Author: John

A Retail store’s success highly depends on retail merchandising. Further, if it is implemented in the store the right way, it can immensely attract customers. Moreover, it encourages customers to buy products and enhances customer experience. However, if implemented the wrong way it can drive customers away. Hence, to help retailers increase sales and customers, we have mentioned below a few significant retail merchandising tips and techniques.

Retail Merchandising demands Effective Customer Dealing

Certainly, effective retail merchandising comes with the best knowledge. Most importantly retailers can get the best knowledge from their consumers. Therefore it is essential to know customers well before initiating retail merchandising implementation. Hence, retailers can successfully implement retail merchandising by conversing with their consumers.

For this, firstly, retailers need to understand the consumer’s behavior and choices. For example, retailers should be aware beforehand and assume what customers demands and queries will be. Secondly, retailers should directly talk with customers about their preferences and demands. Further, retailers can send surveys to their customers and solve their queries. For example, a point of sale system retail store can inquire from their customers about the features that they expect in their POS System. However, in case of other retail stores too, retailers need to research well about their customers. Thirdly, retailers should plan their retail store setting and should place their products based on their research. Therefore, retail merchandising is improved through customer research and interviews.      

Appealing window-displays; An essential retail Merchandising Tip

The best place to implement retail merchandising is window displays. That is to say, retailers can begin implementing their merchandising by selecting the right theme. In short, retailers can get the attention of their customers through effective window displays. Further, placing products at the customer eye level is also important. Therefore retailers should place the products attractively and ensure that they match the customers’ eye level.

Retail Merchandising Tip for the Employees

Employee training in managing effective retail merchandising is essential. In other words, employees certainly play an effective role in implementing retail merchandising in stores, most importantly, when retailers are aiming to sell slow-moving products. In addition, there are some slow-moving seasonal products. Therefore retailers can promote such products through their employees. That is to say, the practical uses of the product can be demonstrated to the consumers in an event or gathering. As a result, retailers will invest in buying the product based on practicality and value.   

Effective Signage

Retailers should use signage for useful and effective purposes. In other words, signboards should be such that they should advertise the product and help customers inform about the right products. Further, the signage in the stores should help customers find their desired product easily. Moreover, these signage boards should state the message simply and make it convenient for consumers.  

Refresh Displays

Retailers should keep changing their displays so that they look fresh and clean. Further, retailers should enhance the front part of the store more so that customers are fascinated by the products. Moreover, retailers should highlight their products and change them according to season and demand. Above all, retailers should not neglect the window displays and must ensure that the products displayed should be trending and up-to-date. Retailers can use a calendar so that they do not forget the days on which they have to change their products and reinvent their displays.

Cross Merchandising Tactic

Retailers should place similar and complementing products adjacent to each other. In other words, retailers should know well what their customers would demand and hence should stock and place the products accordingly. Certainly, there are such products that go along with other products and hence captivate the consumers’ attention.        

Enhance In-store Experience

Using in-store technology is another tactic that helps retailers’ implement retail merchandising in their stores. Further, this enhances customer service. For example, tablets placed at different sections of the store helps customers find their desired products easily and in less time.

Provide Sample Products & Testing Facility

Certainly, it is a very effective retail merchandising technique to provide customers with testing before purchasing facility at their stores. Hence, retailers should consider implementing this strategy in their stores. Therefore, if possible, retailers should let customers test the products that they intend to buy. As a result, it will enable retailers to not just enhance their customer experience but also contribute to the sale of products.         

Barcodes are essential element for the retail industry. In other words, a barcode speeds up the processing time, manages inventories, simplifies the shipping/receiving procedure and maximizes efficiency. Therefore, it makes the customer experience better and more convenient. However, the most common concern that retailers and store owners have is to know which barcode best suits their business.

In this article, we compare and contrast various barcodes and how they can help simplify the retail procedure.   

Types of Barcodes

Various types of barcodes fall under two major categories; One-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional barcodes. However, the type of barcodes that retailers need highly depends on the amount of data they need to store.

One-Dimensional Barcodes

1D barcodes represent the product data through varying parallel lines. This barcode type consists of unique codes. Consequently, these unique codes are used for various purposes.

