Often, as retailers, we grow comfortable in our own spaces and forget to take a hard look at our own stores. Looking inward can be difficult for a number of reasons—the biggest is often time. With inventory, scouting new merchandise, managing staff, keeping up on payroll and the 100 other tasks, small business retailers deal Read More …
Retail is ultimately all about developing the right strategies and implementing them with the right tactics. Knowing your shoppers is part of the equation. The customer usually arrives at the store expecting to buy a few items, suddenly they realize they have only two arms and are in urgent need of a shopping basket, cart Read More …
Creating a distinguished retail operation can seem daunting to smaller merchants. Whether it’s economic uncertainty or what seems like an entirely new language emerging from the marketing technology du jour, the alphabet soup of all-things-retail is constantly swirling. Except for one thing: customer service. As the old song reminds, everything old is new again. Actually, Read More …
What is one of the fastest, most effective way to attract shoppers to your business? The answer may surprise you: Quality signage. While many retailers think of signs as a tactical necessity—and an often expensive one at that–what is missed is the overall strategic value that effective signs offer a small business. Elevating these critical Read More …
Retail stores anticipate the high-volume holiday season all year. Although there are, of course, other times of the year when sales are good, there’s no comparison to the spike most retail businesses enjoy in the weeks leading up to the end of the year. Unfortunately, would-be thieves also see an opportunity. When stores are packed Read More …
Retail stores may use a label gun in a variety of ways. If you think that a cheap, manual version that only puts prices on packages is good enough, chances are you’re not aware of the options available to you. Of course, this could be all certain businesses need, but by and large, retailers will Read More …
The overwhelming majority of consumers have at one time or another made an impulse purchase. Even the most self-disciplined shoppers can find themselves surrendering to the urge to save money or not miss a valuable opportunity. Making a purchase on the spur of the moment is an impulse buy. There are many reasons why people Read More …
Just mention the words ‘shoe section’ to the average retail store operator and you may receive an angry look in return—and likely a few mumbled words of frustration as well. Many store owners and operators quickly become frustrated with their shoe section as they find that it is difficult (if not impossible) to keep organized, Read More …
A little appreciation can go a long way with customers. When was the last time someone showed they appreciated you? Do you remember how it made you feel? From a simple “thank you” to a small gesture, showing appreciation is a way of saying that you care. While is this common in our personal lives Read More …
One of the keys to success in the retail world is stocking your shelves with products your customers want to buy, rather than products you want to sell. This might seem like a semantic distinction, but it is of crucial importance. Many retailers hold on to old inventory far too long, hoping to sell it Read More …