Running a sporting goods store can be a rewarding business, but when sales start to drop and expenses mount, it can quickly become stressful and overwhelming. If your sporting goods store is losing money, you're not alone. Many small business owners face downturns, but the good news is that recovery is possible with the right strategy. This guide offers a detailed roadmap to help you identify what's going wrong and how to turn things around using insights from your operations, competitors, market trends, and technology such as modern POS software. Diagnosing the Decline: Internal and External Factors Before you can fix your sporting goods store, you need to understand what’s causing the decline. These causes typically fall into two categories: internal (within your control) and external (outside influences). Internal Factors 1. Employee Performance and Accountability Your staff can either drive sales or deter customers. Are they knowledgeable about the products? Are they welcoming? Use your POS software to track individual employee performance—sales numbers, upselling success, and customer service ratings. Conduct mystery shopper evaluations and review [...]