Universal Product Code (UPC)

One of the most popular and common types of one-Dimensional (1D) barcodes is the Universal Product Code (UPC). Most importantly, the Universal Product Code (UPC) is used in the retail and food industry, for example, the retail items in a retail store are labeled with the Universal Product Code (UPC). Further, this barcode consists of 12 digits and is also known as the European Article Numbering Code (EAN).

Universal barcodes have various advantages for consumers. That is to say, they make it quite convenient for retailers to identify a product and its price instantly. Therefore they enhance the speed and processing of identifying item verification. Moreover, they enhance productivity because it eliminates the need to enter information manually. Further, it tracks inventories way more accurately than hand counting. 

Code 39 

Code 39 is another barcode type. Firstly, it is used for tracking inventories. Secondly, it is used for various other coding purposes. It is further used in manufacturing and many other industries. 

Code 39 consists of variable length. In addition, its length can be adjusted based on the type of application. This first-ever alphanumeric code can encode digits, upper case letters, and a few other characters. Code 39 is commonly used worldwide. It has fewer character choices as compared to code 128. However, Code 39 is significant and useful in such applications where performing calculations is difficult and troublesome.

Code 128

On the other hand, Code 128 is another 1D barcode type, used for shipping and packaging. Moreover, this barcode type is quite compact because it uses the least amount of space as compared to all the other 1D barcode types. It is used for both barcodes such as alphanumeric and numeric. One of the major benefits of Code 128 is that it can easily be divided into segments; depending upon the user’s choice. That is to say, users would decide as to which characters to include. Moreover, Code 128 utilizes a checksum digit in order to verify products.

Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) Barcode Scanner

The interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes is another linear barcode. However, this barcode is used on 35mm film canisters and cartons. In an interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes, information is decoded depending on the width of and space between the bars. To clarify further every 2^nd bar out of every 5 bars are wide. ITF barcodes are mostly used in warehouses and for distribution purposes. Moreover, they identify cartons containing products. The interleaved 2 of 5 barcode is more effective than the regular 2 of 5 barcodes. That is to say, it utilizes both space as well as the bars. In addition, it is self-monitoring and does not require a check-digit.

Postal Numerical Encoding Technique barcode (PostNET)

Another barcode type is specifically used by the Postal Service of the United States. The Postal Numerical Encoding Technique barcode (PostNET) is also a linear type of barcode. It is used for zip codes. Therefore, it makes the delivery procedure and sorting of the mails easier and simple.

Two-Dimensional Barcodes

2D barcodes use geometrical patterns, for example, squares, hexagons, and dots. Most importantly, 2D barcodes are capable of using vast numbers of characters. Moreover, these vast numbers do not affect its small and compact size. Therefore, 2D barcodes are ideal when it comes to holding large data. Further, the level of error correction is much higher in 2D barcodes in comparison to 1D barcodes. In other words, the 2D barcodes have the ability to defy the damages without causing any setbacks. In addition, the 2D barcodes are quite flexible regarding the scan direction. Consequently, this makes 2D barcodes more compatible because it enables retailers to scan items from various directions. 

Having said that, the use of 1D barcodes is more as compared to 2D barcodes, in the retail industry. However, 2D barcodes are beneficial to modern business for example; QR codes are most effective when it comes to tracking. Moreover, they are perfect for marketing through print media, such as business cards, magazines etc. Another effective 2D barcode is the Data Matrix barcode. This barcode type is beneficial in labeling small products and can be read through mobile phones. In other words, both these 2D barcodes are highly efficient and fast. Therefore, retailers who are aiming to enhance their processing experience should opt for these barcodes.  

PDF417 is another 2D barcode that enables retailers to secure large data. Further, the PDF417 has the ability to encode photographs, fingerprints, and signatures. In addition, to this, PDF417 is used in some countries on the driving license. It encodes names, photographs, addresses, driving records, etc. Moreover, airline tickets also use the PDF417 code. 

Choosing the Right Barcode for Your Retail Business

The two most common barcodes used in the retail industry are the UPC; Universal Product Code and Code 128 barcode. That is to say, the UPC barcodes are used for individual items. Consequently, it is used in the form of the pricing tag, for example, it states the price, the manufacturing of the product and the batch it belongs to. On the other hand, code 128 is used for a large amount of data so they are used on the boxes that contain these items.

The data in one-dimensional barcodes is presented in a linear way. Therefore, large complex data makes the code too wide. As a result, it becomes difficult for retailers to manage products. Most importantly, the small products that need to be traced and labeled. That is to say, 2D barcodes are becoming increasingly popular over the last decade. However, 1D barcodes also have significant benefits that cannot be understated.   

