I read with dismay that shops are closing in Laurieton, mainly in the top end. I speak with no authority other than some retail experience and a positive outlook on life to offer some ideas.......
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Shopkeepers have to present their shops, merchandise and themselves cheerfully. Offer a warm welcome, a smile and a joke even.
Move with the times. Retail operates on Sunday. Open on Sunday especially market day and make your shop part of the experience.
Have your own online business if possible. You can't move against the current, you have to swim with it.
Have some specials days, competitions, dress up days, prizes.
You have to make people want to come, make shopping fun and you can't bully them into it.
And why are some shops closing at 4? Make after 4, 10 per cent off maybe, exciting specials in that last hour and catch the workers on their way home.
Sue Bartholomew
Lakewood
