strengths and weaknesses of your competition. You can then match them at their strengths, and stand at the head of the pack against their weaknesses.
#2) Invest in customer service. Customer service just doesn’t happen. It isn’t without a cost. It requires proper staffing decisions, employee training, and continual reinforcement. When opening a dollar store become your company’s role model of customer service. Become the customer service cheerleader for your store. Recognize and reward employees who excel at providing an outstanding experience for your shoppers.
#3) Create an atmosphere that makes shoppers stick around. Freshly painted walls, a clean and color coordinated floor, lots of dollar store merchandise that customers want and need, excellent, attention grabbing signage, music, and friendly employees all come together to create just the right environment in your store. Shoppers will spend more time in your store and they will look forward to returning more often.
#4) Change it up. That’s right; one place you can stand apart is by continually shopping for, buying and displaying unbelievable bargains. Don’t stick to buying only from regular dollar store merchandise distributors. Add liquidators and closeout companies to the list. Look for the items that will make your store stand apart from all of the competition.
#5) When opening a dollar store it is important to become a marketer. You may have only one store, but that is no reason to allow your name not to become a household word with prospective shoppers. You must position your one store as the store shoppers know and visit. Join local business groups. Advertise in the local newspaper. Swap promoting each others’ business with other appropriate businesses.
#6) Sell the positive. Never allow a shopper to have a negative experience while in your store. This is challenging to accomplish, yet it must be done. Make sure every shopper feels they are welcomed and appreciated. Make sure the items found in your store include some real gems that aren’t just the standard dollar store merchandise found in competitor stores.
To your success when opening a dollar store!
About the Author
Find out how you can open your own dollar store business. Bob Hamilton is an entrepreneur, author, writer, business consultant and trainer.
