Covid Tips From Fellow Retailers

It is no secret that most non-essential retailers are closed to walk in customers. Here are some tips on staying busy, creative selling, and planning for re-opening that retailers have shared with me over the last 3 weeks:

1. Performing physical inventory counts
2. Deep dive in to what inventory is selling and not selling
3. Posting one product a day on Facebook and offering free delivery (one retailer is even posting display items in an effort to sell existing product)
4. Deep cleaning the store
5. Looking at RMS replacement programs
6. Applying for PPP, disaster loans, etc as part of the CARES act
7. Replacing old computer hardware
8. Looking at adding e-commerce and BOPIS (some just want this short term and others are planning to add this long term)
9. Offering gift card promotions (eg: buy $50 in gift cards and receive an additional $5 gift card)
10. Changing product mix (focus on health and safety products)
11. Creative promotions (free role of TP with every gift card purchase)
12. Bringing in the next generation of store owners for some retail operations training (for when the owners retire and hand over the keys to their children)
13. Rearranging the store to accommodate social distancing (including taping 6 foot marks at checkout)
14. Purchasing face coverings and gloves for all employees (some states, like Colorado, are mandating this for all essential workers)
15. Deciding to move the business online permanently and close the physical location
16. Putting a simple product inquiry form on their website and offering delivery/shipping

Do you have a tip to share? Please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

In Light of the Coranvirus....

Update August 2020: I have been traveling again and will be for most of the next couple of months. For more information on my travel schedule and to arrange an in person visit for 2020 or 2021, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

I'm writing this in a hotel in Portland, OR after meeting with multiple retailers and existing clients this week.  Based on our conversations, I am pausing all new posts for the next 30-60 days.  Right now, all of you are focused on keeping your businesses afloat for the time being.  This really isn't the time to think about IT equipment - especially as many of you have temporarily closed and/or reduced hours.

I would encourage everyone to look at your balance sheets and businesses plans. Take some time to pray for guidance when it comes to making various operational decisions. Once we see the situation stabilizing, then we can revisit POS plans for the rest of 2020 and in to 2021.

With all trade shows and conferences being cancelled through at least 2021, I am in the process of cancelling all planned travel at least for the next 30 to 45 days.

This is my 4th ride through a major economic disruption and what we are going through now will become part of history books - likely no more than a few pages when compared to the grand scheme of things.

If I can be off assistance, whether that be in prayer or for general POS guidance, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

In Christ,

Kevin Antosh