To sum up, retailers shall now have a fair insight into the various types of barcodes. Therefore, it shall now be convenient for retailers to choose barcode suitable for their business. Most importantly, retailers should ensure that there is no comparison between 1D and 2D barcodes. All the barcode types are exclusive and highly practical. In addition, they are all effective in tracking and labeling products. However, the difference only lies in the type of data that needs to be encoded. Moreover, how retailers need their products to be scanned. Further retailers must take into consideration the character sets their operational systems will integrate. 

Barcode and POS

The factor that holds most significance is the barcode’s connectivity with an effective POS System containing a barcode reader. That is to say, retailers can use the best barcodes available, but if the barcode reader is not up to the mark and lacks in efficiently handling the barcode, it is of no use. However, retailers must be aware that most POS Systems are barcode compliant. That is to say, a good and effective POS System, in relation to the barcode, performs the cash register functions effectively and successfully. Therefore retailers must check with their POS System and current software before deciding upon barcodes.

Conclusion

Products can be stored in the system using an effective barcode. Consequently, it keeps a check and monitors the store’s inventory. As a result, it helps retailers most importantly in the shopping seasons. In other words, retailers can keep track of all products, and restock the unavailable items immediately. Consequently, the barcode immensely changed the retail industry because it saves money and keeps products always in stock. To sum up, retail stores throughout the world use barcodes. In other words, it will not be wrong if we say that the barcode has drastically changed the retailers’ life because it has proved to be revolutionary. Toggle panel: Post Options

Certainly, productivity in retail is the aim of all retailers. That is to say, the purpose of any business is to increase customers and sales. To clarify, marketing is the key to increasing productivity. However, if retailers lack in sales, they must figure it out immediately. In other words, they must find out where they are going wrong. Because in today’s competitive retail world, retailers need to be smart and vigilant. Further, they need to be abrupt in changing strategies that affect the productivity of their business.

How to Make 2020 a More Productive Retail year?

Here are a few effective retail tips that retailers can adopt to improve 2020 and make it a more productive year.

Update technology to Increase Productivity

The holiday season has just passed. Therefore, retailers cab evaluate how well-equipped they are in terms of their software. For example, how relevant was the technology in improving sales and speeding up transactions? Secondly, did it help to enhance the customer experience? Thirdly, was the software not up to the mark? And if so, how did it affect the sales. Did it cause frustration in the buyers and the employees?

As a result of these queries, retailers can plan their strategies for 2020. Consequently, retailers can evaluate how efficient and advanced their technology is. Moreover, they should see which software they need to be updated. Further, if the gadgets and equipment are outdated, retailers should ensure that in 2020 they are equipped with the latest technology. In addition, they can download the software that requires simple updating.

However, by updating technology, we do not mean buying expensive and ultra-modern technology. It is about simplifying retail operations. Further, it improves the customer experience. For example, replace loyalty cards with digital ones. Secondly, switch from pen and paper to an accounting system. Thirdly, retailers should see if their websites need updating. Further, upgrade to a modern inventory system. Most importantly, retailers must check if they have a modern and effective POS System. Consequently, it can provide a solution to most of the aforementioned retail operations that need updating. That is to say, they will automatically be updated if retailers invest in an effective POS System. In addition, to evaluating the technology, retailers should evaluate their current procedures as well.

Productivity requires Personalization

The Retail world shall be more competitive in 2020. That is to say, the competition to get customer attention and sales shall become tough. It is high time for retailers to think and plan ahead of the game. For example, they can up their game through omnichannel shopping, enhance order speed and reasonably price products. In the same vein, retailers need to connect with their customers more in a personalized manner. As a result, retailers shall be able to know their customers and demands. Consequently, they shall be able to develop trust in you.

Retailers should make it a point to get more personal with their customers this year. That is to say, retailers can turn their first-time buyers into loyal customers. To clarify, retailers can do so through email marketing. Further, it is comparatively easier to get past buyers into shopping again. On the other hand, it is difficult to persuade customers to buy who have never bought from the store before.

Secondly, in 2020 retailers get away with the batch and blast email strategy. That is to say, they should segment customers based on their purchase history. As a result, retailers shall engage more with their customers and hence more chances of increasing sales.      

