How to Greet Customers Arriving in a Store

Last Updated: January 29, 2023 References Approved

Research shows that customer satisfaction plummets when customers are not greeted promptly and friendly.^{[1]
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Research source} The proper greeting, on the other hand, will make customers feel welcome and valued. Knowing how to act when greeting customers and what to say can increase both sales and customer loyalty.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Acting Friendly and Professional

1
Smile when you greet your customers. You want your customers to feel welcome, and that starts with your body language. Stand tall, smile, and approach them briskly. Everything about your manner should say “I’m glad you’re here!”^{[2]
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Expert Source

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Expert Interview. 9 August 2021.}
2
Dress professionally. How you look is a key part of your greeting. You need to look like you care about your job. A conservative, professional outfit will convey that message. Unless you work in a store with a specific dress code that states otherwise, avoid provocative clothing that might offend customers or make them feel uncomfortable.^{[3]
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3
Acknowledge the customer quickly. 80% of customers say they want to be noticed and nearly all welcome a friendly greeting.^{[4]
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Research source} You don’t have to greet each customer right away, but you do need to acknowledge him or her with eye contact and a smile.^{[5]
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- If stocking shelves or working in the back, stop to greet a new arrival. At the very least, tell her you will be with her shortly. Studies show that customers are much happier waiting if they have been greeted first.^{[6]
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- If serving another customer, ask him if he minds if you quickly greet the new arrival before you do so.^{[7]
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- Use a bell on the door to let you know when new customers have arrived, so that you can be sure to greet them promptly.
- Try to greet incoming customers within 30 seconds.
4
Remember customers' preferences. It pays to remember frequent customers’ likes and dislikes. Knowing what someone orders at a coffee shop or restaurant makes them feel like a regular. If you work at clothing store, remembering that a customer loves pink or is fond of a certain brand will make her feel like you care. Personal attention like this is a great way to create customer loyalty.^{[8]
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Show customers to products. Don’t just tell them where to look for what they want. They will appreciate it if you walk them to the product and show them precisely where it is.^{[9]
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Ask questions. The more specific details you can get on what a customer is looking for, the better you can satisfy his needs. If at a nutrition store and looking for protein powder, you might ask if he is trying to lose weight, built muscle, or tone. Does he want something for after workouts or to stave off hunger? If a customer is looking for shorts at a clothing store, you might ask about how formal or the type of fabric. Questions show you care.^{[10]
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Give space after the greeting if necessary. Don’t try to read your customers before greeting them. You never want to assume someone wants to be left alone. Always greet an arriving customer warmly, but if she responds coldly or not at all, tell her you will be nearby if they need help and give them space.
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Get the exit right. The effect of a great greeting can easily be lost with a bad goodbye. Don’t just thank them for coming in. Walk customers to the door and open it for them. Ask anyone who looks like they could use a hand – older customers, pregnant women, parents wrangling their children – if he or she would like help carrying their packages to the car.^{[11]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Knowing What to Say

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Don’t say “Can I help you?” This is a standard greeting that simply does not work. Usually, the answer is “no, just looking.” You’ll usually get a similar response – “just looking” – If you ask customers if you can help them find something. And don’t start off with a canned speech, either. The key is to promote a natural conversation that makes the customer feel welcome and relaxed.^{[12]
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Tell customers your name more than once. You want customers to know your name if they need something. Giving them your name also transforms you from a faceless employee to a person they can feel comfortable with.^{[13]
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Research source} Try to use your name more than once to be sure they remember it.
3
Show you recognize your customers. If it is a frequent customer, you should greet him by name. “Jack! Welcome back!” Hearing one’s own name stimulates specific regions of the brain that makes people listen more closely to whatever comes next.^{[14]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} If you don’t remember his name, at least let him know you remember them: “Hi! Nice to see you again!” People enjoy recognition. It will make them want to return.^{[15]
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Ask if the customer has been there before. If you don’t recognize the customer, ask her if she has visited the store before. This greeting has been shown to increase sales by up to 16%.^{[16]
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- If she has been there, ask what she bought and if she liked it. This gives the opportunity for positive reinforcement or to address concerns.
- If she has not been there before, offer to show her around the store.
5
Discuss the weather. Weather is the old stand-by of small talk for a reason. It’s inoffensive and something that everyone can talk about. Be sure to listen to your customer’s responses and reply appropriately. The key is to foster a natural conversation in order to put customers at ease, making them more likely to buy.^{[17]
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Use a conversation piece. If there is anything interesting or unusual in your store – a piece of art, a new display, a pet – mention it. Anything that gets a customer relaxed and talking will help sales.^{[18]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How would you acknowledge and greet a customer?

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.

Sheila A. Anderson

Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon

Expert Answer

The goal is to treat it like a normal conversation. If you come off as too stiff or formal, it won't feel authentic. Greet them, introduce yourself, and offer to help them with anything. If any kind of conversation develops organically, go with it. They'll feel respected and acknowledged if you treat them like normal people!
Question

Is it better to say "hello" or "hi?"

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.

Sheila A. Anderson

Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon

Expert Answer

I prefer "hi" in a non-formal environment. It's just a little friendlier and more conversational. If you're in a more formal setting, "hello" is probably more appropriate.
Question

Where do I wear my nametag if I'm a store greeter?

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.

Sheila A. Anderson

Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon

Expert Answer

If there aren't any formal rules on where the nametag is supposed to go, put it on the right side of your upper chest. People shake hands with their right hand, so putting the name tag near your face on the right side makes it easier to spot and read.