We are all walking into 2026.

Plodding into 2026 isn't enough. You can't rely on luck; you need a plan for the year ahead.

Here is one.

Review 2025 to Build Your Retail Strategy

Find out where you have been. A hiker looks at their map. A retailer looks at their information.

Review everything that happened in 2025. I find that going over the 2025 diary helps a lot with the review. Do not just look at the total revenue and call it a day. You need to dig deeper and ask the hard questions:

• What were your best-selling items?
• Did you run out of stock on things people wanted?
• What items gathered dust?
• What products took up valuable shelf space but didn't pay their rent?
• When were you busiest?
• Did you have enough staff on the floor during those peak times?

Data Over Guesswork

Your Point of Sale (POS) system holds the answers to many more of these questions. It is not just a fancy cash register; your pos system for your retail shop is the information hub of your business.

Utilise the POS Software's reporting features to recognise the 2025 trends. Without clear insights into what succeeded and what failed, you're entering the new year without guidance.

Lighten Your Load

Once you have analysed the information, it is time to unload. In retail today, generally, I find the first big load to review is your "dead stock".

We all have it. That box of gadgets that seemed like a great idea in 2024 but never sold. The seasonal clothing is two seasons old. This inventory ties up your cash and clutters your mind.

For 2026, resolve to travel light.

Run an inventory report today. Identify items that haven't sold in the past 6 months, and now plan what to do with them. If you are struggling to find this data manually, check your reporting tools; good POS software automates this for you.

You should also automate your ordering. Use your free AI ordering system in your software. This ensures you never carry too much, but you never run out of the good stuff. When your stockroom is organised, and your shelves are fresh, you feel lighter. You have the mental space and the cash flow to bring in new, exciting products.

Trust Your Gear

A hiker relies on their boots and their compass. In retail, you rely on your technology.

Over the past year, we have worked closely with many independent retailers across Australia. We have seen the difference between those who live in the past and those who move forward.

In 2026, do not let your technology hold you back. Modern times need modern methods.

Ask yourself: "How can I make things a little better?"

Set Realistic Goals

Do not make vague resolutions like "I want to sell more." The problem with unclear goals is that they are confusing. As you look ahead to 2026, you need measurable, clear goals.

The 2026 Retailer's Checklist

Be Realistic

Ensure your goals are achievable. If you aim to triple your revenue in one month, you will likely fail and feel discouraged. It's better to aim for small but steady growth.

Actionable Steps

Big goals can be scary. If you want to renovate the shop, don't just write "Renovate." Break it down into small steps like "Get quotes by January" or "Pick paint by February." Success comes from focusing on the process, not just the result.

Be Specific

Specific targets help you focus your efforts. Instead of "sell more," try "increase average transaction value by 5%." This enables you to track your progress.

Write It Down

Write your resolutions in a diary, or better still, on a wall chart. You can see how far you've come and stay motivated.

Don't Hike Alone

It is always a good idea to get some advice. Ask a question and then look at how others are handling it.

Even walking into a competitor's shop can be educational. You know the problem; now look at how they handle it. I know that often I walk into a shop and say to myself, 'Why did they put these items here? Why do they do this?' It's very informative. 

Retail can be lonely, but it doesn't have to be. Having someone to share the journey with helps you stay motivated. This includes your business partners, your family, and your staff.

Talk to your staff. Ask them what they think needs to change in 2026. They are on the front lines, and they often see "rocks" on the path that you might miss.

The View from Here

The calendar turns make the pages count!

2026 will bring exciting possibilities. Improving your business's profitability should be one of them.

To our readers, thank you for trusting and valuing our services. We look forward to continuing our support and helping your businesses thrive in 2026.

If you need help for the year ahead, we are here to help.

Start the New Year Stronger Than Ever. Start 2026 with clarity.

Written by:

Bernard Zimmermann is the founding director of POS Solutions, a leading point-of-sale system company with 45 years of industry experience, now retired and seeking new opportunities. He consults with various organisations, from small businesses to large retailers and government institutions. Bernard is passionate about helping companies optimise their operations through innovative POS technology and enabling seamless customer experiences through effective software solutions.

As a guy who has worked for a top point-of-sale (POS) system company, I have over the years met and talked to many retailers and retail experts, so here are simple tips on how to increase sales in your physical store that I have learned. Whether it's a small shop or a larger local chain, these strategies can I think you help you draw in more customers and make more money.

Make Your Shop Front Inviting

The first thing customers see is your shop front. Make it welcoming. Think about:

• Please keep it clean: Have clean windows, a tidy entrance, and no mess around.
• Bright signs: Use clear signs for your shop name, open hours, and deals or sales.
• Seasonal decorations: Change your front display with the seasons to keep it fresh and exciting.

