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To remain successful in the long run and to make things easier, business owners require a purchase order. Further, a purchase order keeps check on inventory levels, tracks stock records and many other tasks. In this article, we shall discuss how retailers can benefit from purchase orders and what their significance is. 

Definition of Purchase Order

“A purchase order (PO) is a commercial document and first official offer issued by a buyer to a seller indicating types, quantities, and agreed prices for products or services.”

Wikipedia

Difference between a Purchase Order & an Invoice

Purchase Orders and Invoices are similar in many ways. Firstly, these both are legal documents. Secondly, they both contain information regarding the order. However, the invoice contains a bit more details regarding the order as compared to Purchase Orders. Further, the major difference between a purchase order and an invoice is that the invoice requests for the payment, however the purchase orders simply confirms the order. Moreover, the seller sends the invoice. On the other hand, it is the buyer that sends purchase orders.

Details included in a Purchase Order

Certainly, it is important for retailers to know first what must be included in the purchase orders. Although, we can say that purchase orders vary depending on each company’s requirements and needs, however, there are a few basics that mostly all purchase orders contain. Let’s see what these basics are. Firstly, the document must contain the name and address of the buyer as well as the seller. Secondly, the product purchased and their quantity must be mentioned in the purchase orders. Thirdly, the purchase order’s number, price, date of delivery, delivery address and other significant terms and conditions must also be included in the document.    

Benefits of a Purchase Orders

There are a number of benefits for retailers as well as the buyers when it comes to purchase orders. Firstly, retailers as well as the buyer have record of the item they bought/sold. As a result, they can use purchase orders to verify things if needed. Secondly, it helps build great vendor customer relation. Thirdly it helps save time. The purchase order process becomes simple once the system is all set. Further, another great benefit is that if there are repeat orders, they can automatically generate purchase orders. Moreover, it saves time when the order is received. That is to say, the purchase orders are easily accessible. Therefore, retailers can easily check with the purchase orders and the delivery received.   

In addition, because these are legal documents, therefore both the parties are secure. In other words, they are bound to work right because they are aware of the legal consequences that might arise in case of a dispute. For example, in case the order was incorrect or the ordered quantity has not been received, so, retailers can claim their order by having record of the purchase orders, which clearly states the purchase orders and the amount ordered.

How to Implement Best Purchase Order Practices

Let’s now see which practices retailers can adopt in order to ensure the right working and processing of Purchase orders.  

Simplify the Purchase Orders Process

First and the foremost thing is to go digital with the purchase orders. That is to say, digitizing the entire process will save time and effort. Further, it also reduces the chance of errors and simplifies the entire procedure. In addition, it keeps record of old purchases, which helps provide easy access to records when needed. Therefore, having a good POS System also helps simplify the purchase order’s process.  

Employee Training for Purchase Orders

Secondly, train the employees well when it comes to the processing of purchase orders. That is to say, employees should be aware of the procedures and policies of purchase orders. Further, a guide can be created for employees so that they can learn gradually and find about their query when needed.

Certainly, COVID-19 has kept the store from making money. However, that does not mean that there is no way retailers can attract customers and make their business successful yet again. Gradually the stores are opening; therefore retailers need to think of ways that shall attract more and more customers. So, one of these most effective ways is to change the look of the store. In other words, Retail store design should be modified and enhanced so that retailers can attract customers. In other words, appealing store design is a must for retail stores because customers do not get attracted towards a store easily.    

Ways to Attract Customers through Retail Store Design

We at Ternaoid, have compiled some tips for you. These tips and ways that shall help retailers attract customers through retail store design.

Retail Store’s Design Tip #1: Presentable Window Displays

Stores should be able to attract customers through window displays. That is to say, it is through the window displays that customers should be enticed to come into the store. So, one of the basic rules for effective window displays are that it must not be cluttered and scattered. That is to say, there must not be a lot of items in the window displays. Instead, retailers must place products that are large and few so that the customers can focus on these one or two items properly.

Retail Store Design Tip #2: First Impression Counts

A good tip for retailers is that they must view their store from the entrance. That is to say, they need to see the store from the customer’s view that is entering the store. See what thoughts strike the mind first and what the impression of the store is. Consequently, retailers will be able to know what first impression they are leaving on the customers. As a result, they can improve the areas that need attention.

