Institute Feature: Customer Service – The G.I.V.I.N.G. Approach

Did you know that 86% of customers are willing to pay more for a great customer experience? Customer service isn’t just about being polite, but rather it’s a direct driver of loyalty, repeat business, and increased sales. That’s where the Customer Service – The G.I.V.I.N.G. Approach course from the Retail Learning Institute comes in.

This 10-minute training is designed specifically for store teams who want to sharpen their skills and create positive, lasting impressions with shoppers. Whether your employees are brand-new or have years of experience, the G.I.V.I.N.G. framework provides simple, actionable steps for transforming everyday interactions into memorable customer experiences.

What is the G.I.V.I.N.G. Approach?

The method breaks down customer service into six key steps:

• Greet – Make a warm, welcoming first impression.
• Investigate – Ask questions to understand the customer’s needs.
• Volunteer – Offer helpful information or solutions proactively.
• Introduce – Connect customers to new products, services, or team members.
• Next – Guide them seamlessly to their next step.
• Give a Final Impression – Leave the customer with gratitude and positivity.

By practicing these steps, store associates will not only improve communication with shoppers but also build trust and strengthen the store’s reputation for exceptional service.

What You’ll Learn

Participants in this quick but impactful course will:

• Recall and define each part of the G.I.V.I.N.G. approach.
• Practice implementing it in real-world scenarios.
• Learn how to evaluate and improve their own customer service interactions.

For independents, where community and relationships often set you apart from national chains, exceptional customer service is your competitive advantage. Training your staff with the G.I.V.I.N.G. method ensures consistency across your team while equipping employees with the confidence to handle any customer interaction with professionalism and care.

Enroll in the Customer Service – The G.I.V.I.N.G. Approach course today.