Four systems for growth
By Cathy Donovan Wagner

Learn four retail systems to help you grow.

What is the No. 1 indicator of consistent growth? It’s retail systems. You can’t grow your retail store without systems and processes that will support that growth.


Let’s dive into how to build effective retail systems in the four most important areas.



Financial systems

The foundation of a successful retail business is in having solid financial systems. Retailers need to ensure their products are priced to cover costs and generate profit. Regularly review and adjust prices based on market trends and cost changes.


Balance expenses with sales and monitor costs to maintain profitability. Aim for an average initial markup of 55-60%.


"You can’t grow your retail store without systems and processes that will support that growth."


Manage your cash flow to reduce stress during slow periods. Lastly, maintain cash reserves to ensure you can handle financial surprises.



Inventory systems

Effective inventory management is crucial for maximizing sales and minimizing waste. I suggest using an inventory management system that can track stock levels, sales and reorder points. Also analyze sales data to balance your inventory levels.


Regularly evaluate vendor performance based on your sell-through rate. Then implement clearance strategies to move old inventory.



Team systems

Develop good systems to hire, train and optimize your team effectively.


Create clear job descriptions to attract the right candidates and have a structured interview process to evaluate candidates thoroughly. Then implement an onboarding program to train new hires efficiently.


Once hired, provide employees with ongoing training to improve skills and keep the team updated on the latest trends and practices.



Marketing systems

Your marketing systems should attract and retain customers. Clearly define your target audience to tailor your marketing efforts. Then create a comprehensive marketing plan that includes online and offline strategies.


It’s also a good idea to develop a content calendar to schedule and organize your marketing activities.



I know this sounds like a lot, but you don’t need to build all these systems at once. Focus on one area at a time, starting with financial systems to ensure you maximize your efforts and the dollars you keep in your store. If you feel lost on how to create these systems, reach out!



Cathy Donovan Wagner guides retailers to grow their sales so they can pay themselves and their staff. Watch how here: www.retailmavens.com/increasesales.