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Customer safety should always be a priority regardless of the industry your company is in. In general, customers want to see division and proper spacing between people. Think about adding indoor dining dividers to your dining areas as a way to keep customers feeling safe, and sneeze guards at check-outs or waiting areas.
Customers Are Loyal to Companies That Show They Care
It is important to make it apparent that you care for your customer’s well-being, especially during the unique circumstances we are currently facing. Taking additional precautionary measures, such as adding extra hand sanitizing stations around your business or installing social distancing barriers can help your customers feel more secure when visiting your business. If your customers feel that their best interests are kept in mind, they will certainly notice and are more likely to return.
In general, customers want to see division and proper spacing between people. Think about adding social distancing barriers to high traffic areas such as your checkout lanes or waiting areas. At shopPOPdisplays, we also offer customized sneeze guards if you’re looking for something that is tailored to your specific needs.
Safety Can Lead to Free Word of Mouth Marketing
Safety is top of mind for many retail customers right now. It’s not always easy to find businesses that are taking safety seriously, which means if a customer does have a safe and secure experience at your store, it will likely be memorable for them.
If a customer has a notable experience at your store and feels safe and cared for, there is a good chance they will tell their friends or family about the great experience they had. Therefore, if you make safety a priority, you may be providing yourself with free word of mouth marketing, which is one of the most powerful marketing channels. Word of mouth marketing actually drives six trillion dollars of annual customer spending, so it’s certainly a channel you want to incorporate into your marketing strategy.
Opportunity to Gain Market Share
Going back to the loyalty aspect of health and safety, customers who feel safe in your store will come back time and time again. This gives your business an edge over competitors, who may not be taking all the same precautions that your business is. Implementing proper health and safety protocols gives you the chance to win customers who will always choose your company first. Properly implemented health and safety guidelines are a great differentiator that can help you stand out from the crowd.
In addition to market share, studies have shown customers are actually willing to pay more for the same item at a store that has safety measures implemented. One in four Americans is willing to pay at least 10% more for brands that excel with health and safety. Naturally, customers place a lot of value on their well-being, so creating a comfortable shopping experience for them can lead to serious financial gain for your company in the long run.
Customers Like to See Employees Being Protected
The majority of your customers are also concerned about the safety of your employees. It is important to humanize the shopping experience and be transparent about the protection you are providing to your employees. Consider offering additional paid sick leave and free personal protective equipment (PPE) for your employees. Not only will these leave your employees feeling safer completing their job, but your customers will also notice the efforts you are taking to keep your employees safe. Customers want to support stores that are treating their employees ethically so your efforts are sure to pay off in a multitude of ways.
A great way to encourage safety protocols and also show your concern for both your employees and customers is by including frequent signage throughout your restaurant or store. At shopPOPdisplays we offer signage that encourages social distancing, proper sanitation practices, and the use of masks. All three of which have been shown to increase safety.
As mentioned, we also offer a wide variety of sneeze guards you could consider adding to high traffic areas, such as your cash registers or host/hostess stand. These barriers encourage social distancing that will help your customers and employees feel safer. Any extra precautions you can take are worth the investment.
Final Thoughts on Safety and Customer Experience
Health and safety should be taken into consideration every time you make a decision for your retail business. In today’s world, customers are searching for businesses that provide a stand-out experience. Every customer who enters your store should feel as though their well-being is a priority. You can successfully elicit this feeling from customers by implementing safety precautions for your customers and staff members, and cultivating a safe environment ultimately will positively impact your bottom line.