Pet Summer Safety

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

We all like to frolic in the summer sun with our friends and family, including the furry, four-legged variety. Here at Specialty Store Services, we are crazy about our companion animals (and sometimes they even visit the office with us!) so I would like to share some tips to keep your furry and feathered friends safe during the summer heat. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions and not meant as medical advice. You’ve got a great vet for that already, right?

Feeling hot, hot, hot! The temperature inside your car can climb up to 120 degrees, even on mild days with the windows cracked or while parked in the shade. Dogs and cats are susceptible to heat stroke since they do not have the ability to cool themselves as effectively as humans, especially the elderly, the very young, the ill and flat-nosed varieties such as Pugs and Persians. In fact, flat-faced dogs and cats should be kept in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible during hot weather. A body temperature over 104 degrees can result in heat stroke which can lead to death or brain damage. Some signs of heat stroke include:

  • excessive panting or difficulty breathing
  • increased heart rate
  • drooling
  • weakness or collapse
  • inability to focus or pay attention to commands
  • vomiting
  • bloody diarrhea

If your pet has any of these symptoms please seek medical attention immediately as time is of the essence when dealing with heat stroke. Even if you are able to safely bring down your dog’s temperature the vet will need to verify that no brain damage has occurred.

On the run. Dogs love to run around and many pet owners enjoy their dogs’ company on jogs, however, the summer heat can make this activity dangerous for dogs. If you do run with your dog you will want to make sure to run in the cool of the early morning or the evening, keeping a close eye on your dog for signs of heat stroke. Keep in mind that pavement can get extremely hot, causing burns on your pets’ paw pads so it’s best for Fido to romp in the grass or dirt. To keep your running partner safe while running after sunset, keep him on a leash and consider accessorizing your pooch with some reflective leg bands. When taking your dog for a run remember that, just like humans, they need to build up their endurance so a 5k run the first time out is not a good idea. Also, keep in mind how much shorter their legs are; one step for you could equal several steps for them.

Can you get my back? Unbeknownst to many people, pets are also prone to the pain, peeling and cancer caused by sun burn so make sure those exposed areas such as ears, noses and lips are slathered in SPF, especially on white and hairless dogs.

Water here, there and everywhere. It is imperative that your pets stay hydrated in the summer heat so make sure all your pets have access to fresh, cool drinking water, especially after exercise or while outdoors. Kiddie wading pools provide a fun and cooling experience that many dogs enjoy. Many dogs also enjoy swimming but, contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are good swimmers so keep a close eye on your pooch when you’re out at the pool, on the boat or on the pier. Life preservers for pets are a good idea for those furry friends who are buoyantly challenged.

You ate and drank what?! Anti-freeze is a cause for concern year round so make sure your little friend isn’t imbibing in any of this sweet-tasting but deadly liquid while in the garage, street or parking lot. Another cause for concern are pesticides, fertilizer, herbicides and certain garden plants so be watchful about what your pets are putting in their curious little mouths.

Creepy crawly. Summer is heartworm season so be sure your pets are tested for heartworm and take heartworm preventatives. Don’t bother with flea collars, which can be ineffective at best and toxic at worst. Ask your vet for suggestions for flea and tick preventatives. If you do find ticks, remove them carefully with a tick key, taking care to remove the entire tick.

Around the house.

    • Make sure window screens are secure so your squirrel-watching cats and dogs don’t fall out the windows if they lean against the screen.
  • If you have pet birds, be sure that the cage(s) aren’t next to a/c vents or drafty open windows since birds cannot regulate their body temperatures as effective as larger animals.
  • Rabbits and guinea pigs are also prone to overheating so make sure that their cages aren’t in direct sunlight. If you take the little critters outside, be sure that they have access to shade and water at all times. Don’t forget that your turtle or snake may not need the heat lamp if your home is as warm as the animals’ recommended temperature during the summer. If you are new to owning exotic pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and turtles, you may want to contact your vet for more summer care tips.

We all want to enjoy summer fun with our little (or not-so-little) friends and these helpful hints can help you avoid the animal emergency room and keep you out at the BBQ or pool party, where you all belong. Have fun and stay cool!

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Father’s Day is right around the corner on June 19th! Good old Dad, always there with his Dad-isms that we can pass down to future generations such as “Quit standing there with the refrigerator door open! Are you trying to cool off the whole neighborhood?!” and my favorite, “Quit looking at your brother!”. The man deserves something special for putting up with our shenanigans and here I am with some helpful gift suggestions.

Let’s face it. Dad is getting a little older and deserves to take it easy, so how about some things that make life a little simpler? An automatic card shuffler makes shuffling the deck a snap and gives dad more time to practice his bluffing skills. Just cut the cards, put them into the shuffler and push the button for a quick and perfect shuffle every time. And a set of playing card holders along with low-vision cards will keep his hands free to enjoy his snacks and drinks.

