Jul 30-Aug. 5
INVENTORY Start making plans to clear inventory that’s looking a little tired to make room for new purchases from Vision Expo West (Sep. 27-30). Determine which vendors, collections and brands stay and which go based on sales, profit margins, and product quality (like defects and back-order issues), as well as what holes need filling.
Aug. 6-12
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Local high school sports teams have started pre-season training. Be their team optometrist. In addition to the players, offer to screen the coaches as well.
Aug. 13-19
SALES Work on greetings with new and old staff. Your welcome sets the base for the entire sales transaction. Keep it low-key and friendly and try to avoid anything that elicits a conditioned or reflexive response, especially the dreaded “No, thanks. I’m just looking.”
Aug. 20-26
DISPLAYS Displays need a refresh? Call a few suppliers and issue them a challenge: I need to redo X cases for $Y. What can you do for me?
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Aug. 27-Sep. 2
DISPLAY Labor Day (Sep. 4) is the unofficial end of summer, so change that old window display. In fact, make a commitment to change your window once a month or at least every new season.
Sep. 3-9
MANAGEMENT If you have not already, be sure to set dates for any in-store events you plan to have in the fourth quarter. Inform your team as soon as possible. Everyone is busy during the holidays and this will be greatly appreciated by your team.
Sep. 10-16
FINANCES Meet with your CPA. Are you taking full advantage of all small-business tax breaks or incentives that have been introduced?
Sep. 17-23
MARKETING Now is the time to experiment with new social media initiatives so you’ll be polished and effective come the holidays. Perhaps start with a Facebook Live sale or check out Instagram’s new Threads app.
Sep. 24-30
OPERATIONS At Vision Expo West with your team? Take advantage of the location for some productive downtime with staff. A brainstorming meeting by the hotel pool is always a good idea. Follow up with a great dinner and maybe a show.
