Christmas is supposed to be the most fun time of year, but that can be hard for those who work in retail. Having to work in customer service over Christmas doesn’t mean that you are banned from seeking any enjoyment over the holiday period. You can still get in the mood by listening to Christmas songs, doing your own shopping and attending parties, but the influx of shoppers can make the Christmas period a struggle for anyone behind the till.
This article will delve into just a few ways that you can ease the pressure in your retail establishment during the busy Christmas period.
Set A Customer Limit
Shopping in itself can be a manic experience, especially when the shops are busy. It makes it harder to find what you are looking for, and the staff are always busy assisting someone else.
As a retailer, you can avoid some of these complications by limiting the number of customers allowed in the store at once. It may seem harsh, but having fewer people roaming the store will make the shopping process faster. What’s more, you will be able to provide better assistance for those that need it, which means the people waiting to enter will not have to queue for very long.
By setting a customer limit, you are actually speeding up the retail process. This will be a key part of your business, and will lead to success if implemented correctly.
Hire More Staff
With more customers comes more demand on your staff. Most of the time they will be able to handle the influx of new customers; however, they will probably need more help around the Christmas season.
Job advertising is the quickest way to solve this issue. You can hire an extra team member, or ask for temporary staff. Everyone could use a bit of extra income for Christmas, so you should have a decent response if you advertise a job online. Look to Hiring People to find an example of how to advertise a job for a temporary position, as there will be a key difference between a temporary position and a part-time position, which they can help you with.
Change Your Opening Times
A retail store is able to be far more flexible with more staff on hand. That is why you may find it necessary to increase your opening hours when things get busy.
Try to delay your closing time to offset any desperate shoppers rushing into your store. Longer shopping hours can create more of a relaxed atmosphere, making it easier on your staff and your customers.
Know When It Is Time To Walk Away
A tired staff member is an unhappy staff member. A long shift in retail can be exhausting and this experience is likely to be repeated the next day. That is why it is important to stick to your rota when possible. When it is time for lunch, take all the time you need. When your shift is over, leave as soon as possible. It is easy to get distracted by new tasks when it is busy, but overworking will only make the job harder.
