6 Best Tips on Improving Sports Stores

The sporting goods market is without a doubt huge, and it only continues to grow every year. In the U.S. alone, sales amounted to 53 billion U.S. dollars in the year 2020. The global sports equipment market, on the other hand, was forecast to reach a value of 191.62 billion U.S. dollars by 2026. 

Despite these numbers, sports stores and outdoor gear shops should not play it safe. They must continuously innovate and strategize to stand out. From electronic shelf labels to community activities and product videos, managers and staff should always be looking for the best practices and tips for improving sports stores.

Videos can take sports stores to a new level. Playing product videos through screens or monitors can liven up the place, attract customers, and disseminate the right information to them. Videos can also help convey the message of being active and maintaining a lifestyle, which can be ultimately beneficial for sports and outdoor stores.

As mentioned by Forbes, viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to 10% when reading it in text. Showing product videos in stores can help increase sales and create loyal customers. 

One of the best practices and tips on improving sports stores includes looking out for current trends. Current trends can help brands and companies stay ahead of the game. This applies to sports stores as well. Be active online and monitor the trends and news that come up within the industry. It also helps to capitalize on major sports seasons and events. Sports stores can keep these in mind while creating marketing materials and designing the store layout and displays.

Using electronic shelf labels (ESL) is one of the best modern tips on improving sports stores. ESL for sports stores can do a lot of good. Instead of traditional paper shelf labels, sports stores can make use of electronic labels such as the Newton ESL to modernize and improve their whole operations. Labels like this can improve the price update speed, lessen manual labor, centralize workflows, and allow the staff to focus on other important things in the store.

Also, electronic shelf labels boost shopper engagement. With Newton ESL features like 7-page capacity, vivid graphics, multifunctional LED indication, and scannable QR codes, these labels can attract customers and provide them with all the details and support they need. This makes for a much more personalized shopping experience in the store.

Good customer service can go a long way. For sports stores, it’s important that the staff fit right in. Since these are not regular retail or everyday grocery stores, customer service should be more knowledgeable about sports and workout equipment, gear, and other outdoor goods. They should also know how to interact well with the target audience.

Hire people who are not only approachable and professional but also familiar with the sports industry and outdoor lifestyle. Train the staff well and give them the resources they need so they can give the best service to the customers. Good customer service results in customer loyalty, and that’s why is it one of the best tips on improving sports stores—and any type of retail store.

Community engagement is yet another great way for sports stores to stand out. Special events and activities for the community will help boost exposure, sales, and brand loyalty. Take the time to organize a few events every quarter and foster engagement with fans and potential customers. Here are some community events and activities you can hold:

• Running groups
• Zumba classes
• Yoga sessions
• Dance workout classes
• Walkathons
• Bike tours

One of the best tips on improving sports stores that usually gets overlooked is asking for feedback. Feedback from regular customers and the community should always be welcome when trying to improve sporting goods stores. Ask people what made them go into the store and what made them buy. Staff can also ask what they liked most about their shopping experience, and what they think the shop lacks from their perspective.

Improving operations, digitizing shelf labels, and boosting customer satisfaction are just some of the ways sports stores can stay ahead in an ever-growing industry.

If you’re looking forward to bringing ESL solutions to improve your sports stores, contact SOLUM today!