The Job:
Having a retail job is not for everyone. They are jobs come in every shape and size starting from working in a mall to high end fashion stores. Obviously there is a big market for people to be salesman in this industry but again, this type of work is not for everyone.
The requires a smile, and a happy disposition. Always. Imagine trying to find something and the person helping you is just rude and disconnected. Wouldn't that make you feel kinda worthless? Of course it would. But every one needs that extra opinion when they're shopping. Come on now. Especially us girls.
In order for a salesman or woman to do well in the retail industry you have to be able to connect to the people around you. You, as the shopper should be able to feel good and be told that the decision they are making is a good one so that they can feel good about themselves. And frankly it takes a very special sort of person to do the job and do it well.
How to connect:
In order to be able to connect with the shopper the secret is to put yourself in their shoes. Imagine what you would feel like if you were looking for the same occasion. A first date, a dinner for work, a job interview. First get an understanding of their style.You can do this best by asking open ended questions. (" These are questions that can lead to other questions. Such as " What kind of special occasion?" and the answer can then lead you to ask " Ok well how formal is this occasion?" and so on.) By doing this you gain not only a basic knowledge of the sort of event you are working with but also an idea of the person's personal style.
By getting this informations you can then begin to understand how to interact with your shopper. Woman to woman they are going to want to know that they look good in the outfit and that it works well with their figure. Guys on the other hand might want to know that their choice is practical and that they might be able to wear it to more than one occasion or dress it a different way.
Make it Personal:While some things in life you should definitely not take personally others you really should. It may even help that you do. As I mentioned before, connection is everything. When you put yourself in the shoes of the shopper under their ideas of style and wants then not only do you make their shopping experience more fun but you are also making it kinda fun for yourself.
If you went into a store and said that you were looking for an outfit for a first date and the salesperson reacted with excitement and then asked further questions about the occasion personally its going to make the shopper feel so much more special.
Now, I am a romantic through and through so of course that would be my first example. But suppose someone came into your store and asked about a good outfit to wear to a funeral. Perhaps for a very close family member. You should try and feel their emotion. If you were shopping for that same you how would feel? How would you want you salesperson to react?
Be the Judge:
While all of these ideas are great ways to make sales, they don't always work. You have to be the judge of when and when not to use them. By using the right technique in the wrong way on a person you can completely blow the sale all together. This is were the art of retail comes in. This is why it not for everyone. You are always going to have that almost perfect sale where you almost bag it and then the customer walks out. It happens. Even to seasoned workers. It all boils down to your personal passion. If the retail environment is a place where you thrive then you will be able to let the bad no sales go and start all over again with the next customer.
