Many businesses are feeling the squeeze right now—even giants like Walmart are under pressure. In a recent CNN Business article, Walmart’s CEO warned that U.S. prices on many of its products are likely to increase due to tariffs on imports from China. That’s a big deal. Remember, millions of consumers shop at Walmart for one reason: lower prices. But what happens when that edge gets dulled? For small businesses like yours, this is more than just interesting news—it’s an opening. When the price gap no longer benefits the retail giants, it’s your chance to win over customers by being better. Here’s how:
Deliver a Customer Experience the Big Boxes Can’t Compete With
Let’s be honest—people don’t go to big-box stores for the atmosphere. They go because it’s cheap. When the savings disappear, many shoppers are going to start wondering what they’re getting in return for their hard-earned money. That’s where your business can shine. Greet your customers warmly. Offer personalized service. Make your space feel inviting. You’re not just selling a product—you’re selling an experience that makes people feel seen and appreciated.
Empower and Celebrate Your Employees
A company like Walmart has hundreds of thousands of workers, but not all of them feel empowered to truly connect with customers like your employees. You, on the other hand, have a team that you can support, develop, and recognize. When your employees are happy and confident in their roles, it shows. Customers notice when staff are genuinely glad to help. They also notice when staff are disengaged. That’s why it’s so important to invest in leadership training, provide regular feedback, and make sure your team knows how much they matter.
Use Feedback to Stay Ahead
While the big-box stores have access to huge amounts of customer data, small businesses have something just as powerful: the ability to act quickly. With tools like mystery shopping and customer feedback surveys, you can get real insight into how your business is doing—from your customer’s perspective. More importantly, you can use that information to make meaningful improvements before small issues become big ones. It’s an advantage that the big chains can’t match.
Be the Business They Want to Come Back To
Let’s face it—economic uncertainty isn’t going away any time soon. But when pricing pressure hits the big guys, that’s when small businesses like yours can prove their value. Customers will often seek the best deal, but that doesn’t just mean the lowest price. It means the best experience. At The Brandt Group, we’ve spent over 30 years helping businesses just like yours create customer experiences that build loyalty and drive profits. From leadership development to mystery shopping and customer feedback surveys, we’ll help you sharpen your edge. Reach out to us today: Let’s turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s growth.
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