Author: ericw@specialtystoreservices.com

It’s in the Bag

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A bag is a bag is a bag, right? Au contraire, mon frere! Just as your window display or entryway give customers the first impression of your store, the bag you send home with them gives the last impression. No, I’m not saying that you need to spend big bucks on some fancy-shmancy bags, I’m just suggesting that it is a good idea to put more thought into the bag selection process than “Meh. I guess this bag will do.” Let’s explore some options to help make the decision a bit easier.

Paper or plastic? That’s one of the big questions nowadays. It is possible to get quality bags either way you go. Let’s start with the plastic options. The most common bag that we all see is called a t-shirt bag. You know, the type with handles that the majority of grocery stores use. These bags are 100% recyclable, economical and come in a wide variety of colors, weights and sizes. Plain white is popular but black is gaining in popularity, not only because it provides a bit of privacy for one’s purchases but it’s also a hip yet classic color. You can thank your customers all the way home by investing in “thank you” bags. These bags are available in white or black and the white bags also have the option of a happy smiley face. Color t-shirt bags in blue, green or red are also fun and are especially appropriate if the colors match or complement your business’ color motif. Frosted shopping bags or merchandise bags with handles are a stylish option in plastic bags. So you see, plastic bags are functional and can be attractive but some customers perceive paper bags to be a little more polished than plastic.

Paper shopping bags with twisted paper handles are attractive and stand upright on their flat bottoms when unfolded which makes it a snap to bag items at checkout. These modish yet functional bags are available in classic kraft and in white as well as a wide variety of sophisticated colors. And, as if they weren’t already terrific in their own right, the paper shopping bags are also super easy to personalize. Just place an appealing and eye-catching custom label on the sides of the bags and you’ve got yourself some stylish bags that do double-duty as advertisements! Don’t have access to a printer? Not a problem. Custom labels can be created for you! If you need something just a little more basic than shopping bags there is a variety of natural kraft paper bags and colored merchandise bags for you to choose from. Feel like getting fancy? Pop a little tissue paper into the top of the bag to give it a festive and fun appearance. Now let’s think outside the disposable bag.

What about reusable shopping bags? These non-woven polypropylene tote bags are water-resistant and washable so they can be used over and over, perfect for those customers who don’t care for paper or plastic. The reusable bags come in a variety of popular colors and can also be custom printed with your store’s information. So, not only will customers actually purchase these bags from you, they will actually be advertising your store every time they reuse the bag!

I, personally, am torn between paper and plastic. Both types are recyclable, which I think is important for the environment. The reason I like to receive plastic bags while shopping is because I use them for other things after unpacking my purchases, like cleaning the cat box or as small trashcan liners. I also enjoy receiving paper shopping bags because I like to use small bags for toting my lunch and larger bags for easy handling when I’m carrying items one-way, like to Goodwill or to a party. And here’s the thing: when I reach for a bag to reuse, the store that I received it from pops into my head. What I’m saying is, even after you send your customers home, many of them still hang on to your bags to reuse rather recycle them which is why “Meh. I guess this bag will do” maybe should be “Which bag do I want my customers to associate with my business?”

The Joy of Peg Hooks

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

I have to admit that I have always taken Peg Hooks for granted but I think it’s time to publicly acknowledge their usefulness and appeal. Who knew that they are so versatile and sturdy!? Like Kelly Ripa’s arms, peg hooks may be skinny but they sure are strong. But unlike hiring Kelly Ripa to work in your store, you won’t pay a fortune for peg hooks.Now, these little guys get around. Do you have pegboard in your store? Slatwall or grid wall more your thing? Peg hooks will work hard to display your merchandise on all three of these display options. Like a satisfied customer states, “Very sturdy and holds a lot”. You can even incorporate them into your slotted standard wall display by attaching the peg hooks to a hangrail. What also makes peg hooks great, aside from how inexpensive they are, is that they are easily movable. I like that I can move the peg hooks around on my display depending on whether I’m showcasing large or small items, or shaking things up and displaying various sizes at the same time. I’m the boss of my display and it is so easy to move the peg hooks around and make my display look the way I want it to.

