As we wrap up the year I want to share three tips to help finish the year moving forward.
1. Celebrate your successes
This year has been a mixed bag for many stores. Church stores have definitely been impacted, however, we can find something to celebrate. Whether it’s our volunteers (who deserve to be celebrated), staff members, successful events, a sales increase or the fact that you made it through the year–find something to be thankful for, then share it with your team and others. Thank your consistent customers, your administrative support team and your family for their sacrifice of allowing you to serve. Most importantly, thank God for His goodness, favor and unchanging love. When you stop and think about it, we can find many things and people to celebrate and be thankful for.
2. Finish the season like you started it – looking your best!
When we started this Holiday season in Late October early November, hopefully, you had good stock in the store, things were clean and organized. Finish that way.
- Take the time to go through the store and shift merchandise, try to give the appearance of full shelves.
- Feature slow moving items in an effort to try to boost sales. Consider discounting or combining with a fast moving product to try to spark sales
- Make sure the store is clean and organized
- Keep your cash register areas clean and clear with essential impulse items at quick reach for customers
- Have a staff pep rally and encourage them to finish strong by up-selling, giving fantastic customer service and going the extra mile with every customer they can.
3. Think Ahead
If you haven’t already, you should be thinking ahead to next year. What do you want your next year to look like? What will you do to accomplish that? I encourage you to read two great articles on planning What’s In Your Future? by Karen Hosey and Planning To Win which were featured in a previous Impulse newsletter on Planning. As managers of your stores, you must manage your today with an eye on your tomorrow. Thinking ahead means your January activities won’t be a surprise to you or require last minute hustle and bustle consequently improving your chances for success.
Finish Strong!
David McIntyre