Click on this for some ideas

Improve the Shopping Experience

A great shopping experience keeps customers coming back. Here are some ideas:

Offer Top-Notch Customer Service

• Train your team: Ensure your staff knows their stuff and pays attention to what customers want. I have always been proud that many people can sell computers, but people who buy from me know that my staff knows computers. I recommend this philosophy to every shop. For example, a few days ago, I went to a toy shop to buy a present for a four-year-old boy. I really did not know what to buy, but the people serving were very professional and helped me. I would come back.
• Listen and fix problems: Take customer complaints seriously and resolve any issues quickly. A complaint is often a marketing opportunity. 
• Add a personal touch: Small things like saying hi by name or remembering what they like can make a big difference.

Display Products Well

• Set up items wisely: Put things that go together near each other and show off your best stuff where people can see it easily.
• Be creative with displays. Try different ways of showing products to grab attention, like themed setups or stacked items. 

Use Digital Ways to Boost Sales

Mixing online and in-person tactics can raise your sales. Think about this:

• Social media buzz: Use social media to discuss deals, showcase new items, and get people excited to visit. If you are missing out on this free advertising, you are not doing yourself much good.
• Collect emails: The purpose of a VIP club must be to get customers' emails to send them news and special offers. It's not that they will often take it up, but what is more important is that they know you exist.
• Cold outreach: If you're marketing to commercial businesses, consider running outbound campaigns —either in-house or with the help of a sales agency —to build brand awareness and attract new clients. 

Use your POS System

Unlike your memory, the facts in your POS System do not lie. 

• It watches what your customers do: Use data from your sales system to understand what people buy, like, and dislike.
• Keep the right items in stock: Use data to determine what people buy.

Seasonality and Inventory Turnover

It's important to note that a retailer's sales often fluctuate throughout the year due to seasonality and marketing seasons.

To manage these changes:

• Forecast: Use your historical sales data to anticipate peak and off-season inventory needs.
• Diversify Your Product Mix: Try to stress items that sell all year round; too often, I see retailers after a holiday stuck with stock that no longer sells. 
• Implement Promotional Strategies: Run sales and promotions during peak seasons to clear out remaining seasonal stock before the off-season starts and you are stuck with the stuff.

Putting these steps into action can really help your shop sell more and grow. The trick is always to be ready to change and try new things to ensure your customers' satisfaction.

As a retailer, growing your business involves getting more sales, which you can only do from your existing customers or by attracting new customers.

Now, if you talk to a banker, they speak about the four key strategies you can use to expand your business in your shop.

1. Increase Penetration of Your Existing Market

This involves trying to sell more of your current products to your existing customers. Some tactics include:

• Offering discounts or promotions: Run special deals or loyalty programs to incentivise customers to make additional purchases.
• Optimising inventory and displays: Carefully manage which products you stock and how you display them in-store to promote increased sales.
• Enhancing in-store presence: With improved information and understanding, Open Source Rental Software empowers you to run your business more effectively.
• Signage: Utilise high-quality displays, signage, and interactive retail displays to increase the visibility of your products and encourage purchases.

For example, a newsagent could increase the variety of greeting cards or improve their card display area to catch more eyes.

Finding small but impactful ways to get your current customers to spend more with you is critical. Analyse what draws them in already, and build on that. With creativity, you can often boost sales from your existing base without dramatic changes.

2. Develop Your Market by Reaching New Customers

Look for new customer segments that could be interested in your current products. Some ideas:

• Target nearby businesses: If you run a retail store, connect with local companies to sell your products to them. Set up meetings and introduce your offerings.

• Sell online: Create a website or list your products on online marketplaces to reach new geographic areas and demographics.

The goal is to identify pockets of potential new customers in your local area. Think about who else could benefit from or appreciate your products. Get creative with connecting with them through outreach, digital channels, or specialty offerings. The easiest wins often come from expanding to adjacent groups with a reason to buy what you sell.

3. Expand Your Product Lines for Existing Customers

Continuously evaluate opportunities to introduce new products or services that complement your existing offerings and appeal to your current customers. Continually test and introduce new complementary products to its existing range. 

Examples:

• A newsagent could begin selling party supplies, such as invitations, napkins, and plates.

• A clothing shop could add accessories like handbags and jewellery.

4. Diversify into New Markets and Products

This higher-risk strategy moves your business into entirely new spaces.

Example:

• A newsagent is expanding its range to include luxury cosmetics and toiletries.

• A client of mine in his newsagency added alcohol.

Ensure ample research before diving into unknown territory and have an exit strategy.

Conclusion

A strategic mix of these four approaches can help small retailers expand their customer base and offerings for sustainable growth. Knowing your strengths and limitations and making incremental moves rather than giant leaps into the unknown is key.