Need Help with Failing Business PLEASE!?

i work in a tourist shop in a state. Tourists come on cruise ships and have several hours to shop/take tours. The shop doesn't sell the souveneiers like a bunch of other shops but it sells other things of another nationality. I have been there for 3 years. first year was great, second not so great, and now it doing reallly badly, what can i do to pick up my business?

SALES. Big red and yellow signs to draw people in. Put the more expensive stuff at the back and cheaper, better-priced stuff right at the door. Once you get them in and looking around, they'll be more likely to stay and shop. If you put all the really expensive stuff right at the door (no matter how nice it might be), they're going to think the rest of the store is out of their price range too and keep on walking (I'm sure they already spent enough on the cruise, so they're looking for good-priced stuff). I'm a shopper too, and I'm guilty of that as well. I look at the stuff at the door, and if I feel it's too much or is too outrageously priced compared to other similar things I look at, I don't even both to go in. Just concentrate on getting people in the door first. And don't ignore them while they're there, nor should you follow around on their heels asking if they need help. Let them know you see them and appreciate their buisiness ("Hi! Welcome to so-and-so's. If you need any help, let me know!") and then just relax and let them browse.

Also sell food or cold sodas for cheaper than the surounding stores too, that will draw people in too so they'll be more likely to look around as they come in for a drink. Also put cool little knick-knacks around the register to get their attention and get them interested in other things you might sell.

Good luck!!!

People are not looking for imports or exports, they're looking for regional stuff. Perhaps change the inventory.

Get stuff that people are buying, lower your prices a little? Is your shop in the middle of all the main tourist areas or on the outside. Remember you gotta spend money to make money.

sell things people want, food is the best

Maybe you need to revamp your inventory. Have you been stocking the same items these three years? The things that were "in style" three years ago may not be now. Has the tourist business been slow or has it moved or changed this year?

What state? Where do the cruise ships come from? What are the main nationalities of the tourists? Answer these and we can help...

Since you do not sell tourist souvenirs like the other shops, partner with one near to you and offer to refer customers to one another for a commission. Then send out flyers whenever tourist are coming to attract them to your shop. It does not have to be professionally done up just microsoft publisher flyers will do or hand drawn flyers. Partner with local businesses near your area to refer businesses to one another or sell your souvenirs in eaties that tourist also frequent. You can pay on a percentage of sales and convine the restaurant owners that it will add another additional revenue stream to their business.

There are some ideas that I have as I do not know what things you sell that wil attract tourist that come visit. perhaps you can give a more accurate description.How come business was good inthe first year? Do you mean to say that there were more visitors inthe first year? You can contact me if you want more idea. Do what it takes to save your business and claim back your life.

this wont help a ton probably but shops that look really inviting will draw in more customers, i would recommend playing fun-catchy music and maybe hire an ex-convict to wear a big flannel outfit of your mascot and wave a flag that tells people to check out your store. good luck. oh. and think maybe if you havent already to have your merchandise online as well, so then people like me could check out your stuff and support you.

I had a very similar situation myself years ago. Check your store for cleanliness, and display freshness. Move things around and display them differently. You would be amazed what a difference it will make in sales. Also do some research on what sells in your area. You may need to rethink your stock. Some items have time limits. What is hot one year will not be the next. Keep atop of your compitition, and imitate the other businesses that are doing really well. Don't worry so much about being unique. Just sell !

Sometimes, when there are enough souvenirs shops in one place, people are tired of getting into other shops because the items there are the same. Now, realizing this one factor, you have to think of other things to sell on your shop. Think of other things you could sell to forigners like local food and drinks. If you are not ready for this change, maybe you could incorporate a little difference by making personalized souvenirs like putting their photos on postcards or t-shirts along with your designs. Or their names on their hats or bags. You may also have special offers on your products like discounts or a freebie. This just takes a little creativity on your part.

Mary
http://onlinepr.gbwatch.com/

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Alex,
if you are open to contacting me directly I may be able to offer some things that could assist you. I would need some more details on your business, where you are located and what you have done before... That is why I mention contacting me directly. Protecting and Growing Small Business is what I do for a living...

Don

culture sells on vacation - if your looking for quick advice

if your looking for more depth email me im a business consultant and ill see if i cant offer up my opinion with more detail

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