Another Holiday Tip - Managing the Cash Wrap

We're getting closer to the holiday and your store is getting crazy. Lines at the cash wrap are long. This is all great for the bottom line, but you must remember longer than a 2 minute perceived wait in line leads to a dissatisfied customer. Not only are is the customer disappointed with the check out experience, but the customer is disappointed with the ENTIRE shopping experience. Here are some tips to help with the wait: 

1. Consider having a staff member work the line with holiday goodies. A taste of cider or home made cookies go a long way to distracting your customers.

2. Place informational pieces near the line. This is a captive audience for brochures, new product info, any reading material to keep customers busy.

3. Re-think your cash wrap. Is it quicker to have one person use the register and another wrap and pack items? Often a 2 person team is more efficient and keeps the line moving more quickly. If you have a small cash wrap, one person ringing, 2 packing and one distributing may be the best way.

4. Consider outpost cash wraps - placing them around your store. Or use a mobile system so staff can check people out directly on the selling floor.

5. If you offer gift wrap, set up a separate station in your store. Make sure it is well staffed, out of the way and that there is plenty for customers to do while they wait. 

6. Consider pre-wrapped items. This is a great plan for items that are popular grab and go gifts and stocking stuffers. Keep one item or a size range on display, wrap the rest. Customers can look, touch and try the display item and purchase the pre-wrapped box. NOTE: This is especially great for items that men buy for women or kids. 

7. Create a separate and easily to shop space for gift items. 

​8. Use signage effectively to point out great gifts for particular demographics. For example, group hair bows with a sign: "Stocking stuffer for girls 3-12". You can use these types of signs throughout the store and/or in a gift  area. 

9. Signage - DO NOT hand write signs. Print them off your compute. Use a consistent font, holiday graphic and voice.

10. Place signs in sign holders. DO NOT tape them to walls or fixtures. Sign holders are available at your local office supply store or better yet, go to your local Dollar Store and buy some standard frames. 

11. Command Strips are your friend. They can hang signs and merchandise quickly, conveniently and they are easy to remove without damaging walls.

Implementing these ideas for the big push will make your check out more efficient, increase your bottom line AND more importantly, keep your customers smiling. 

For more information or help with your merchandising strategy contact: [email protected] or visit our site www.onomadeinthe191.com