In addition, also see that the store displays and products should be visible and clear. In other words, retailers must ensure that the customer must not face any visible distractions when it comes to viewing the store as soon as they enter it. In short, if the customer is able to see the store better, they would want to spend more there, resulting in sales. So, for this purpose, what retailers need to do is to remove displays that are too tall and shift them at the end of the store. Products should be clearly visible and the view must not be blocked.

Retail Store Design Tip #3: Store décor is very important

Certainly, the store décor is very important. That is to say, the themes and the colors that retailers choose must be vibrant and appealing. In short, there are some colors that are appealing for the customers while some others are distracting. Certainly, retailers do not want the customers to be disturbed or distracted while they shop. The store’s atmosphere should be relaxed and positive. Secondly, the décor planning must be in congruent with the store and nothing should seem odd.  

Retail Store Design Tip #4: Focus on the Decompression Zone

As we have mentioned in the previous articles, the decompression zone is essential when it comes to attracting customers. However, the size of the decompression area varies from store to store. This area allows the customers to make themselves relaxed when they enter the store. In addition, retailers also need to realize that the decompression zone is only meant for customers to relax and decompress themselves. Therefore there must not be any products placed in that area as they will go unnoticed. However, retailers can place baskets, carts, shopping trolleys etc. where customers notice them.  

Conclusion

If the displays and the store look remain the same, there are fewer chances of customers being attracted towards the store. In other words, we all want change. In the same vein, customers too are looking for change in the stores that they visit. So, retailers cannot afford to lose their customers because of boredom. So, no matter which products the store is selling, the above mentioned tips shall certainly help.    

Visual Merchandising is integral for retail. However, its significance has increased today because of competition. In other words, customers have many choices nowadays when it comes to shopping. Further, consumers today have high expectations from the stores that they shop from. However, visual merchandising has its own challenges that retailers need to overcome.

Ways to overcome Visual Merchandising Challenges

In this article, we, the Teranoid content marketing team, shall discuss the ways that shall help retailers overcome Visual Merchandising Challenges.   

Effective use of Store Space for Visual Merchandising

Certainly, retailers need to take full advantage of their store space. Further, they must also keep in mind that they should keep enough space for the customers to walk freely in the store. Moreover, they should also ensure that the displays take less amount of space in the store. This will ensure free space for the customers which should be the prime concern of the retailers. Moreover, retailers also need to focus on the placement of the products. That is to say, they need to see which products need to be placed at the bottom of the shelf. In the same vein, they need to see which products need to be placed on the top shelves. In short, retailers need to see how much space they have and how they can utilize the space that amount of space practically and cleverly.  

Flexibility is important for Visual Merchandising

It should be possible for retailers to keep moving the products. That is to say, the store’s displays should be flexible. In short, the popularity and the demand of the products keep changing. Therefore retailers need to keep moving their displays and products. Therefore the element of flexibility should be there.

In the same vein, retailers also need change in their display settings. That is to say, the placement of displays that was appropriate for one season might not be appropriate for the other one. For example, in holiday season, when the traffic increases, retailers will have to adjust their displays according to that, giving more space for customers to move.  

Invest in good Displays

Displays should be strongly built. That is to say, they should be long-lasting so that they can be used for other purposes as well. Having said that, the shelves and displays must not be highly expensive, but they should also not be of such low quality that it falls apart when the employees try to shift them to some other area of the store. So, as mentioned earlier, it should be worth the investment. Further, ensure that the displays are made from experts so that they are long-lasting and durable. Further, they should also understand the brand well and what it stands for and what are the products that they are selling.   

Effective use of Window Displays for Visual Merchandising

Grabbing customer attention through window displays is essential and a bit tricky. That is to say, the window displays must be attractive but at the same time, they should also not be overwhelming. Certainly, the window displays are one of the most important factors of visual merchandising. It helps attract customers. Therefore retailers must take full advantage of their windows. Another useful tip for window displays is to have a focal point. That is to say, the display should not look messy.   

Easy to Use

Certainly the staff will be the one dealing with shoppers and the displays. Therefore staff convenience comes first. That is to say, it should be easy for the staff to install and execute the displays. For example, having displays that have wheels is one way to ease the task for the staff. Further, this will also not cause any harm to the products placed on the displays while rearranging them.   

