Product Availability In Offline Stores

Customers behavior are commonly the same. They look for something they like, something their needs and they usually stick with it. They tend to change when something really compels them to do so, and it is not always about the price.

Retail businesses has a lot of competition; not only competition with similar size stores, but also a competition with online marketplaces and big box stores. If we do not managed our store very well, then our business can easily runs out.

Retail business has something important, and that is shelf space. Note that there are no retail store business can carry every item or even every style, shape or flavor of every item.

This means is also that these businesses can't satisfy all customers. And, if a customer cannot be satisfied, then that is an opportunity for another store - your store.

I believe that you have an experience when you gone to some store to find a certain product, but when you get there, you only found that the big empty space on the shelf where the item use to be. The store either don't carry it, quit carrying it or just are simply out of it? How is your feeling? The feeling that you either have to go somewhere else or settle for another item; an item that you either don't want or that does not fully meet your needs.

So, as a store owner, here is thing to do about our product availability:

1) Offer More Selection:
If your store can offer more selections or even more styles, then your store can attract and retain customers who want something more than just the regular product.

More selections means having more brands with higher quality and prices, more type of products, or more brands product with same quality and same prices.

2) Keep Your Shelves Stocked:
I hate going to a store, only to find out that they are out of product that is I needed. Well, what is your feeling is the same feeling with other customers. Not having the products on hand that customers want, does not instill a loyalty in that customer, and it is bad for business.

Keep our store shelves always stocked with products that customers can get at any time, can opens up an opportunity to earn a loyal customers, and making good image of our store.

Assume that customers are a very busy people. Thus, if they can go to your store and always get what they want, they are more willing to pay a little more for the product and the convenience.

3) Quality:
If your retail store can provide better quality, typically at higher prices, then your store has differentiation from other store. There are customers out there, even the most frugal ones, who will spend more money, make larger purchases, because they understand about the important of higher quality.

What you should do is just have to educate people. And, that means using your marketing strategy to not just let them know where to find your store or to promote your latest sale - but, use that marketing strategy to educate people on the overall cost savings they will realize from buying high quality products from your store.