One of the simplest ways to grow your store’s profitability isn’t by attracting more customers – it’s by encouraging the customers you already have to spend just a little more. If every shopper picked up one or two extra items, the difference to your weekly turnover would soon add up.
The good news is that you don’t need big budgets or major refurbishments to achieve it. Small, thoughtful changes in how you display products, set up promotions, or train your staff can all make a noticeable impact. Here are ten practical ideas you can put into action straight away.
- Place best-sellers near the till
Products like gum, snacks, batteries, lighters or phone chargers are easy add-ons when customers are waiting to pay. Keep the display tidy and refreshed.
- Use eye-level wisely
Shoppers naturally focus on products at eye level. Place higher-margin or impulse lines here to maximise visibility.
- Pair related products
Position complementary items together – like crisps and dips, bread and butter, or coffee and biscuits. Done well, it nudges shoppers to pick up both.
- Refresh promotions regularly
A tired or outdated promotion loses impact. Keep your promotional bays fresh, and make sure customers can clearly see what the deal is.
- Offer meal solutions
Busy shoppers love convenience. Create simple meal deals or group displays (pasta, sauce, garlic bread) that make decision-making easy.
- Make seasonal displays count
Link stock to events on the calendar – BBQ sets in summer, chocolates at Valentine’s, soft drinks for school holidays. Seasonal reminders prompt unplanned purchases.
- Add signage and shelf talkers
Simple signs like “Perfect with…” or “Don’t forget…” draw attention to products customers might otherwise walk past.
- Keep stock full and faced up
Empty shelves send the wrong message. Well-stocked, front-faced shelves encourage customers to buy more, and make the store look professional.
- Train staff to suggest add-ons
A friendly “Would you like some bread rolls with that?” at the till can increase sales. The key is to keep it helpful, not pushy.
- Use your data
Your ShopMate system records every sale, so you can track which products sell best together and which categories drive the biggest margins. Use this insight to adjust displays and highlight lines that deliver results.
Boosting basket spend isn’t about tricking customers into buying things they don’t need – it’s about making their shopping experience easier, more engaging, and sometimes even more enjoyable. When you present products in the right way, highlight useful add-ons, and make suggestions that genuinely help, everyone benefits.
Why not pick two or three of these tips to try this week? With just a few small changes, you could see a noticeable difference in your sales – and over time, those little boosts really add up.