Conclusion

These are some of the tips that shall help retailers overcome their visual merchandising challenges and make their store more appealing visually. Further, retailers will also be able to effectively manage their store displays.  

Certainly, the fashion industry has faced great changes in 2020 due to the pandemic situation. Further, these changes have not yet come to an end. That is to say, they are still going under changes and things are far from coming back to normal any time soon. Certainly, the pandemic situation has brought with it drastic challenges for fashion retailers. In addition, it has also brought new customer habits that are here to stay for quite some time.

Tips for Fashion Retailers amid Pandemic Situation

We understand that fashion retailers are thriving to find ways get sales in the current situation. Therefore, we at Teranoid, have come up with some tips for fashion retailers. Below, we shall discuss which fashion trends should retailers opt for in the next half of 2020, just as lockdown is beginning to lose so that they can gain maximum benefit.  

Promote protective equipment such as Masks during Pandemic Situation  

Looking at the situation and the safety measures consumers are taking, fashion retailers need to focus on the face masks that everyone is wearing and will continue to wear. So, it is great time for fashion retailers to gain maximum benefit from this investment. Further, even when the lockdown eases further and things start getting back to normal, consumers will still take a lot of time to come back to normal life. Therefore, masks will remain a part of their shopping for quite some time. So, it has become an opportunity for fashion retailers to invest in face masks.

Further, fashion retailers can promote these masks as terming them a necessary part of the fashion clothing. In addition, the consumers can buy masks matching with their outfits. However, retailers should make it a point that the masks are made from antibacterial fabric. Secondly, the masks should be colorful and printed so that they attract the consumers. Thirdly, fashion retailers should also focus on making masks for children. These masks can be different based on colors and animation.      

Home wear is popular during Pandemic Situation

We are all aware that mostly people are spending time at homes. That is to say, mostly people are working from home and the rest too have hardly anywhere to go besides grocery shopping. Therefore in this time, people are not opting to but formal dresses, instead they are focusing more on buying comfy and casual outfits. In addition, many people have lost their jobs. As a result, they are not spending a lot of money is shopping other than the daily life basics. Therefore, keeping in mind all these factors, fashion retailers need to focus on daily and casual wear. Further, fashion retailers also need to focus on home shoes, clothes made of soft and comfortable fabric.    

Stand with the consumers in social issues

Another important aspect that fashion retailers need to keep in mind is to contribute towards the community. That is to say, consumers get attracted towards a brand that feels for the people and relates to them. In other words, brands must take part in societal and political matters, for example, the Black lives Matter Movement, Feminist movements such as the Me Too Movement. Certainly, consumers get attracted towards such brands as they are catering to their emotional needs and taking part in their movements. Further, consumers also are active when it comes to noticing how brands are treating their workers. As a result, this greatly influences their shopping experience. So, fashion brands must contribute to the matters concerning the society and bring positive change in the community and among the consumers.

“It’s through vulnerability that human beings create connections. The more vulnerable we can be with one another, the more that we’ll trust one another and the more we’ll be able to collaborate effectively.”

-Neil Blumenthal

Certainly, we are aware that e-commerce is becoming popular. In other words, the business mechanism and ways are changing with the passage of time. That is to say, with the advancement in time, retail is also changing and things are going towards digitalization. Further, the digital transformation had revolutionized many industries. In the same vein, digitalization has also transformed the retail industry. Certainly, people are more inclined to shop online as compared to shopping from stores. Hence, we can say that e-commerce retail is gaining popularity among customers.  

In this article, we at Teranoid have compiled for you some points that explain how retail commerce and e-commerce website is different from each other. Secondly we shall also explain how e-commerce site is overtaking traditional retail.    

How are traditional retail and e-commerce Retail different from each other?

Well, e-commerce as well as traditional retail are similar in the fact that they have same objectives. In short, their aim is the same; to sell and buy products. Certainly, these both forms of retail are entirely different from each other but if we talk about similarity, then the objective is the only thing that makes them similar.

How are traditional retail and e-commerce Retail different from each other?

Let us now see how traditional retail and e-commerce are different from each other.

