Don’t forget Back-to-School is Important to Success with Dollar Stores

Many who start a dollar store have the best of intentions as they prepare for the opening of their store. But then the store opens and many of the actions planned as a means of achieving success go by the wayside. Some are forgotten. Others just seem to become lower priorities as the day-to-day demands involved when you start a dollar store takes precedence. While it is certainly acceptable to have some things drop by the wayside, others are mission-critical for those seeking success with dollar stores. One example of this is back-to-school.

Success with dollar store requires that you anticipate shopper needs and then provide the right items to meet those needs. With back-to-school you get only one chance. Have the right items available at the right time and you will smile all the way to the bank. Miss out and there is not second chance. Read on for important tips about this important annual event:

* Don’t wait until the last minute.

When you start a dollar store you will soon discover the importance of timing. You must not only have exactly the products your shoppers seek, but they must be there at the right time. If you fail to have the right products available, shoppers will move on to your competitor who does have them available.

* Don’t forget about the other back-to-school seasons as well.

Most who start a dollar store focus only on the return to school following summer vacation. Yet true success with dollar stores dictates that you provide a good selection of back-to-school merchandise prior to the start of each term, quarter or semester. School-goers will need more paper, binders, pens, pencils and other supplies then as well.

* Align your offerings to the schools close to your store.

If possible post school lists of required supplies. You may be able to obtain these lists from the schools themselves, or possibly from a posting in your local newspaper. This is a much-appreciated service.

* Bring items in early to capture even more sales.

Many back-to-school shoppers prefer to have their shopping out of the way well in advance of the actual school start date. Others will pick up items as they discover you have them available. Add to your sales by having back-to-school in-stock and on display early.

* Make back-to-school one of the biggest annual events for your store.

Back-to-school can offer a real boost to your summer sales numbers. But there’s more as smaller versions of back-to-school boosts in sales can occur in December and March as well. Be prepared and enjoy the added sales.