Overview

We have gathered some great tips specific to dealing with staffing shortages. The tips are summarized in this video:

While the pandemic appears to have run it's course, below is some helpful information for the next pandemic.

It is no secret that most non-essential retailers are closed to walk-in customers. Here are some tips on staying busy and planning for re-opening that retailers have shared with RITE:

1. Performing physical inventory counts
2. Deep dive into what inventory is selling and not selling
3. Posting one product a day on Facebook and offering free delivery (one retailer is even posting display items in an effort to sell an existing product)
4. Deep cleaning the store
5. Looking at RMS replacement programs like Cloud Retailer
6. Applying for PPP, disaster loans, etc as part of the CARES act
7. Replacing old computer hardware
8. Looking at adding e-commerce and BOPIS (some just want this short term and others are planning to add this long term)
9. Offering gift card promotions (eg: buy $50 in gift cards and receive an additional $5 gift card)
10. Changing product mix (focus on health and safety products)
11. Creative promotions (free roll of TP with every gift card purchase)
12. Bringing in the next generation of store owners for some retail operations training (for when the owners retire and hand over the keys to their children)
13. Rearranging the store to accommodate social distancing (including taping 6-foot marks at checkout)
14. Deciding to move the business online permanently and close the physical location
15. Putting a simple product inquiry form on their website and offering delivery/shipping