Cheap Used Cars

For many who start a dollar store the months of November and December will determine whether the year was profitable or not. While there are many important marketing steps that can be taken throughout the year, those two critical months are the key to success. Without adequate preparation and execution, many dollars in potential sales and profits will be lost forever.

Critical steps to take in advance include ordering adequate quantities of holiday merchandise. All fall and winter holiday merchandise should be on-hand and displayed no later than September. In fact many who start a dollar store for the first time will be amazed by the requests for holiday merchandise that start during the summer.

Holiday merchandise that is placed on display will sell. Sales will typically start slowly. Sales will initially be focused on handicraft and decorator items. As the weeks pass the total quantity and selection of items sold will increase. Don’t allow sales to escape because holiday merchandise was not on display early enough.

When you start a dollar store business there are key merchandising steps to remember. Be sure merchandise is well-displayed, easy to find, and easy to reach. Include proper signage. Don’t forget to keep end caps fully stocked at all times. Be sure all employees know exactly where items are displayed so they can help customers locate their desired purchases. Don’t forget to have every employee trained and focused on providing excellent customer service.

Impulse items must be readily available for shoppers. While it is important throughout the year, during the holidays it becomes even more important. For example, batteries will sell like crazy during the holidays. Stock up and display them in locations where they are easily found and purchased. Candy, gum, rings, and jewelry will sell equally as well. Items that are hot and in-demand must be displayed front and center. These are the items that sell themselves! Keep all impulse items visible and easily accessible for your shoppers. They will buy them!

Holiday merchandise is critical to success for most who start a dollar store business. Purchase merchandise early. Be sure to purchase adequate quantities of the best sellers. Have seasonal merchandise on display by September. Focus on doing an excellent job of merchandising. Sell out just as the holiday arrives, even it means reducing some prices. Avoid boxing and storing seasonal merchandise from one year to the next. It costs you time and money, and frequently the merchandise in high demand one year will not be the next.

To your dollar store business success!

Are you interested in opening you own dollar store? Check out “A Beginner’s Guide to Opening a Dollar Store at http://www.OpeningADollarStore.com

Bob Hamilton is an entrepreneur, author, writer, business consultant and trainer. http://www.marketingsuccesscenter.com