India’s love for jewellery is timeless, and with renowned brands like Tanishq and Kalyan Jewellers, the shift from the informal to the formal retail sector is more evident than ever. Recently, I had a fascinating conversation with an industry expert about how top jewellery brands are focusing on upskilling and reskilling frontline employees to enhance the customer experience. Here are some key insights from our discussion:
1. Employees Often Don’t Value Training
- Challenge: Many retail staff, from store workers to managers, are hesitant to participate in training programs. They feel it interrupts their daily workflow and doesn’t add value.
- Solution: Implement continuous and spaced learning initiatives. When training is bite-sized and ongoing, employees are less likely to see it as a distraction and more as a valuable part of their role.
2. Business Owners View Training as a Cost, Not an Investment
- Challenge: Business owners often hesitate to spend on employee development, viewing training as a cost rather than a long-term investment. They prioritize stock over employee training programs.
- Solution: Reframe training as a business growth tool that is directly tied to key business KPIs. Well-trained employees lead to better customer service, higher sales, and improved brand loyalty.
3. Slow Sales? Training Could Be the Answer
- Challenge: Jewellery sales often have long lead times, with businesses focusing more on closing sales than training staff to shorten the cycle. This results in missed opportunities and slow conversions.
- Solution: Invest in sales training programs that equip employees with the skills to convert leads faster. By improving their knowledge of products and customer handling, well-trained staff can enhance both sales efficiency and customer satisfaction.
4. The Power of Hybrid Training: Combining Digital and In-Person
- Challenge: Some businesses remain hesitant to adopt new training methods, limiting their growth potential.
- Solution: Successful jewellery retailers, like Kalyan Jewellers, use a mix of online and in-person training, allowing employees to learn without disrupting their work schedule. This hybrid approach boosts engagement and ensures better retention of training material.
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