You can also give dad the convenience of eating, writing,using his laptop or reading anywhere in his home. The table mate portable table sets up quickly and is easy to slide around to wherever needed. The attractive white or oak wood grain table top is scooped, allowing it to come closer to the user. This sturdy table can hold up to 50 pounds and the height is adjustable from 23″-30″. A great sidekick to the portable table is a comfy lumbar support pillow. Side wings provide support and encourage proper posture so he can sit for longer periods of time more comfortably.

So, you’ve got some ideas for Dad’s gifts but don’t forget to advertise your store’s Father’s Day Sale with an attractive and (dare I say it?) adorable Father’s Day Sale sign. Have a great sale and an even better Father’s Day.

Easy Set-Up Displays for Retailers

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

I love this time of the year! All the street festivals, music festivals, art fairs and book fairs…I could spend the entire summer scampering from fest to fair. I know that many of you attend fairs and fests all summer, too, but as vendors. While it is fun to sell your wares and talk to all different kinds of people, setting up and breaking down can really be a hassle. In order to save your sanity, it is important to have displays that are quick and easy to set up and break down and also show your merchandise well so lets explore a few options.

One of the most versatile displays is the Standing Grid Screen. The screen measures 2’W x 5’H so it is still small enough to load into most SUVs or vans and since the legs are easy to screw on and off, the screen can lie flat during transport which leaves you more room for your product. Choose from a wide variety of accessories to attach to the screen depending on your display needs. Select peg hooks, baskets and accessory clips to display smaller items or faceouts, waterfalls, shelves with brackets and hang rails for larger items. Don’t forget your grid sign holder to advertise your merchandise! Single rail garment racks also set up and break down easily and give you plenty of room for displaying apparel.

Folding tables are also necessary for the mobile retailer. These folding tables measure 60″L x 24″W x 30″H and have a lip around the outside of the table to keep your merchandise on the table, not on the ground. Other display options that easily fold up are the Folding Shelving Rack and the Square Bin. The folding shelving rack has 5 adjustable shelves and is constructed of sturdy powder coated wire. The square bin folds quickly and easily and features an adjustable bottom shelf for displaying a variety of merchandise. A happy owner of the square bin says “I love that it takes up little space while holding a lot of merchandise. Being able to dis-assemble it and pack it away neatly in my limited trailer space is a plus”.

Have jewelry or other small items to display? Then check out the 16 hook counter top display or the 12 hook countertop spinner. They are both compact but can display a lot of smaller items. There are also a wide variety of jewelry trays to choose from to display all your pretty and shiny trinkets.

Setting up quickly and easily leaves you with more time to enjoy the sights and sounds at the festivals and cuts down on the headaches. So make things a little easier on yourself by getting the appropriate displays and go have some fun!

Retail Store Curb Appeal

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

So, in an earlier blog we talked about the importance of the outside of one’s store. The outside has to look presentable because a dirty exterior could deter potential customers from stepping through the door, right?

Here’s a little something to help keep the outside of your store a little cleaner: a smokers Ceasefire Cigarette Receptacle. When smokers are done with their cigarettes and there is no place for them to dispose of them, the cigarette butts just may end up on the sidewalk. With the cigarette receptacle, you will give smokers the option to dispose of their cigarette butts while keeping your sidewalk and gutter clean! There are several styles of cigarette receptacles to choose from so you are sure to find one that will complement the outside of your store.

Another way to make the outside of your store more appealing is to offer a comfy bench or other seating area for weary shoppers to sit down and rest their tired tootsies for a few minutes. Taking a little rest outside of your business gives folks a chance to look inside your windows and when they see something that interests them, they just may walk their rested and refreshed selves right through your door.

Opening a New Store

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com


You have decided to open a new retail store? Congratulations! What an interesting, challenging and rewarding professional future you have ahead of you!

You and your big ideas. So, you have a vision of the store you’d like to open. You’ve decided what type of merchandise you’d like to sell and you can just see yourself greeting customers, assisting shoppers, ringing up sales and having a good time. That’s great! Visualizing what you want is the first step toward acquiring it. You will also want to think about what will set you apart from your competitors. What merchandise or services are you going to offer that customers cannot get from a nearby competitor? Making your business stand apart in a positive way from the competition will be the difference between being perceived as average or remarkable.

Capital. You need some capital to get started, of course. This can come through various channels such as a bank loan, investors or from money that you’ve socked away just for this reason. If you are going to apply for a bank loan or approach investors, it would be a great idea to formulate a business plan first. In fact, most banks or investors will insist on it. Here’s a nifty website I came across that can help you write your business plan and it also has some handy calculators to help you determine various costs.

