3 – Retail
Below is a compilation of resources from the Virginia Governor’s Office, leading industry organizations, and the Virginia SBDC:
Reopening Guidelines
OSHA – Retail Workers Guidance: These are being continuously updated, so this link is to OSHA’s Publications page where the latest document can be found
Best Practices from Leading Industry Organizations
National Retail Federation (NRF) – Operation Open Doors: A compilation of resources that includes an Operation Open Doors Checklist
Resources from the SBDC
Important points to consider when beginning to sell online.
Restaurant and retail expert, Marc Wilson, discusses – in several short videos – the key items for retail store owners to think about when beginning to sell online.
Getting your brick and mortar operation online
Preparing your website for e-Commerce (find a partner platform)
Building the website to be ready for e-Commerce (building the website out)
SEO for your retail e-Commerce site
Importance of contactless pay modules
Notifying your best customers about your new e-Commerce site
Tips and suggestions for retailers opening their business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Best practices for boosting you retail business online.
Virginia SBDC Retail Business Checkup: A checklist to help understand the health of your retail establishment
Recorded Webinars
Introduction/Agenda – 0:00 (5 min)
Statistics about online shopping – (1.5 min)
Viewer poll – (1.5 min)
How to get started online/questions to ask yourself – (4.5 min)
Why you should have an online presence/website – (2 min)
Rules to follow for your website – (14 min) https://youtu.be/gJAOkL62ewU?t=851
Rules to follow for video on your website – (9.5 min) https://youtu.be/gJAOkL62ewU?t=1685
Viewer poll on social media use – (2.5 min)
Social media tools/best practices – (7 min)
How to move your retail store online and selling strategies – (9.5 min)
How to make an online marketing plan – (3.5 min)
Q&A/Closeout – (11 min)
Presented by Marc Wilson, small business strategist for the Virginia SBDC
Introduction/Agenda – (3 min)
7 things every business should do (9 min):
- Take stock of your business situation – (2 min)
- Reach out to experts – (1 min)
- Sell online – (3 min)
- Use an Ecommerce platform – (1 min)
- Accept online/contactless payments – (1 min)
- Set up a shipping area – (1 min)
- Sell on social media – (1.5 min)
Re-entry and the importance of personalization/communication – (1.5 min)
Running your business in Phase II/Phase III/the new normal – (4 min)
Best practices and ideas to promote your business – (11 min)
Ways to increase customer engagement/Additional tips – (3 min)