Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

A new report confirms the continuing retail trend that customers are looking for businesses that add value to them and give them satisfying experiences. One strategy mentioned by National Jeweler, citing the G.A Wright marketing study, was that loyalty programs that reward customers are still tremendously popular.

Gary Wright, CEO and Founder of G.A. Wright Marketing in the press release, "Price is decreasing steadily as the most important decision influencer for retail-related purchases. Customer service remains of major importance to shoppers. It is critical in order to set your brand apart and above the competition, but customer service alone is not enough. Retailers need to interact with customers one-on-one, make them feel like their only customer, and add value through innovative experiences that keep them loyal beyond price discounts they might find somewhere else.

"Consumers want experiences, not just purchase transactions. They want memorable events that make them feel appreciated and create a positive emotional experience while getting something of value."

This is something that we need to continually remind ourselves concerning our customers. The world has become an impersonal place. One thing that retail stores offer, that others can't, is the personal touch. If we don't have this as a minimum aspect of doing business, what is it that we have that the consumer will want to come to us for?

Anything that gives this nice surprise to the customer or focuses on their best interests is a sure winner in today's competitive atmosphere. This creates that emotional touch that is so important for people to experience.

Those things like loyalty rewards for repeat business and referrals, is still one of the great ways that customers love to be acknowledged for. They aren't hard to implement, and they create great customer experience and satisfaction.

This, along with personal attention, is still the largest motivating factor in retail customer service! Never get tire of hearing that word "experience" in reference to your customers. Those who care about it the most will be the ones who will survive in this impersonal world.