Did you know that your face uses more muscles to frown than it does to smile?

That means it’s much easier to smile… biologically speaking.

Bio-mechanics aside, there are tons of reasons to smile in retail; like the fact that it makes people feel welcomed and tells them that you are a friendly individual that can assist them! 

That’s a massive barrier to break down and a great first impression. 

Something as simple as a smile can be the catalyst for a huge change within your business.

Here are our top five reasons why:

1. They’re a universal sign of happiness

There are up to 19 different types of smiles, and while a single handshake or hug can mean various things across different cultures, smiles are universally accepted as a sign of happiness and welcome.

READ: Sales Coaching Tips for Retail Managers

2. They’re the most easily recognisable facial expression

As we mentioned above smiles “are universally accepted as a sign of happiness and welcome” but a smile is also recognised from farther away than any other facial expression. 

So, when a customer enters your store they can almost immediately tell whether or not you’re smiling!

3. They can be used as money makers

A smile costs you, your staff, or your business nothing, but it turns out smiling in retail is a big earner.

Research has found that it can be a great tool in helping you make more money.

Some customers are likely to spend up to 40-per-cent more with a retailer who serves them with a smile. 

This is a customer barrier-breaking technique remember!

4. They’ll change your mood

Smiling has a number of health benefits including; lowering blood pressure and boosting immunity. 

But on top of all the health benefits, a simple smile releases endorphins into the body. 

These endorphins are known as the ‘feel-good’ chemical and are often associated with the high we feel after exercise and we all know that those days on the shop floor go a lot quicker if you feel good!

WATCH: 10 Actionable Tips to Keep Your Team Motivated at Work

5. They’re contagious

It’s been scientifically proven that, like yawning, smiling is contagious. 

Smile at someone and it’s likely they’ll smile back (even if just to be polite).

What constitutes a real smile?  

A genuine smile involves the muscles around the mouth and cheeks to rise, and the eyes to crescent; this is called a Duchenne smile. People who smile authentically report greater life satisfaction.

So…  it may be worth practicing smiling with your whole face!

You can also fake it till you make it…

Smiling can trick your brain into believing you are happy, which can then spur actual feelings of happiness. 

One study shows how the mind is connected to the immune system; depression weakens your immune system, while happiness, on the other hand, has been shown to boost our body’s immune response. 

We hope that our tips make you realise the power of the smile and because smiles are contagious, we hope that you can spread a few around your business and to your customers!

If you’re looking to deliver training that changes behaviour and improves outcomes for your business, check out our latest webinar with guest speakers Jane Calleja, National Training Manager for Weber BBQ and Kelly Hopkins, Learning and Development Manager at Kathmandu where we discuss the importance of incorporating practice and coaching in learning design.

To further understand how to implement a training program within your business and drive engagement in your workers, contact with RedSeed today.