(a) Give four reasons why retail shops adopt self-service.
(b) Explain six facilities that a retail shop should have to encourage self-service.
Explanation
(a) The reasons why retail shops adopt self-service are:
(i) Many customers who prefer to go round and take time to choose what they want are encouraged.
(ii) Self-service leads to more sales.
(iii) It encourages impulse buying.
(iv) It reduces overhead cost as less number of shop assistants are needed.
(v) It saves time and labour since bargaining is avoided.
(b) To encourage self-service, the following necessary facilities should be put in place by a retail shop:
(i) There should be attractive shelves where goods are well displayed.
(ii) Proper packaging of goods with price tags should be done.
(iii) Spacious floor should be provided to facilitate free movement of customers.
(iv) Trolleys and baskets should be provided.
(v) Security should be beefed up to minimize shoplifting or pilfering.
(vi) Pay desks have to be installed at strategic locations within the shop.
(vii) Cashiers with automatic cash registers should be deployed.
(viii) There should be the provision of spaces for packaging to attract more customers.