Any retail sales training worth it's salt will tell you that smiling is one of the best ways to provide a warm welcome for customers.There are tons of reasons to smile in retail; like the fact that it makes people feel welcomed and tells them that you are a friendly individual that can assist them! That's a massive barrier to break down and a great first impression. Something as simple as a smile can be the catalyst for a huge change within your business, and below are our top five reasons why!
1 - They’re a universal sign of happiness
There are up to 19 different types of smiles, and while a single handshake or hug can mean various things across different cultures, smiles are universally accepted as a sign of happiness and welcome.
2 - They’re the most easily recognisable facial expression
As we mentioned above smiles “are universally accepted as a sign of happiness and welcome” but a smile is also recognised from farther away than any other facial expression. So, when a customer enters your store they can almost immediately tell whether or not you’re smiling!
3 - They can be used as money makers
A smile costs you, your staff or your business nothing, but it turns out smiling in retail is a big earner!
Research has found that it can be a great tool in helping you make more money! Some customers are likely to spend up to 40% more with a retailer who serves them with a smile. This is a customer barrier breaking technique remember!
4 - They’ll change your mood
Smiling has a number of health benefits including; lowering blood pressure and your boosting immunity. But on top of all the health benefits, a simple smile releases endorphins into the body. These endorphins are known as the ‘feel good’ chemical and are often associated with the high we feel after exercise and we all know that those days on the shop floor go a lot quicker if you feel good!
5 - They’re contagious
It’s been scientifically proven that, like yawning, smiling is contagious. Smile at someone and it’s likely they’ll smile back (even if just to be polite).
We hope that our tips make you realise the power of the smile and because smiles are contagious, we hope that you can spread a few around your business and to your customers!
