1:30-2:00 PM - Grab a bite to eat or take a walk. The day is only half over and it's a good idea to leave the shop, if possible. This will give you a chance to clear your head, refuel and prepare for the rest of the afternoon.
2-6:00 PM - After returning from lunch, take a mid-day reading of the daily sales to see how the day is going. Print any signage or labels needed for the new merchandise checked in earlier. Add new products to the online. Check email and reply where necessary.
Most independent retailers will find this to be the busiest time of the day. School lets out and people leave work. This time should be devoted to customer service.
As you focus on the customer this afternoon, listen and learn what they are looking for and what their needs are. Customers are an excellent source for new products and to learn what the competitor is doing. Show off newly-arrived products and mention any sales or markdowns to visitors of the store. Your interaction with customers should be far more than "welcome" and "how are you today?"
6:00 PM - Begin the store recovery process.
7:00 PM - Close the doors.
7-9:00 PM - Count the registers, secure the day's deposit and take another walk through the store. Finish putting items back on the shelves, clean the restrooms, and organize the cash stand or checkout areas. Examine the daily task sheet and complete any remaining items. Log the sales receipts in the Beat Yesterday book.
As you secure the store and turn off the lights, you can take pride in knowing you've put in an honest day's work as an independent retailer.
