You’ll find dollar stores probably have more impulse sales of all types of retailers. After all, the merchandise is only a dollar. Often shoppers come in with just a few items to purchase–or just to browse–and end up leaving with a shopping cart filled to the brim. Of course, some of the purchases will be consumables they didn’t think about before shopping, but many of the purchased items will be ones they didn’t know they wanted before they entered your store. You can encourage that type of behavior by setting up displays at key locations and making them eye catching and attractive. Bright colors catch consumers’ eyes and just like crows, people love shiny things.
Grocery stores have known for years that the best place to put snack items is at the checkout aisle. Successful dollar storeowners find the same is true for their businesses. Place movie candy, small bags of pretzels and chips and other immediately consumable treats close to your cash registers, so as your customers wait-hopefully, not too long—to check out, they have something to lure them into another purchase and tame the hunger that grew as they shopped.
Color coordinated displays of dishware, hand soaps and wrapping paper catch shoppers’ eyes and lure them to the area. Your shopper may not have planned to purchase dinner plates, bowls, glassware and placemats, but when he or she saw them all beautifully arranged—with bright yellow, red and blue begging for their attention, they’ll put the items in their cart. Of course, when they buy the color-coordinated dishes, they need new placemats, napkins and napkin holders too.
Strike-zone or prominent displays of frequently used items is another way to draw your shoppers’ attention. Building a huge floor to almost ceiling display with brightly colored stackable merchandise can attract their attention and draw them to the area like moths to flame. Once they reach the destination, they’ve just about convinced themselves they really need this item.
Hot motifs, such as owls, angels, dinosaurs and dragons either in the form of figurines, on clothing or on dishware and school supplies will make some shoppers stop in their tracks to snag a bargain with their favorite, child’s favorite or friend’s favorite decoration on it. These are especially popular around Christmas time when people are trying to find something for Aunt Mary and know she collects a specific item such as frog statues, turtles or kittens. You can put all themed motif items together if it’s appropriate to maximize your sales.
