11-6-14 Good suggestions from a wise, successful Langley merchant

Making eye contact, smiling and saying “Hello” when a customer (and everyone is a potential customer) comes into your business are the most important ways to make a good first impression.  If you’ve read my blogs, you’ve heard this many times before.

Cynthia Tilkin, who has had her successful business,  In the Country,  in Downtown Langley for 25 years, agrees that a friendly welcome is important but cautions business people about overwhelming a new person coming into the store. She advises "Never ask a customer a question that could be answered with a 'No.'" The classic example is asking, “May I help you?” 

Instead, Cynthia says simply invite the person to enjoy visiting your store and let you know if anything else is needed.

A customer should feel a friendly atmosphere in a business, but be permitted to relax and get to know the place without any pressure.  Fiorella Coleman, who has worked for Cynthia for 22 of the 25 years the store has been in business, shares Cynthia’s advice.  She describes In the Country as “1,500 square feet of a giant closet with a wide array of clothing and accessories where people are invited to walk around and have fun.”

That sounds very inviting to me.