11/20/15
Even with online shopping and its Cyber Monday, Black Friday has long been a tradition for many shoppers and continues to be the biggest shopping day of the year for retailers.
The latest tech devices are expected to be top gifts this year. In fact, the 10th annual BDO Retail Compass Survey* shows 67 percent of retail CMOs surveyed anticipate consumer electronics will be the top-performing product category this holiday season.
Ranging from affordable 2 in 1s to the luxurious TAG Heuer Connected* watch, customers have more choices than ever when selecting the perfect gifts for friends and family.
Here are a few things you and your sales team can do to maximize Black Friday sales and win customers for the entire holiday shopping season and beyond.
Although many Black Friday shoppers are in search of deep discounts, they're also looking for new, exciting devices to give as gifts or to purchase for themselves.
Using these popular devices in pre-sale advertising and as part of signage is a strategic move that can net positive results. Even if they're discounted from full price, these products represent an upselling or cross-selling opportunity for well-trained sales reps.
To maximize Black Friday success, reps should be educated about the product lineup and any advertised deals. In addition to in-store training initiatives and special staff preparations, your team should be up to date on the latest devices and accessories and know how to sell them effectively.
Take time to speak individually with reps to see if they have any last-minute concerns or questions related to products or customer interactions. Some employees may be hesitant to initiate this type of conversation with their managers, but when asked directly, they often feel more comfortable in opening up to ask their questions.
Customers crave a smooth, engaging shopping experience, and sometimes this can be challenging on such a huge shopping day. Use mobile beacons and QR codes to integrate mobile technology on the sales floor and to help educate customers.
Adjust aisle layouts and signage to maximize customer flow through the store. To speed the checkout experience, some retailers are using tap-to-pay payment terminals and imaging technology.
Retail managers know just how hectic this day can get. As the busiest sales day of the holiday season, Black Friday often finds shoppers competing for great deals and stores scrambling to keep shelves stocked.
Almost every year, you can turn on the nightly news and see a video of a customer brawl or a stampede occurring somewhere. Make sure your store operates smoothly—and doesn't make the five o'clock news—with contingency plans for unexpected situations like server crashes, employee no-shows, and out-of-stock items.
Draw up these plans at least a week in advance of the big day to ensure that your entire team is on board. Likewise, draw up and implement customer safety plans covering a range of potential situations, including crowd surges that might occur when the doors first open and handling customer disputes.
Black Friday is just one day in the Black Friday weekend. Many shoppers opt to skip the crowd on the Friday after Thanksgiving by shopping on the ensuing Saturday or Sunday.
As you prepare your store, advertise deals that will last the entire weekend and throughout the remainder of the holidays. Reps should communicate this to customers as well.
Since many customers make multiple trips during the course of the holiday season, running post-Black Friday deals is a great way to capture additional revenue and get shoppers back in the store.
Being prepared, knowledgeable, and well-stocked are all important factors in retail success, but particularly so on the biggest shopping day of the year. Are you and your staff ready?
Use these remaining days leading up to Black Friday to ensure your sales reps are equipped to handle whatever the day has in store for them and that everything is in place to have your best Black Friday ever.
The Intel® Retail Edge Program provides your sales reps with interactive, educational training on the latest Intel® products and technologies and tips for effectively selling devices to your specific customer base.
Find out more about the benefits of participating in the Intel® Retail Edge Program.
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*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
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