Many who own a dollar store are on the lookout for hot selling merchandise to add to the selection available in their store.
They recognize these are the very in-demand items that will bring shoppers back time and again.
Yet with the huge volume of activities required to properly manage their business they don't seem to have the time to really investigate and find the right items to add to the mix.
Sure, sales representatives are coming into their store almost every day with suggestions.
And always, these same sales reps are the source for that hot selling merchandise they talk about.
While the suggestions made by trusted sales representatives are valid and should be seriously considered, there is much more required to ensure you have the right products in-stock to meet your shopper needs.
Read on as I provide 4 great sources for locating the hot selling products when you own a dollar store.
#1) Read and listen to the news.
Listen to the news.
Read the newspaper and other data filled publications.
Sure, there will be those who say they can't stand all the negative news.
However, there are opportunities to be prepared for upcoming demand if you focus on trends and important happenings.
For example, it is cold and flu season.
This is being publicized everywhere right now.
All that publicity works to encourage shoppers to stock up on items to help prevent colds and flu and to be prepared should they themselves or another family member become sick.
This is your opportunity to stock up and provide the merchandise your customers need.
Start by adding displays with boxes of facial tissue, hand sanitizer, Acetaminophen, aspirin, and Ibuprofen.
#2) Never forget the season.
There are natural sales opportunities with every season.
If you own a dollar store don't wait for customers to ask about merchandise you forgot to add.
Think ahead and add the right new merchandise just before the next new season starts.
For example, as spring emerges, be sure to add water squirt guns, children's plastic pails and shovels and other merchandise that is perfect for family spring vacation adventures.
Repeat this for each season and you will see sales grow steadily.
#3) Prepare for the holidays.
The end of year holidays can be huge money-makers for your store.
In fact many well-run stores see huge increases in sales in the last three months of the year.
This is capped with a final burst of sales in December.
Shoppers seem to want to see Christmas merchandise earlier and earlier each year.
Accommodate this by putting out floral picks and other handicraft items early.
Then add displays of home decorations and other in-demand merchandise as quickly as possible.
#4) Listen to your shoppers.
One of the biggest keys to long term success when you own a dollar store is to listen to your customers.
Ask for their feedback.
Ask for inputs about the merchandise they most want to see and buy.
Look for clear messages about the products the majority of shoppers are eager to find in your store.
Then heed their advice by adding those very items and watch your sales grow.
To your success when you own a dollar store!