Accessibility

Well, one of the major differences between traditional retail and e-commerce retail is that of accessibility. That is to say, e-commerce is more accessible to consumers as compared to traditional retail. That is to say, consumers have to visit the store if they have to buy the product. On the other hand, consumers can simply browse online, select their product of their choice and order it online.

Time

Secondly, traditional retail has limited time hours. In other words, the shop will be open for limited hours. On the other hand, the e-commerce shopping site is available 24/7. Even if it is a holiday, you can still shop form e-commerce site as it is never closed.

Delivery

Another major difference is of delivery. That is to say, the e-commerce site allows shoppers to get their items delivered in various cities. In other words, the customer can order from online within the state or even in some cases outside the state as well. So, this gives consumers more chances to shop from the store. On the other hand, traditional retail is completely different. There is no option of delivery mostly. You just have to visit the store and collect your items at the same time.  

Having said that, the online ordering system has gained popularity during pandemic. Therefore, restaurants as well retail stores have started delivering items online.

Ability to see & touch

Traditional retail allows the customers to see and touch the products and know the product quality. That is to say, consumers can ask the staff about the product and check it physically. This however, is not the case with e-commerce retail. Consumers just see the item and order it. They cannot see the product physically or touch it. In addition, the customers get the item as soon as they purchase it in traditional retail, while in e-commerce retail; consumers have to wait for their product to be delivered to them. This might take 3-4 days or a week’s time as well. 

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, due to the advancement in technology, the e-commerce retail is certainly increasing its popularity. However, both, traditional retail as well as e-commerce retail has their benefits and setbacks. But for businesses who are deciding on which one to opt, they certainly should opt for the e-commerce site as it more popular and in demand today.         

Certainly, it is hard to decide one effective and useful Restaurant Android POS system when there is a large number of POS variety available. However, restaurants prefer tablet POS because it is handy, modern, and easy to use. Apart from Retail POS, Restaurant POS is gaining popularity as well. Restaurant android POS System that is fast and efficient is the requirement of restaurants. Although they have been developed for more than a decade, but with time it has come advanced tremendously. Further, it is becoming more and more compliant with customer patterns and behavior.

Restaurant Android POS Benefits

Let’s discuss the benefits of Restaurant Android POS.

Restaurant Android POS System Works Offline

Certainly, the worst scenario is to lose the internet connection in the middle of service. That is to say, the customers have to wait while the system is connected to the internet again. Consequently, this not only costs times and money, but is also severely affects the customer service. On the other hand, restaurant Android POS System has hardwired connection which even works offline. As a result, restaurateurs know that they can work freely even without an active internet connection.

Restaurant Android POS System comes with Instant Tech Assistance

Another benefit of Restaurant Android POS System is that issues can be resolved remotely. Certainly, technical issues do arise. However, the ideal situation is that they get resolved instantly. Restaurant Android POS System comes with this benefit. Mostly the POS vendors also provide technical assistance. Therefore issues can be resolved instantly through remote technical assistance.   

In-built payment system

Restaurant Android Point Of Sale comes with an in-built payment system. Therefore, customers can use the mode of payment that suits them. Consequently, this makes the payment fast and convenient for customers. In short, there is no need for separate devices. Everything is in-built. In addition, the guest-facing screen provides customers with billing details. Consequently, they can check the payment and billing process.      

Restaurant Android POS System has Modern Design

Android tablets such as Teranoid are modern and come with highly advanced features. They are not only modern looking but are also useful and highly efficient. It is sleek and reliable.

Automated System

The Android POS is updated automatically during off-hours. Therefore nobody has to install the updates manually or worry about it. Consequently, the staff is aware that they are receiving the updates while they work peacefully.

Cloud Backup System

The Android Cloud POS feature comes with the benefit of accessing the system no matter wherever you are. Therefore, restaurant owners can easily have a view of the restaurant proceedings while they are away. In the same vein, live reporting will let the restaurateurs know if the items are running out of stock. Therefore, this has made the entire restaurant business easier because there is no more the need to stay at the restaurant to know what’s happening around. So, now you can simply know the sales and proceedings while being away. In addition, it provides advanced reporting that helps keep close track of sales, profits, and expenses.

Conclusion

These are some of the many Restaurant Android POS benefits. In short, the system is highly efficient for restaurants and is most suitable and useful.   

