I walked into a specialty store near where I live.
The woman at the counter was busily chatting away with someone who may or may not have been a customer, because the friendly conversation had nothing to do with the store or what the customer wanted....it was all basic chit-chat.
I know this because I had about five minutes to stroll around the area and listen to it without once being acknowledged.
There wasn't even a last-minute thanks for coming in as I strolled up to the front door and left.
Will I go back? Well, yes, probably...they are the only store like it in the area.
But I know a lot of customers who wouldn't even consider going back.
If you are in retail, you must greet your customers, even if it means stopping a chat for a moment to do so. Otherwise, they will probably walk out without making a purchase.
(Also, there are a ton of studies that prove stores who greet and acknowledge every customer tend to have less shoplifting.)
© 2011 Patrick L. Williams, The Selling Sherpa™
