Patiently Waiting

As we're all still waiting for the Coronavirus pandemic to come to an end, many people are thinking about what they're going to do first and what businesses they're going to shop at when everything's open again.

Personally, I want to actually sit down in the restaurant and eat sushi (call-in sushi just isn't the same), I want to get a pedicure, and I want to shop for new earrings at a local jewelry store. Those things may sound insignificant, but I previously took such small things for granted. As a business owner, I'm sure you're more than ready for all of this to be over. That leaves me curious, what will you do first?

Motivating Markdowns
As if people won't be overjoyed enough to get back out there to do some serious shopping, one way to promote even more business is to offer a discount. This would most likely apply to older inventory that hasn't moved much since the quarantine began. And since you're still looking to make a profitable comeback, this discount would be relatively small, say 10% off. This percentage wouldn't hurt your pockets and would encourage customers to be more apt to purchase.

Coordinate Locally
One marketing technique I've seen previously is two local businesses working together. One of the businesses goes to the other's storefront and sets up "shop." This is popular with online shops as a way for their customers to actually get to see their products in person before purchasing. Teaming up with another business after the lock down is a great way to help your community and stimulate local economy.

Implement Adaptations/Back to Normal
With certain restrictions in place due to COVID-19, many small businesses have had to adapt to keep their company thriving. Such changes may include online sales or auctions, curbside delivery, and one of my favorite boutiques even offered a "mystery bag" containing 2-3 items that were a surprise to you at a discounted rate. When everything gets back to normal, will you continue to implement these types of recent changes or go back to operating solely as you were previously? A combination of both might not be a bad idea.

Take a moment and look at yourself as both a business owner and consumer. What do you plan to do as each once everything returns to business as usual? Will you browse the aisles of every previously closed business for hours? Will you have a giant sale, team up with local shops, hosting it all on a live broadcast and allowing customers to purchase that way? I'd love to hear your plans!