Have I mentioned how versatile they are? Well, let me tell you. Zinc plated steel pegboard peg hooks come in 2”, 4”, 6”, 8” and 10” lengths. Slatwall peg hooks come in 4”, 6”, 8”, 10” and 12” lengths and you also get a choice of classic black or nifty chrome finish. Safety peg hooks have a rounded hook end and are great for those of us who need to be protected from our own clumsiness. Heavy Duty Scanning Hooks have an upper arm attachment on which you can attach a clear label holder. Simply insert your own price label into the label holder and Ta-dah! An entire hookful of merchandise is instantly priced!

Are you a bit concerned about merchandise walking away? Peg Hooks can even help you deter theft! (Told you they were versatile!) Anti-Theft Locking Peg Hooks secure the merchandise to the hook, preventing anyone from sweeping all the pegged merchandise off the hook when you are not looking. Not only that, but the hook itself is also locked to your display. Both locks can be unlocked quickly and easily with a magnetic key so your product is secure but also easily accessed by the staff. Another great theft deterrent is the Peg Hook Lock that you just secure to the end of your peg hook and which is also unlocked with the magnetic key.

Now that you love peg hooks as much as I do and want to fill your store with them, you might be thinking “But Specialty Store Gal, what if I want to hang merchandise that doesn’t have a hole in the packaging for hanging?” Never fear! Allow me to introduce you to clear hanging tabs with slot holes, round holes or hooks. Just attach these adhesive backed tags to your merchandise packaging and hang to your heart’s content. They really work! Just see what these folks had to say: “I have used this product to make so many items hangable and pegable. Just use your imagination and creativity. These little hang tabs have made countless sales for us”. Another customer states, “I also use them to hang signs and notes”. So clever!
I could yammer on and on about these great hooks but I’ll let you go because you’ve got some hanging to do!

Retail Store Presentation: What is Your Store Saying?

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What is the appearance of your store telling your customers? Are smudges on the door and front windows yelling “Hi! We’re messy and unprofessional”? Is your clean floor stating “My owner cares enough to vacuum me”? Is there clutter on your cash wrap or register counter saying “We’re so disorganized”? Your store may be speaking volumes without you knowing it! Let’s put on our retail merchandising hats and figure out what your store may be saying.Take a few minutes to look at your store from a customer’s perspective from the beginning to the end of their visit. The entrance is your first chance to impress the customer. When you walk in the door are the glass and the handle sparkling clean or are they a hotbed of germs? Is there a clean floor mat just inside the doorway to keep dirt and water off your floor? To ensure you are presenting a professional image from the get-go, take a peek in your windows to make sure there are no burnt out bulbs or any dust bunnies lurking in your window display or on the sills. Think about what pleases you when you first walk into a store, or even before you walk into the store.

After surveying the entryway, take a stroll around the store. Are your shelves and racks stocked and organized? Make sure that your items are priced and that sale signs are attractive, legible and prominently displayed. If you have fitting rooms, are the mirrors and floors clean? Are there ample hooks for customers to hang their selections in the fitting rooms?

Let’s go check out. The check out counter should not be where old notes and broken pens go to die, nor is it the place to keep potato chips while you nibble throughout the day. You want to convey a professional and clean environment, the image that you and your store are reliable and responsible, so make sure the counter is not cluttered, dirty or chipped. A good cleaner can wipe up any dirt, spilled drinks or icky tape residue. Information for staff reference should be out of the customer’s line of vision, ideally in a binder or behind the counter. However, some things you may want your customers to see are information about your upcoming promotions and return/exchange policies. This should be one of the few places in the store where your signage can be more detailed than “sale” signs. Take advantage of your captive audience and let them know what else you have to offer!

So, are you satisfied with what your store is telling people? If so, well done! If not, don’t be discouraged. Every day brings a new learning experience and now is your chance to make some positive changes! Retail merchandising and presentation can be a challenge but if approached creatively, cleverly and with enthusiasm, it can also be very profitable and rewarding.

Organizing for Easy Shopping

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Not all of us are gifted with organization skills. Sure, some of us have our own brand of “organized.” We can tell you what’s in each mountainous stack of paper on our desk or direct you to the calculator (which we last saw in the closet… or maybe on the shoe rack) but do your customers want to search and guess while shopping? That’s a big “No!” They don’t want to work for their purchase and so are more likely to revisit your store if their shopping experience is made easy for them.

