For many customers, local super markets, in addition to buying food, are places to meet friends, talk with employees, and socialize with strangers. Introducing customers to your employees not only creates a level of trust, but is a useful sales tool. Customers made to feel comfortable tend to buy more – and return each time they need something.
Meet My Employees
Send a mass email to subscribers that list all employees, along with job titles and brief description of job functions. Include photos if possible. Knowing employees and what they do at your store can help customers in a variety of ways:
· Customers will be more apt to ask for help when they can't find something
· Customers are more open to product suggestions by someone they know
· Customers will return again and again because they know the store and the people who work there
· Customers will be more willing to offer suggestions such as new product ideas, product placement, etc.
· Customers will be more forgiving if an item is temporarily out-of-stock
To make employees even more approachable, provide a few fun details such as their favorite hobby, television show, or movie to get customers talking.
Showcase Management
Introduce management to customers and encourage customers to ask questions, voice concerns, or ask for suggestions when visiting your store. Showcase management experience, years of employment at your supermarket, and how long they've been in charge of a particular department. If you don't have specific managers in charge of departments, introduce general and secondary management staff.
Employee Appreciation
Each month, include a photo and description of an outstanding employee in your supermarket newsletter. Explain why the employee was chosen and how they support your store. Not only will this boost employee morale, it also gives customers a chance to congratulate the employee and learn more about what employees do each day to make their shopping experience a little better.
You can also ask customers to nominate employees they feel are deserving of special attention.
Create a Customer-Friendly Environment
Create an environment where customers know employees by name. You will see an increase in repeat business. Customers that feel comfortable shopping in a store will return again and again because of the product selection, great prices, and even better customer service.
Ask employees to be friendly, approachable, and helpful at all times. At the end of the day, it's not only customers that benefit from this environment – your employees will benefit as well. You may even notice a decrease in absenteeism, tardiness, and an increase in pride and respect - for themselves and for fellow employees.