Business Magazine: The Way Wild Flowers Grow: 10 challenges a small business owner will face

5 ways to improve your retail business

Get smarter at marketing -Traditional advertising forms – print, billboard, broadcast media – are important, but may not provide a good, measurable return for your retail business. Social media marketing, done well, can be a powerful way of capturing new sales. You might be able to partner with other businesses for mutual marketing benefit, or perhaps opening a pop-up shop in a new location or with a new product could drive customer interest.
Refresh your in-store merchandising - You’ve convinced potential customers to come to your store – what is the experience like? Have you maximised the opportunities of your window display? Are your products arranged in an attractive way? Is your layout designed well? Have you thought about different pricing tactics in different areas of your store think about it.
Is it time for a change? - Keeping your finger on the pulse is a skill, but taking a decision to radically change your retail business can be daunting. New products bring new opportunities, and customers’ needs are always changing .
Think about selling online - The internet offers a chance to rapidly expand your retail sales and gain valuable insight into customers’ needs both at home and in new markets. But you need to have the right products, the right sales pipeline (online marketing, a good website, secure online payment options, robust order fulfilment systems, excellent customer service).
Find support in local business networks - One of the best ways to boost your retail business reputation is to get involved in local networks, whether through trade associations, enterprise agencies or charity work. These are also great places for informal advice and support on business issues, along with seeking more formal training schemes and financial support offered by government and business support organisations.