If someone is dashing in on their lunch break or running errands in between chauffeuring the kids from Point A to Point B, they don’t have the time to sift through items to find what they need. Be sure to walk through the store periodically to straighten shelves, untangle hangers and put misplaced product back where it belongs. When straightening clothing racks make sure that the clothes are all sorted sequentially by size so your customers can locate, grab and go.

You can also help make the shopping experience easier by grouping together items that are commonly purchased together. For instance, if you are selling cell phones, it would be a good idea to have the phone protective covers on display near the appropriate phones rather than having all the covers displayed together on one rack. This way the customer won’t have to search the rack for the cover that will fit their phone. Think about what your customers purchase together and see if you can group items without interrupting the flow of your store or creating multiple displays for the same item. You get the idea.We all enjoy a challenge (to a certain extent) but most of us don’t care for running obstacle courses while running errands. Are your aisles clear of boxes or do customers need to sidestep around your incoming shipment or stocker? Stocking is absolutely necessary, of course, but it’s best to do your stocking during the slower part of your day, or even before or after hours of operation. If you do need to restock or accept deliveries during business hours, just remember to keep things orderly. Think about using a work cart to keep boxes off the floor to minimize tripping hazards. A cart with a large work space and supply drawer can keep you organized and mobile while stocking.

And make sure your customers are still getting the service and attention they need even when you or your staff are busy restocking! But that’s a blog for another day.

Casing the Joint – Utilizing Display Showcases

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Let’s talk display cases! Everybody can use these, from convenience stores to clothing boutiques, from restaurants to jewelry stores.First, let’s explore the big boys: Full Vision Showcases. A couple of options are Showcases with Wood/Melamine laminate surfaces and Metal Frame Cases. Both options are terrific for displaying everything from jewelry to candy to small electronics. All you need to do is decide which option is best for you. The Wood/Melamine Showcase can be matched with a Service Counter, Corner Case and Cash Register Stand to create an attractive and functional wrap-around workspace. This is the best option if you only require one display case but also need storage underneath your counter space. When the Metal Frame Corner Case is matched with one or two Full Vision Cases you will have a wrap around counter with plenty of space to display your merchandise. Both the Wood/Melamine and Metal Cases are available in several color options to suit your decorating and design ideas.

If you need a countertop display case then you may want to consider the 3 Shelf Acrylic Locking Display Case. This locking case is perfect for displaying cell phones, collectibles, game accessories and other small items while keeping them securely under lock and key. The Countertop Glass Display Case is a sleek and elegant option for displaying smaller items such as jewelry and small collectibles. Like the Acrylic case, this lovely glass case also locks and offers an unobstructed 360° view of the items.

Now, a happy medium between a full-size floor case and a countertop case is the 38” Deluxe Half Vision Showcase. This frameless case displays your merchandise with elegance and sophistication. The case features sliding doors in the base to conceal your overstock and also locks. See how fantastic it looks in a happy customer’s boutique!

Indoor Signage to Snag Sales

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Okay, so you’ve got potential customers in your door. Now what? Where would you like them to go and what do you want them to purchase in particular?

Direct buyers to your sale or featured product racks with an attractive Acrylic Sign Holder with Chrome Base placed on top of your display shelf or rack shelf. A satisfied customer says it is “even better than pictured.” You can choose Printable Fluorescent Card Signs to print your own signs on your printer and place in the sign holder. These cards come in rainbow packs with 25 sheets each of red, yellow, green and magenta that really pop! As endearing as the home made sign created by your 9 year old daughter may be, you’ll want to make sure your sign conveys a professional look so printing them on your personal printer is a good idea. Remember to use a large font and keep the wording to a minimum to attract and keep your customer’s attention. If you don’t have a printer you can always take your computer file to a print shop. Or you can choose from a variety of eye-catching preprinted signs such as a “Sale” sign in brilliant red with white print.

The Freestanding Sign Holder is another good way to convey your store’s news to your customers. At 22”x28” and 56 ½” tall and chrome plated, it is sure to garner some attention. Pop in a Custom Sign in attractive, contrasting colors which not only communicate your message but your choice of colors and artwork will convey the tone of your store. Or choose a preprinted “Sale” or “Clearance” 22″x28″ sign if that’s all you need to say.

