The new normal is here to stay, and no retail business can expect to thrive without realigning with it. Cannabis retail is no exception, but the good thing is that the industry has excellent recovery prospects. The demand is high after the pandemic boom, and more consumers are likely to join the bandwagon. But when it comes to getting the foot traffic back to your retail store, everything boils down to taking the right approach to customer experience. You need not spend a fortune or do a lot to get things on track. Here are some actionable ideas you can implement.
Keep the consumers updated
If you want your buyers back, keep them updated about reopening. You may want to open for fewer hours or allow fewer people inside the premises at a point. Make sure that your customers have all the updates. You can share the details outside the store, on your website, print ads, and business listings. Also, inform them about the measures you have in place to ensure safety. Get the right message out at the right time, and traffic will get in the flow sooner than you expect.
Ensure safety measures in-store
Don’t just pass on information, but implement all the measures to keep employees and customers safe. Having them in place will boost buyer confidence, and they will be back again. They can even spread the word about your initiatives, translating into more traffic for your store. Enforce social distancing and mask-wearing on the shop floor for everyone. Have proper signage around the store and change the layout if there is a need.
Invest in contactless payment solutions
Fortunately, technology can take you a long way in making your retail business future-ready. Just a small investment lets you minimize queuing and physical contact between customers and staff members. For example, a cannabis pos system enables you to receive payment anywhere on-premises. You can use it for curbside shoppers as well. It is a worthwhile investment that enhances the safety and loyalty of retail buyers.
Offer educational experiences
Bringing customers to your retail store takes much more than a promotional mindset. Offer educational experiences as they make newbies comfortable with the concept of using cannabis. Even seasoned consumers may have some apprehensions, and education can get their confidence back. Employ trained budtenders who can answer all questions and clarify doubts. Knowledge about strains, consumption methods, dosage, and safety precautions enables them to educate the buyers.
Ramp up your offerings
Another effective way to grow your foot traffic in pandemic times is by ramping up your offerings. Consumers want to try different consumption methods rather than only stick with vaping and smoking. Extend your product catalog with cannabis edibles, tinctures, and concentrates. Add topical products to ride high on the beauty trend. Follow the demand patterns, and build a product portfolio that matches buyer expectations.
Boosting foot traffic to your retail store need not be a stressful task. It only requires a commitment to enhancing customer experiences. Just follow these simple measures, and you can have your buyers back.
