Paco’s Tips: Where Everybody Knows Your Name

“Even the smallest stores can build loyalty by making their customers feel special.” Here, here, Mr. Underhill!

Given a choice, “people will shop where they feel wanted, and generally they’ll pay a little more for the privilege,” Paco Underhill writes. “Even the smallest stores can build loyalty by making their customers feel special.” This is a battlefield where the small, locally owned store can compete with the national chains, he said during a recent talk.

“Our studies show that any contact initiated by a store employee increases the likelihood that a shopper will buy something. If the salesperson suggests a few things or offers information, the chances rise even higher. Of course, shoppers don’t love pushy salespeople, so there’s a line here.”

Get more actionable advice from the world’s leading retail environment expert at The SMART Show. Paco Underhill’s must-see keynote session takes place on Saturday, April 18, at 8:30 a.m., and is sponsored by Synchrony Financial.