Employee Motivation; essential for Productive Outcomes

Retailers cannot have a productive 2020 if employees do not back them up. In other words, employees play an integral part in the success of a retail business. Therefore, retailers must keep motivating their employees. For example, they can plan occasional motivational speeches. Retailers should recognize their efforts. Further, they should encourage them to do better. Moreover, retailers should offer awards for employees who are the reason behind being successful. Retailers can get the employees’ suggestions on improving work procedures and marketing strategies.

Know the Retail industry well to understand how to be productive

Retailers should know the retail industry well before planning marketing strategies for effective productivity. Having a detailed knowledge of the business can give retailers an edge. In order to succeed this year, retailers must be committed and dedicated. That is to say, retailers must try their best to avoid failures and loss of sales.  For example, lack of vision and retail knowledge, insufficient budget, incompetence, poor marketing strategies and lack of passion for achieving goals.        

It will not be wrong if we say that selling is an art. In other words, there are tricky situations in retail which test the skills of a shopper. For example, after closing the sale, a customer demands a product. Hence, in such a situation, how can sellers persuade the customer to shop? To clarify, sellers must not leave the opportunity to attend to their customers and avail of the chances of sales. Therefore, upselling and cross-selling are the two major techniques sellers should be a master of. As a result, it will increase sales.

“Don’t celebrate closing a sale, celebrate opening a relationship.”

–Patricia Fripp

Upselling & Cross-selling

Cross-selling means promoting and recommending products that are similar to the one the customer is in need of. On the other hand, upselling means offering a more costly item as compared to the one the customer intends to buy. That is to say, both these selling tactics help retailers increase sales and enhance customer service at the same time.

In addition, the essence of upselling and cross-selling is doing it when it is required. That is to say, at the right time and wisely. In other words, if the seller upsells or cross-sells a product that is irrelevant or in case the upselling and cross-selling becomes forceful and assertive, sellers are most likely to lose the customer, instead of increasing sales. Therefore it is essential that sellers should know exactly how, when and which products to upsell and cross-sell.

Upselling and Cross-selling Tips

Sellers should keep in mind a few points before implementing upselling and cross-selling. So, we at Teranoid have compiled some significant points for you that shall help you implement upselling and cross-selling in a better way.

Is the Product Relevant?

Firstly, the sellers need to make sure that the product they are upselling should be relevant to the item buyer is purchasing. In other words, the meaning and purpose of upselling and cross-selling is promoting relevant items. Moreover, sellers should make sure that the product they are upselling should be better than the one they are already purchasing. Otherwise, the whole point of upselling becomes aimless and ineffective.

Is the product Beneficial?

There are situations in which the up and cross-selling products might complement the other product but is not beneficial to the customers. For example, upselling the product that they are not in need of will do no benefit. Hence, sellers should know well the customer before they plan upselling and cross-selling. Therefore relate to the customer by inquiring about their needs. As a result, suggest them relevant items that are of use to them.

“Care enough to create value for customers, if you get that part right, selling is easy.”

–Anthony Iannarino  

Are they willing to spend more?

It can easily be judged by interacting with customers from which category of buyers they belong. For example, if the customers have made it clear that they only need to buy one product, then sellers should not waste their and the consumer’s time by offering more items.

How to Implement Upselling & Cross-selling

Talk about the Benefits and Value of the Products

It is difficult to attract the attention of customers if sellers only focus on explaining the product features. In other words, to promote upselling and cross-selling, sellers need to tell customers about how the product is beneficial and of value to them. For example, an apparel store can actually depict and showcase the upselling and cross-selling items by placing them along with the matching and relevant piece of clothing. On the other hand, in some cases, sellers can upsell and cross-sell by simply making consumers picture the product. For example, stores that offer electronic devices and gadgets offer warranties and insurances. As a result, consumers are fascinated by such offers. Therefore, retailers implement upselling and cross-selling using real-life stories and experiences.

Be Reasonable with Pricing Upselling Products

An important thing to keep in mind while implementing upselling and cross-selling is to be reasonable when it comes to pricing. That is to say if a customer buys a product worth $500 and the cross-selling item is worth $600 it is not appropriate. Moreover, sellers need to be vigilant and have a keen eye to know what to expect from the customers. Consequently, offer them products accordingly.

