The “shelter in place” and “safer at home” orders that swept the nation in response to the COVID-19 crisis have almost certainly helped to save lives and slow the spread of infection, but these measures have also left businesses in a lurch. Luckily, we seem to be coming around the bend, as states begin to implement plans to lift restrictions and re-open businesses.
What do you have planned for re-opening? If your idea is to simply pick up where you left off, you need to rethink your strategy. Shoppers are likely to be slow out of the gate, with fears of the coronavirus still lingering. You’re also going to face some serious competition from other retailers that want to make up for lost time.
You need to implement strategies designed to reassure shoppers that your store is clean and safe. You also have to tempt them to choose you over the competition, and encourage them to make purchases or complete other actions, like following you and tagging you on social media. Here are a few tips to kick off your grand reopening with gusto.
Clean Like Lives Depend on It
Even with restrictions relaxing, you may still have to observe mandates for mask-wearing, social distancing, and so on for a while. Plus, people are probably going to be extra cautious when resuming public outings.
What can you do to reassure shoppers that your store is safe? Cleanliness is a must. When you reopen your store, make sure it’s spic-and-span, with shelves and merchandise dusted, every surface sparkling, and visible signage throughout the space to let people know the steps you’re taking to keep your store clean and sanitized for their health and safety.
Make it a Celebration
You’re happy to get back to work and consumers are happy to get back to their normal lives after weeks or months spent cooped up at home. In other words, this is a time for celebration, and your re-opening should reflect the sentiment.
Sales and promotions are likely to abound as retailers try to clear out last season’s inventory, push new products, and regain lost ground in terms of revenue, but you can do more than offer outstanding prices. You need to create a celebratory atmosphere.
Consider strategies like providing refreshments in-store, giving away door prizes, and offering hourly specials. Don’t neglect social media, either. Offer discounts for follows, likes, and tags, and create selfie displays in your store to encourage posting and sharing. You might even create your own post-lockdown hashtag, but be careful that you strike the right tone with something like #ShopSafe.
In Conclusion
When you keep your store clean and sanitized for consumer safety, you follow remaining safety restrictions, and you launch your grand re-opening with a celebratory mood, you have the best opportunity to reassure shoppers and entice them to leave their homes and visit your store.
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