Certainly, COVID-19 has changed the entire shopping experience for customers. That is to say, when it comes to physical retail, customers are concerned about the safety measures that retail stores are taking for their customers. Consequently, retailers need to adopt new ways and methods that provide secure and safe shopping experience to customers.

So, while planning a safe retail shopping experience for the customers, retailers first need to plan the store’s layout. In other words, retailers need to focus on spacing and store design because distancing is the most significant factor that concerns people. So, by following the right strategies, retailers can certainly create a safe Retail Shopping experience for the customers.

Tips to create a Safe Retail Shopping Environment for Customers   

Below the Teranoid Inc, has come up with some effective tips that shall help retailers create a safe retail shopping experience for customers. 

Knowing the right Data for Safe shopping experience

First and the foremost thing is to collect the data required for planning. That is to say, retailers need to collect the data that is essential for planning the store layout and safe retail shopping experience. So, for this purpose, retailers need to first see how many customers they can allow in their stores at one time. For this purpose, retailers need to follow the guidelines that the state has ordered when it comes to social distancing. So, keeping that in mind retailers need to plan their store layout.

Secondly, retailers need to be aware of the traffic that their store usually has during peak hours. Further, they also need to know the areas of the store that have the maximum amount of customers. Consequently, retailers will plan their store layout accordingly and position the objects in a way that the customers can easily shop without having to come in contact with others. Although this sounds tricky, but with the right strategies, retailers can manage the customer safety and security. In addition to these, the retailers also need to know the employees that are available in the store. That is to say, because of social distancing, there must not be a lot of employees in the store as this can be the main cause of driving customers away from the store. Therefore, make sure that the store is not full of employees. Further, ensure proper and distant placing of the employees in the store to maintain social distancing.  

Know the customer behavior to create safe shopping experience  

Retailers need to be aware of the customers’ buying journey. In other words, retailers need to be aware of the products in demand. Secondly, retailers also need to be aware of the customer behavior. For example, what do they do when they enter the store? The answers to these questions will help retailers plan their store’s layout as well as the placement of merchandise.  

Following the essential safety measures to create safe shopping experience

Space layout is not just about having a safe and secure layout plan. In fact, it is also about following the safety measures that are essential for retailers, employees, as well as the customers. So, for this purpose, retailers need to implement the health and safety measures in their stores. Further, retailers need to provide hand sanitizers in their stores. Secondly, they also need to make compulsory the wearing of masks before customers enter the stores. Certainly, in the current situation, customer safety and security is essential for retailers. Therefore, they need to change their store layout and shopping behaviors to make the customer comfortable and safe.

In addition to these factors mentioned above, retailers need to keep the store clean and ensure that the rules are followed strictly in their stores. Signage can also be another effective way to promote strict social distancing in the stores.      

There is no doubt that retailers need a great Retail team to run a successful business. That is to say, without great teamwork, it is difficult to achieve business goals. However, it is a great challenge for retailers to find a retail team that works diligently and is capable enough to play a significant role in the success of a business. So, choosing the right people becomes difficult for retailers.

How to build a Great Retail Team

https://youtu.be/-luYAVBD9D4

We do understand how significant it is for retailers to have a great retail team. Therefore, the Teranoid, Point of Sale team of content writers have compiled for you some tips that shall help retailers know how they can build a great retail team and what are the ways that they must adopt in order to have a great working team.   

Build great Retail team by giving them good environment 

It will not be wrong if we say that the better the workplace and its environment is, the better the employees will perform. In other words, the workplace also has great significance for employee engagement and progress. Certainly, who does not want a good work environment and deserving salary packages? So if the Retail team is given the benefits that they deserve, they shall certainly act accordingly and work hard for the progress of the business.

Build a Great Retail team by taking care of the employees

So, one of the basic and most significant tips for retailers is that they create an environment that best suits the workers. That is to say, the more engaged and happy the staff will be, the better they shall perform. Further, such employees are also active when it comes to learning new things. In addition, retailers do not want to lose their competitive and hardworking staff, therefore employees who are given benefits do not leave the organization that they are part of. Moreover these employees provide good customer service and take the company matters as their own. So, giving good environment to the customers is the key to build and retain a great Retail’s team.