Creative placement of this sign holder can draw people into your store, relate sale information while they are shopping or let them know about up-coming in-store promotions or contests while they are waiting in line. Make sure the sign does not block displays, traffic flow or the interior view of your store if placed in a window or door. Take a look at your store with fresh eyes to see what your customers see. Is the sign informative but to the point? If placed in the window, can you see the sign with sunlight reflecting off the window? Get creative! Hang signs from the ceiling with a Chain Kit. Having a huge sale? Use a Blow-Out or Sale Sign Kit that includes 22 different pieces in bright red/yellow. Use your imagination and you’ll see that quality signage and proper placement can make a big impact on your sales. Have fun and happy selling!

Snappy Signage = Interested Customers

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So, you need some snappy signage but lack the time or handiness to whip them up on your own. Let us create the signs and banners for you!

Custom banners numbers 9031, 4500, 4503 and 4504 come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Simply fax or email us your layout and our art department will create a professionally finished sign or banner. Pre-printed “Sale” signs are also a fantastic way to gain attention. I personally know several people who, due to the current economic climate, hesitate to shop unless they know the items of interest are on sale. That’s where our eye-catching red and yellow signs come in! Hang signs with this bold color combination in your window to announce your “Sale” or “50% off” with Vertical Window Sale Signs. A customer states, “Great, large, eye-catching signs. Easy to mount with the suction cups, looks great in my store windows.” These 24”W x 48”H signs with bright color contrast are sure to grab the attention of drivers and strollers alike.

If your style is more understated yet spirited then you may want to consider our elegant Fabric “Sale” Banner. The heavy cotton duck fabric is dyed a rich red color and has “Sale” printed on it in bright white letters in a bold font. A happy customer says, “It looks VERY polished and blends well with our environment.” Hemmed pockets on the top and bottom of the banner make it a breeze to hang on Banner Stand. The same customer raves, “I originally purchased this stand to show a sale sign. But when the sign arrived, I loved it so much I’m going to use it to communicate other big events in the boutique.” Check out the customer photo to see how she made this beautiful sign pop and complement her storefront.

Catch my next blog when we explore sign placement and the effectiveness of indoor signage!

3 Second Marketing: Sidewalk Signs

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Quick, read fast! You have about 3 seconds to capture a potential customer’s attention as they walk or drive by your store! How are you going to get their attention? Well, an eye-catching sign on the sidewalk or in the window is a great start.

A sidewalk sign needs to be big enough to get the attention of drivers but also concise enough for them to read as they are whizzing by. As our teachers told us in school, keep it simple. Just give enough information to make customers eager to enter your store and you can provide the details once they are inside. The XL Springer Sidewalk Sign is a good option to attract the attention of potential customers. It is large enough to announce “Sale” or “Special” with 10” high headers but compact enough that it will not cause sidewalk gridlock. The XL Springer Sidewalk Sign also includes 289 large 5” letters, numbers and symbols so you can change your sign daily. The strong contrast of the black/red letters and white board makes the sign very easy to read.

If you are feeling creative and would like to announce your information in freehand style then the Double-Sided Write on/Wipe Off Sidewalk sign may be the one for you. It’s great for indoor/outdoor use and is foldable for easy portability and storage. If you are fortunate enough to have someone in your employ with beautiful handwriting and an artistic flair then creating an original, changeable sign can be a creative way to draw attention. Remember to keep your color scheme simple and not to add too many distracting artistic details; you want to get your customers’ attention, not lose it by making the sign too busy to read in just a few seconds. Also keep in mind that the sign does still need to be attractive and be more than just simply legible. I, myself, have the writing and artistic talent of an over-caffeinated 5 year old so a custom banner or pre-printed sign would be my best option.

Don’t miss the next blog when I expound on the benefits of custom and pre-printed banners for those of us artistically challenged.