Give Rewards along with the Upselling Products

Certainly giving customers some rewards or gifts can prove to be very effective in cross-selling and up-selling. For example, many companies are offering free shipping if customers buy a required product that reaches a specific amount. On the other hand, brick-and-mortar stores can offer free gifts along with up and cross-selling products.

Upselling; A Skill   

The salesperson should know well how to sell upselling and cross-selling products. That is to say, selling is an art therefore, retailers need to understand this and train their employees accordingly. Hence how the seller sells matters more as compared to any other factor. In case, salespersons feel they are not able to persuade consumers, they should change the way they are dealing with them and adopt new and more effective communication tactics to gain better results.   

“How you sell matters. What your process is matters. But how your customers feel when they engage with you matters more.”  

–Tiffani Bova

Therefore, retailers need to figure out customer behavior and approach first. As a result, retailers should create upsellings and cross-selling strategies and plans accordingly.

How can Retailers make their Cashiers Standout?

Certainly, cashiers control the dealings in the stores. In other words, they are the ones that can leave either a good or a bad impression on the consumers. Consequently, it affects the sales and productivity of the store. Therefore retailers need to ensure that the cashiers are influencing and capable because retailers cannot afford to lose their consumers because of bad-tempered or inexperienced cashier. Lets see which ways can be implemented through which retailers can make their cashiers stand out and be effective.  

Cashier should Understand Consumer Behavior and Expectations

The expectations of the customers from cashiers have changed in recent years. That is to say, in the past people preferred such customers who greeted them politely. In other words, such cashiers were considered good and effective who led their customers through the entire store. As a result, this helped them support their customers and provide them with their desired products. However, the way of the cashiers that pleased the customers in the past can prove to be a reason for chasing out the customers from stores today. For example, introvert customers might not find it pleasing that cashiers are following them throughout the store. In other words, they will be more comfortable if left alone. Therefore retailers need to understand first what each customer’s behavior is and what they demand from their employees and cashiers.   

Cahier should Be Alert and Responsive

In the modern age, customer service is of prime importance. Therefore, cashiers need to be aware of this fact. In other words, they should know well how to respond to the customers well. Further, they should also be well-acquainted with the ways on how to cater to a wide group of customers. As mentioned above, cashiers should not be chasing customers if they feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, they must not also remain busy using their phones while the store and customers remain unattended.

Therefore, retailers need to train their customers for this. For example, they can teach them the ways and methods through which cashier can interact productively with their customers. Consequently, it will help retailers interact with their customers in an effective manner. Further, it will help them address different customer situations.   

Product Training for Cashiers

Customers do not visit the brick and mortar stores for convenience today. They are more interested in physically viewing the product and its specifications if they intend to buy it. Further, they want to know more about the product, for example, some added information that they might have missed online. Moreover, today retail robotics are implemented in stores. In other words, there are self-checkout stores these days. As a result, cashiers are taking on a more important role; interacting with the customers and solving their queries. Therefore, it is imperative that cashiers should be well informed about the product.

Product Guides for Cashiers

Certainly, cashier cannot have knowledge of the entire store’s products. In other words, it is unrealistic to expect this. On the other hand, it is a reality that some customers do not expect such behavior. That is to say, they want to know what they inquire from their cashiers. Moreover, retailers cannot lose the chance to create a good impression on their customers. How can retailers solve this complex matter? Well, the answer to this is simple. There are product guides available. These product guides allow cashiers to get themselves trained in free time. Firstly, these guides have detailed descriptions of the product. Secondly, they include a few significant details that cashiers can share with the customers. Thirdly, at times they also mention other products that can be offered to the customers along with the product. Further, it also mentions the product usage and care.

Therefore these product guides should be placed along with the cashiers’ counter so that can access it when they have time. Consequently, it will help cashiers serve their customers in a better and more effective manner. In addition, there is no harm if the cashier check first and then let the customers know what they have asked. In other words, it is better that the cashiers provide customers with the right knowledge instead of delivering incorrect information to the customers.                 

Conclusion

If the retailers have been losing their customers because of long waiting lines, then the store’s cashier are too slow. Therefore retailers need to make sure that such hindrances in customer behavior should be taken care of. Moreover, it is the cashiers that help consumers decide if they shall shop again or not from the store. Another effective and helpful way that solves all issues and complex cashier procedures is using a good Point of Sale system. As a result, this will help save the customers time and provide necessary details in no time that otherwise the cashiers struggle to find.