{"id":203769,"date":"2021-08-24T11:34:32","date_gmt":"2021-08-24T18:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nationalfunding.com\/blog\/?p=203769"},"modified":"2021-08-24T11:37:15","modified_gmt":"2021-08-24T18:37:15","slug":"3-tips-on-how-to-run-a-retail-business-from-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nationalfunding.com\/blog\/3-tips-on-how-to-run-a-retail-business-from-home\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Run a Retail Business From Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to run a retail business from home is a journey that many retailers have been navigating over the past year. Some owners are clamoring to get back into their stores, but others are considering different paths forward, like shuttering their brick-and-mortar locations for good.<\/p>\n

If you’re going all-in on retail e-commerce, here are three tips to help you build an online retail business plan<\/a> in 2021.<\/p>\n

1. Set a Clear Vision<\/h2>\n

If you’re considering a permanent pivot to a digital retail business, don’t make the decision alone. Get opinions, get advice, get approvals. And get them early! This will set you up for success.<\/p>\n

“We communicated the transition of a more digitally-focused business model to all relevant stakeholders,” says Brian Bianchetti, director at People’s Choice Beef Jerky<\/a>. “We expressed the importance of the transition. We then got buy-in from all relevant parties \u2014 customers, vendors and employees \u2014 through a collaborative discussion.”<\/p>\n

Your employees’ roles will likely shift and evolve. Customer service employees may now answer emails or calls instead of working face to face, and floor staff may be packing orders from their living rooms and making frequent trips to the post office. Help everyone understand the concept of your evolving model so they feel connected and engaged.<\/p>\n

“Setting a clear vision from the beginning helped maintain everyone’s focus,” says Bianchetti.<\/p>\n

2. Improve Your Website<\/h2>\n

Alexa Allamano, founder and jeweler behind Foamy Wader<\/a><\/u>, reimagined her business during the pandemic. She decided to close her physical storefront and move business operations to her home \u2014 and the worldwide web. She explains that focusing strictly on digital sales often requires a strong investment in your online platform.<\/p>\n

So, Allamano focused on improving her website, SEO, product reviews, and social presence. If you’re a retailer moving to digital-only operations, ask yourself the following questions:<\/p>\n