Decorate your site with exclusive furnishing accessories

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You can add an element of beauty, style, and grace to public gardens, parks, backyards, schools, pavements etc, by breathing unique designs into their outside furniture. But where would you find fascinating site furnishings that give these places a contemporary look and feel that eventually help in drawing visitors to the sites in multitudes? Not to worry. You can get all this and many more at Specialty Store Services — Your one-stop shop for all kinds of retail needs that also promises to cater to some of the best site furnishings at the most competitive prices.

You can find a huge collection of accessories in our store like tables, benches, ashtrays and trash receptacles available in beautiful colors and designs. The tables come in caf styles with an ornamental hoop and spiral design. They are fully assembled with pre-drilled mounting holes in feet that prevent the tables from toppling over by transfixing them into the ground. The steel benches on the other hand are truly adorable with ergonomically curved arms and legs, that really make for a comfortable sitting. Another variety is the custom steel bench from the coveted Broadway Street Signature Series which has an oak plaque inserted in the back engraved with any message the customer would like to display. We also have some of the backless varieties which are otherwise similar to normal ones except for the back rest. Not to forget, in this category we also have the hammertone shoe bench with mirror which has a unique eye catching design with a perforated seat. The two mirrors on both sides is a rare feature and the hammertone metal finish gives it a long-lasting durability.

Apart from this, we also stock up on some of the most unique ash trays which belong to the cease fire variety. They keep your properties clean by preventing the supply of oxygen which helps extinguish cigarettes. Furthermore, they are constructed with fire resistant polyethylene, that will never rust, dent or crack. The galvanized steel liner pail also facilitates easy and quick disposal. Another type we have is the elite smokers ceasefire cigarette receptacle that has a classy, sophisticated and upmarket look which is suited for business requirements. The USP of this product is the FM Global approval and ADA compliance. Next comes the Wall Mount Sand Top Ashtrays. Unlike the ceasefire types, which can be used only for outdoor purposes, the wall mount ashtrays are ideal for both indoor and outdoor uses. Made of rust-proof aluminum, they are easy to clean and service.

Garbage disposal has never been so quick and easy before. But now with trash receptacles, it is an absolute cakewalk. You can check out the myriad varieties we have like 36 Gallon Garbage Can, 48 Gallon Round Metal Garbage Can, 36 Gallon Garbage Can with Rain Guard ……the list is endless. Some other types that adorn our stock consist of garbage cans with ashtrays. It is a one of its kind product, which serves dual purposes. With an all-steel heavy duty construction, they are fully assembled and have durable powder coat finish.

The above mentioned products, however, are only a handful of them. You can of course visit our website for more on site furnishing accessories.

Protect your items with shrinkwrap coverings

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Have you ever tried out shrink wrap covering? It is perhaps one of the most commonly used items for encasing products spread across multifarious industries.

Also known as ‘shrink film’, it is made up of polymer plastic and when heat is applied to it, the film shrinks thereby tightening the grasp around the product. Right from covering kitchen leftovers, cartons, boxes, glass, books, DVDs to buildings etc, it takes care of almost everything. Shrinkwraps are preferred over ordinary wrappers because of their ability to hold the goods tightly and in a coordinated manner which in turn helps to keep the items clean and also ready for use.

You can of course check out our shrinkwraps that come in various sizes and thicknesses including several other supplies related to the same. The shrinkwrap rolls for example can be used for covering items that require strength and durability. Apart from this, you can also browse through our shrinkwrap bags which are the quickest and the most inexpensive ways of encasing media supplies like magazines, CDs and DVDs. On the other hand we have the 100 gauge shrink tube roll which has been designed to seal jewel cases, CD, soaps, kindles, frames, gift baskets, album, paper, toys, software programs, paper and all kinds of retail products. However, don’t forget to check out the wrinkle free, glossy and super clear shrink wrap-polyolefin. Available in 75 and 100 gauge thickness, they are puncture resistant and work well with both regular and irregular objects. Being a three-layered co-extruded film, it offers an unmatched durability and resistance. Another noteworthy feature of this product is that it is FDA approved.

Among supplies we have products including heat gun shrink wrap sealer, shrink wrap sealer replacement wires, shrink wrap sealer replacement teflon, roll holder, pro shrink wrap sealer only, shrink wrap sealer………the list is endless.

It’s finally time to give your items that much needed protection and at the same time also make them presentable and impressive.

So visit our website today for all the latest on shrink wraps.