(a) Give four reasons why retail shops adopt self service. (b) Explain six facilities that a retail shop should have to encourage self service.

(a) Four reasons why retail shops adopt self service

1. To reduce cost of operation: Fewer shop assistants are needed since customers serve themselves, so wage costs are lowered.
2. To serve more customers quickly: Self service speeds up shopping and reduces queues, so many customers can be attended to within a short time.
3. To encourage impulse buying: When goods are openly displayed and customers can handle them, they are tempted to buy more than they planned.
4. To give customers freedom of choice: Customers can move around, compare goods and select at their own pace without being pressured by salesmen.

It also helps the shop to sell in large volume at lower prices.

(b) Six facilities that a retail shop should have to encourage self service

1. Open shelves and display racks: Goods should be arranged on open shelves where customers can see, reach and pick them easily.
2. Shopping baskets and trolleys: These should be provided so that customers can carry the goods they select as they move round the shop.
3. Price tags and labels: Every item should be clearly priced and labelled so that customers know the price without asking.
4. Checkout (paying) points: There should be cash tills or checkout counters near the exit where customers pay for all their selected goods at once.
5. Wide aisles and good layout: There should be spacious, well-arranged passages so that customers can move about freely with their trolleys.
6. Security devices: Facilities such as closed-circuit cameras, mirrors and security tags should be provided to guard against shoplifting.

Good lighting, air conditioning and directional signs also help self service.