I’ve been really focused on improving my sales merchandising skills lately, especially when it comes to engaging customers. For example, I recently tried using open-ended questions to understand their needs better, and it really made a difference in how they responded. I’m curious if anyone has other strategies that have worked well for them in a retail setting.
I’ve been there with open-ended questions — , it can throw people off! I once tried using storytelling as a way to engage customers, and it turned the conversation around. Just sharing a mini success story worked wonders for building rapport, especially when they could see how it related to what they wanted.
Open-ended questions are great, but I’ve found using active listening can really boost the connection too. Just this week, when a customer came in looking for a specific product, I repeated back what they said to clarify their needs, and it built trust instantly. @alexander_lew13, have you tried mirroring their language — sometimes it helps them feel more understood.
@jgrant72, I love the idea of using storytelling! I once told a customer about how a product helped a friend, and it sparked a conversation that led to a sale. It’s like fishing — sometimes you just need the right bait to reel them.