Location, Location, Location. Location can make or break a business. Some things you need to take into consideration include zoning, parking/public transportation stops and traffic flow. Think about the customers that you hope to attract to your store. Is there a particular neighborhood that attracts your potential customers? Can you rent space at a busy strip mall or commercial building that already generate a lot of traffic and interest? Which brings us to how much rent you can afford or whether or not you are going to purchase a building. Either way, you want to make sure the space’s wiring can handle your electrical display requirements as well as Internet, phone and fax, if needed. Is the plumbing adequate for your needs, will you need to install a kitchen or break area? Also, don’t forget to scope out the competitions’ locations! For instance, you may not want to open up your craft store right across the street from an already established and popular craft store, right?

To staff or not to staff? New businesses usually start out small and that means the owner(s) are manning the store themselves and will hire maybe one or two employees in the beginning. New business owners wear many hats and often, all of those hats at the same time. While many people thrive when handling the whole kit-n-caboodle themselves, you don’t want to face burnout so if the budget can handle it, a couple of motivated, dependable employees can be life savers. Be sure to look at your numbers to see what you can afford to pay an employee. New business owners may start employees at a wage that they find difficult to handle if business doesn’t start booming immediately. If you’ve never hired anyone before, then this blog entry about hiring employees may be able to guide you along the way.

Stocking the store.Deciding exactly what to stock and where to purchase from can be fun but it is also a challenge. I found this article that had some good advice and pretty much sums it all up. I know you’re excited but try not to go nuts when ordering; pay attention to the guidelines you set for yourself and don’t get sucked into in impulse purchase of 5,000 troll dolls because the sales rep tells you “they’re coming back”. It’s the same principle as “do not grocery shop when you are hungry” because at that time, everything looks good (no offense to the troll doll collectors out there…and I know you’re out there). Remember; you can always order more or different product later.

Displays and store maintenance. There are oh-so-many choices when it comes to displaying and packaging your merchandise. From clothing racks to show cases to fixtures to impulse bins to the bags you send home with your customers….I can go on and on. The professionals at Specialty Store Services can help you figure out just what you need to display your product and can even design a floor plan for you. Keeping your store in tip-top shape is very important and this blog entry on merchandising and store appearance can help you see your store through fresh eyes. Store window displays are huge attention getters so check out this blog entry to get some tips!

Show and sell. Okay, you’re almost ready to roll! Have you gotten the word out about your fantastic new store? Issue a press release to the local papers and post on free press release sites online. If you do not have a Facebook page, you may want to think about starting one and posting information about your store opening and other events and sales as they crop up. Hang up your custom banners to let people know that your store is coming and don’t forget your grand opening banner for the big day! Indoor and window signage can really generate business so make sure the signs are legible, to the point and professional looking. Think about hosting some in-store events to generate interest and get potential customers into your store to take a look around.

Now, these are just some general guidelines. It would be advisable for you to sit down with professionals that you trust, such as other successful business owners, an accountant and possibly an attorney to help you hash out the details and offer advice, both professional and legal. You can also check out this website for a little more guidance.

Good luck on your new adventure! Please feel free to send me photos of your store opening or visit Specialty Store Service’s Facebook page to touch base.

Disc Repair System Pays for Itself

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Even in this age of on-demand movies and downloadable music, we still love our discs, those little spheres of escape and entertainment. We’ve lovingly compiled a library of tunes, games and movies that we can turn to in times of stress, boredom, excitement and joy so it’s frustrating when one of our little friends goes down for the count.

Something that can bring a disc back from the brink of the dumpster is a good disc repair system, like the JFJ Easy-Pro Disc Repair System. A simple one-step operation buffs out light scratches and fingerprints and takes care of that pesky skipping while a multi-step process can fix up more heavily scratched discs. This is a great system for movie and game rental stores and libraries as well as personal use. The disc repair system also works on Blu-ray discs, CD-roms, Gamecube, PS2, PS3, Wii and XBOX games so fire it up and get to work saving your entire collection! No need to discard those damaged discs and spend the money to replace them.
The disc repair system does not require water to operate so no need to fool with dirty water, hoses and that whole soggy mess. DVD and CD cleaning supplies and buffing pads are included with the disc repair system so you’re ready to roll from the time you unpack the box. Ordering additional cleaning and buffing supplies is quick and easy so you won’t have to deal with a lengthy down-time if you run out. Most repairs are done in 1-2 minutes and at 15 to 20 cents per repair, it’s quite an economical system. Disc repair and cleaning is also a service you can offer to customers and just think of how grateful they will be when you save their favorite music disc or game!
So, what are you waiting for? Your disc collection and customers are depending on you!

