For many businesses it’s been a long, few months. Waiting with bated breath for the next announcement confirming when they may be able to re-open. Thankfully the news came recently that from the 12th of April non-essential retail is planned to be re-opened, however, this will be confirmed on the 5th of April.
That means there is likely a lot to prepare for. So, we have put together a few helpful tips on everything you need to think about to prepare your business for re-opening.
Let You Customers Know
This is a super important one. Letting your customers know you will be re-opening is crucial! Including any changes to opening times and any guidelines customers need to follow when visiting, for example, wearing masks and reduced number of people allowed in store.
There may also be changes like requiring customers to book an appointment. This may be more likely for larger purchases like home furniture or car garages. If you require your customers to do this you need to make sure that is really clear across your website, social media and even your store front.
To help get messages across you can also start sending out emails to your database with all the information your customers will need to know.
Re-stock
This may seem like an obvious one that you would have done even before the pandemic, but it’s important as a business owner you are following customer trends. What may have been popular before you shut your doors, may no longer be a must have. Consider which items to pop on sale and where you might need to re-think your stock.
With lockdown restrictions hopefully easing further over the coming months its crucial to make the most out of people wanting to spend money, especially as they have been so limited the last few months. You want to ensure your stock is completely on trend and that you have plenty of it so you avoid having any dissatisfied customers!
Cleaning Up
If you haven’t visited your premises in a while, then it may be a good idea to have a clean-up. Dust is bound to have settled over the weeks and it’s always nice to have a clean welcoming environment for your customers.
This includes the exterior of your property so, check for any litter, bird mess, or dirty windows. Your first impression will count!
Get Excited
Keep your communications light-hearted and positive. Make sure your customers feel excited to visit you again, not worried that you may be close to closing the business.
Share the latest news with them, new products you have or re-stocks they may have been waiting for.
You may even want to pump up some balloons and pop up the banners to truly welcome your customers back.
At Link Directories we want to wish you all the best with your re-opening and truly hope that this time it’s for good!
If you would like any help getting the word out there, take a look at our advertising packages.
