Managing Colors and Tools in Your Retail Paint Store
Color management and a proper stocking of supplies are essential for any retail paint store to run smoothly and satisfy customers. Whether you sell premium brand paints or economy brands, your store depends on having the right colors and tools that customers need for their projects. Proper management in these areas can make a big difference in customer satisfaction, sales volume, and your store’s reputation. Here are the key aspects to focus on:
1. Organize Colors by Type
Group paint colors by type: whites, grays, primary, and secondary colors. Have colors arranged in value from light to dark within each group. This makes it easy for customers to scan and compare similar hues. Label each shelf or drawer with the color type to quickly orient customers.
2. Store Paint Samples in Numerical Order
Keep small color sample cards in numerical order by the paint manufacturer’s code. This allows customers to easily find the exact color match they need based on the code on a paint chip or piece of hardware. Label drawers or boxes clearly so customers can find what they’re looking for quickly.
3. Use Color Chips to Demonstrate Variations
Provide color chips in a range of shades within similar hues to demonstrate color variations for customers. Show light, medium, and dark shades of blues, reds, greens, etc. This helps customers visualize the impact of a slightly lighter or darker shade of the color they’re considering.
4. Maintain Sample Cards of Popular Colors
Keep sample cards of your most popular colors readily available for customers to see and take home. Replace faded or worn samples regularly. Prominently display the color name and manufacturer’s code on each card so customers can find an exact match when they return to purchase paint.
5. Keep Paint Tools Organized and Accessible
Store paint tools like brushes, rollers, trays, and edgers on shelves or hooks in an organized and easy-access manner. Label sections clearly for different tool types. Consider storing similar items together, like various sizes of the same tool. Keep tools clean and replace worn items regularly so customers trust the quality of what you sell.
6. Provide Secure Storage for Ladders and Extension Poles
Use tall open shelving units or racks bolted to the wall to store and safely display paint tools like extension ladders and poles. Provide hooks, clips, or straps to securely hold extension poles upright. Keep ladders strapped together to reduce potential hazards.
7. Streamline Checkout with Color Matching Software
Invest in color-matching software that integrates with your paint store POS system to simplify the checkout process. Customers can simply input the manufacturer’s color code to instantly pull up paint details, pricing, and available quantities. This speeds up lines and ensures accuracy when processing custom color orders.
8. Train Employees Thoroughly on Color Theory
Make sure all employees, especially sales associates, understand the basics of color theory. Employees should understand how color properties like hue, value, chroma, and temperature impact customers’ purchasing decisions. Through color theory training, employees can confidently assist customers and recommend complementary colors.
9. Implement a Regular Color Trend Update Schedule
Set a schedule to regularly update your color offerings based on the latest trends. Whether quarterly or twice per year, implement a process for determining which new trending colors to stock based on customer demand, manufacturer recommendations, and fashion / interior design publications. Keeping on top of the latest colors helps maintain a competitive edge.
10. Have a Process for Discontinuing Slow-Moving Colors
Rather than accumulating outdated slow-movers, establish a process to identify and discontinue slow-moving colors periodically. Track sales data, monitor sample card condition, and get employee feedback to determine which colors are not resonating with customers. Then remove discontinued colors from the shelves to avoid confusion and make room for new, popular options.
Proper organization, signage, and sample displays can make it easy for customers to find exactly what they need.
Choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system is critical to efficiently managing thousands of paint colors and SKUs while also providing a seamless customer checkout experience. Sign up FREE to try Hana Retail as your retail point of sale software today!