One Strategy Retailers Might Miss
In today’s retailing market, everything that can boost sales and brand confidence is a good thing. One strategy that retailers often seem to miss is that of providing a hefty employee discount. This simple move guarantees that sales staff will be familiar with the products they sell. In the case of apparel retailers, providing impressive discounts means staff will be wearing what’s being sold and that will act as a platform for increased promotional activity.
For example, a group of Millenials was overheard comparing notes about working in various apparel retailing establishments. One observed that they didn’t get any employee discounts at all, which triggered a flood of comments. A young woman who worked at a famous apparel chain said, “We got a whopping 60% discount, so we all wore the clothes and could suggest so many things to shoppers.” Another said, “I worked at that famous lingerie store and we got good discounts that could be added to clearance or sales. I’d wait for my birthday month and layer that on, too, and get stocked up. You couldn’t show you were wearing it, of course, but we could say which styles we did wear and who wore other things and liked them. Shoppers kind of look for someone built like they are when they want to ask questions about stuff like that.”
Apparel Retailers – The Value of Employee Discounts
Not only are employee discounts an attractive perk and a reason for staying on staff, they benefit the retailer by creating an army of employed customers who wear what they sell. Someone who consistently wears the apparel they sell can articulate why an item is a great investment even without the discount. Staff wearing the clothing they sell act as live models who can answer questions about what they advertise. Staff who are familiar with the clothing they sell can also provide valuable feedback about what to carry in the seasons ahead.
Keeping track of employee discounts isn’t difficult with the ChainDrive Integrated Retail Management software suite. This professional software platform is designed to meet the needs of today’s omnichannel retailer and includes components perfect for apparel retailers. The software can be customized for specific applications and is fully supported by a team that is fully trained and available 24/7. Because we designed it and use it, we know it intimately. Like a sales associate who wears what they sell, we know what we are talking about.