Business Performance Coaching

Senior Management of any retail store chain should also read the blog I wrote for the small business as the principals are exactly the same. 

Is your product range complete?

What I would like to talk about here is looking at the Product at a retail branch level.  Having worked for many years in larger retail companies one of the most common mistakes made was the lack of localised product ranges predominately due to the central buying methods of the head offices.  There absolutely needs to be a set product range for any retail chain as this is what helps position them in their chosen market but what sells hugely successfully in Auckland may not be so successful in Dunedin. 

Branch Managers have an important roll to play in helping any retail chain be more successful at a local level.  Listening to what their customers’ want, if they can’t supply, do they have an alternative if not can your competitors supply your client with what they want, will you lose that client?  Equally does your Branch Manager recognise what products are selling well and do they have the autonomy to pull more products in to meet that demand?  Take that one step further, do they have the experience to anticipate which new lines will sell well and order extra product in anticipation of the increased sales ensuring they never miss that sale.

A Branch Manager who fully understands their local market can make the difference between achieving their sales target and blowing these targets out the water.  Knowing their products and having an understanding of products ranges can really help refine what each branch holds and reduces the chance of having dead stock.

If you would like to discuss more regarding anything in this blog please contact me for more information