Spring cleaning seems to see a lot of action from most folks. Trees and flowers begin budding and blossoming, and people turn to cleaning. I find cleaning during the spring somewhat overrated. In the South, there’s a ton of pollen floating around, and if you clean too early, you’ll find yourself going through the same routine two weeks later.
It seems a waste.
I prefer New Year’s cleaning. You know that saying – out with the old, in with the new. Not only is it fitting for home cleaning and organization, but it makes sense for most retail operations, too. It’s a fresh start to a shiny new year that opens with much promise.
A brand-new year with a brand-new set of days to turn into the best days yet. A clean calendar; a clean slate.
No matter how 2023 wrapped up for your company, looking backward isn’t always the best tactic. Of course, take note of the lessons learned and the successes logged, but your energy is better spent on what lies ahead instead of dwelling on what went wrong last year.
A couple of thoughts to consider as we settle into 2024, which promises to be hyper competitive.
1 Consider your product selection.
We’re headed into the winter Las Vegas Market, which happens to be the big one for mattresses and other sleep products. Take a good hard look at what brands are working for you and which ones are duds. Now is a great time to take stock and see what makes sense to keep and what makes sense to toss for something new.
I’m hearing a lot of chatter about interesting new goods manufacturers and suppliers are bringing to market. Don’t get stuck selling the same products you’ve sold before because it’s easy. Be brave.
2 Know your competition.
Let’s face it. In your customer’s eyes, a mattress is a mattress is a mattress. You and your RSAs know the differences between brands and models and the various constructions; however, the consumer mostly sees a rectangle enrobed in a ticking and a big ol’ price tag. Down the street or around the corner, those mattresses look very similar to what you’re selling.
What differentiates you in your marketplace? Is it your product? Your sales team? Same-day delivery? Pricing? We can argue all day as to what approach works best, but at the end of the day, stores need to set themselves apart from their competition. When was the last time you walked into a competitor’s store for a look around? If it’s been a while, add it to your to-do list.
3 How’s your online presence?
I know it seems like an odd question, but there are a lot of mattress retailers who have neglected the digital side of their business. Are you one of them? Make it a priority this year to create a seamless shopping experience between instore and online channels. Provide consumers with the information they need and crave on buying a new mattress. Help them conduct their research.
The more answers you can provide them before they walk through your door, the more comfortable they’ll be engaging with your team. Do your website and social media offer the same look and feel as your instore experience? Or is there a disconnect between the two that leaves consumers confused?
Just a few things to consider for the new year, and I’m sure your list is way more lengthy. I’d love to hear what you’re prioritizing for 2024. Drop me a line or call to share.
Wishing all a happy and prosperous new year.