Retail team must be talented

Certainly, talent is essential when it comes to building a great retail team. So while hiring people, retailers must see that the employees they are hiring should be smart and talented. Further, they should be able to cope with the pace of the other workers as well the managing department and the bosses. Moreover, if the employees are competitive and challenging, it is good for the company as well as for the other employees. Such employees are not a threat to the company, in fact they are the ones that take work seriously and remain focused and motivated.

Great Retail’s Team requires understanding the company culture

We have talked above about giving employees good environment. Similarly, the employees should be such who are also able to fit in the working environment. That is to say, each company has its own policies, ways and culture. Therefore, retailers should look for such employees that fit into that culture. When the entire retail’s team complements each other and understand the working environment, they result in great team work and productive outcomes. So, in case retailers find an employee that is highly talented but is not able to fit in the company culture and environment, there is no point hiring such an individual.      

Make the Retail’s team aware of the business progress

Certainly, retail team plays a significant role when it comes to company’s success. Therefore, retailers need to keep their team aware of how the business is progressing and what goals they need to achieve. When the retailers continuously communicate with their team members, they are taking their team members in confidence. As a result, the team performs better because they feel one with the company and take the company goals as theirs. On the other hand, if retailers keep their retail team at a distance, the team would only work as employees and not take full part in the business matters and its progress. So, for retailers to build a great retail team, they must involve their employees in all business matters and share the progress of the business.    

Retail manager is certainly an integral part of the store. In other words, all the tasks and management is dependent on the retail manager.  However, it is a challenging time for not just retail stores, but retail store managers as well. In other words, things have changed due to the current situation, which has increased the retail store challenges. As a result, the job of the retail manager has become way more hectic and they need to be more alert. Therefore, retailers need to find such managers for their stores that are competent and perfect to manage store operations.  

How to select Retail Managers

We at Teranoid have come up with some ideas and tips that shall help retailers know better how to select their Retail Manager.

Retail Store Manager Qualifications

Certainly, qualification is the most essential thing when it comes to hiring a retail store manager. In other words, the manager must be more qualified than the employees. Further, the consumers who are turning back to stores are expecting way more from the stores than they used to expect. That is to say, now the store needs to be more careful of the safety measures. Therefore, retail store managers need to be more cautious and hardworking in order to keep up with the current situation. Further, the manager should be such who is able to motivate the employees so that they too work freely and more competently. So, retailers need to be very vigilant when it comes to selecting the retail manager because the manager is the one who handles the entire store matters.

Retail Manager Skills

Looking for skills in the retail store manager is equally essential. In other words, if the retailer is trust worthy, but does not have the adequate skills, it will not be appropriate. Therefore, while hiring a retail store manager; retailers need to closely look for skills that the candidates possess. Firstly, retailers need to look for communication skills. Secondly, they need to be capable enough to apply sanitization rules and other necessary management affairs. Thirdly, they must be detail oriented and vigilant. In addition, they should know the store products and their information.

Creating the Retail Manager Hiring Ad      

Certainly, the retail market is competitive and challenging. Although many workers have lost their jobs, yet there are many who have left the jobs due to safety concerns. Therefore, retailers need to create an ad that is competent enough to reach the right candidates. Giving ad online is a good and effective way to find a competent and perfect retail manager. Consequently, retailers have more chances of reaching out to a wider group of candidates.

In addition, retailers need to keep in mind a few points while creating a job ad. Firstly, they need to use the right keywords. In other words, if the keywords are not correct, you shall not be able to reach the right and targeted candidates. Secondly, mention the tasks that the retail store manager will be in charge of. Thirdly, mention clearly the company policies and values and look for such a candidate that is able to survive in such an atmosphere. In addition, do not forget to mention the company location because that is what the candidates will certainly be looking for. Also, mention the managers’ working hours.

Retail Manager Interviewing Tips

While interviewing, retailers need to see if the candidate will be able to adjust in the company and understand its policies. Also, be sure that the candidate might also have some questions. Therefore, be open and give them the chance to ask something if they plan to. So, brief them about the job clearly and then give them time as well to ask questions if they have any.

Conclusion

These are a few tips for retailers that shall help them select Retail Store Managers. We hope that these tips shall help you select the candidates that understand the job responsibilities and perform them competently.