Hiring Temporary Employees

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

It’s on the way. The busy summer season! Are you ready for the influx of customers that the nice weather will bring? One thing that will make your summer season flow smoothly is a dynamic, friendly and helpful staff, and this includes your seasonal employees. Here are some helpful hints to make sure you find the temporary employees that are right for your business.

Don’t delay when getting your summer staff roster in order. Start scouting for your talented staff early, before your competition snatches them up. Giving yourself enough time to interview, hire and train your new crew will mean you won’t be flustered when the busy season sneaks up on you, like it’s apt to do.

Check work references. Starting your screening process early also gives you ample time to verify employment and run background checks on your potential temporary employees. Applicants should have previous employers who can attest to their work ethic, reliability and character. Remember, Federal laws prohibit potential employers from asking the applicant, or references, about certain topics that could be used as a basis for discrimination including age, race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, color, pregnancy, marital status, citizenship or disability, along with others.

Dip into the applicant pool. College students and retirees make fantastic employees. The college students’ flexible schedules while on school break coupled with their energy make them ideal candidates for temporary employment. Retirees possess years of work and life experience that can be valuable to your company and, like college students, retirees also have flexible schedules.

Get your ducks in a row. What positions are you looking to fill? What skills are you willing teach and what skills do you need your new employee to possess right off the bat? What sort of personality best fits with your business’ culture? Think about what you need and then ask the same questions of every applicant so you can measure them all with the same yardstick. Develop a scoring system to help you score various areas of expertise and then tally the scores to help you keep track of and compare applicants.

Don’t lead the way. Asking “Can you do ____?” leads the applicant to tell you what you want to hear, not what they have to say. Asking broad questions will lead to more insightful answers. For instance, “Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer or coworker” gives you insight into how they would handle a difficult situation and is more telling than a simple yes or no question.

Think team player, not temp. Hiring seasonal help with the “I just need them to get through the next couple months” attitude can trick you into lowering your standards. You want an employee who will be a positive addition to your company, whether as a temporary or permanent employee. Treat your temp employees with the same respect and consideration that you would your permanent staff. If you like what you see during the summer season, you can always invite your temporary employees back for the holiday season, or even as a permanent team members.

Good luck on your search!

Credit Card Processing

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

We are all aware that “cash money” is a universal language but in case you haven’t noticed, many people are now fluent in speaking “credit card”. Paper or plastic doesn’t just refer to bags any more! The question is, are you speaking your customers’ language?

There is no doubt that people like to have choices. Choices in clothes they wear, the food they order, the fancy (or not-so-fancy) coffee they drink and they like to have options in how to pay for it. I, for one, do not carry cash with me very often and I truly think I could not survive without my debit card (I do not know how I functioned before they came along!). I cannot run across the street to my neighborhood store for a gallon of milk because the merchant only accepts card purchases over $10. I know several people who use their credit cards exclusively so they can rack up points with the credit card company. I understand that many businesses do not offer credit/debit card processing because they are leery of the fees incurred and contract commitment but I wonder just how many customers have been lost to businesses that only accept cash?
If these items don’t convince you that credit/debit card processing is important to a bottom line then check out this little tidbit: Credit card users spend 12%-15% more than those who pay with cash. Now, wouldn’t it be nice if that little boost ended up reflected in your sales?
If you’ve been kicking around the idea of offering card processing to your customers, now is the time to check it out. First Payment Services can set up a card processing program that is right for your business. Nervous about entering into a long contract? Don’t be, because FPS offers month-to-month contracts if that is what you desire. If you already have a card processing company, First Payment Services offers a $1,000 guarantee that they will save you money over your current card processor. Nice deal!
So, why not explore the possibility of offering card processing? You just may get more people fluent in the language of “credit card” walking through your door if you do.

Retail Training Classes

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

I don’t need to tell you how competitive the retail sales industry is. As competitive as this business is, the good news is that there ways to increase your competitive edge. One way is to attend retail training classes that can teach you and your staff new skills and help you fine-tune the ones you already possess. The downside is that, although these classes can be a valuable tool, they can often be expensive and time consuming. Not so with RetailTraining.com.

The on-line classes offered through RetailTraining.com average 20 minutes in length and the best part is that you can take them whenever you want to; all you need is a computer. Not only are these classes concise and and informative, they are very cost effective.

You will discover how to:

  • Utilize impulse merchandising and visual merchandising to enhance your customers’ experience and generate unplanned purchases
  • Retain valuable employees by building morale, skills, confidence and loyalty
  • Use key financial statements to assess and analyze the fiscal health of your retail business
  • Develop a strategic retail plan and store audit to keep your business on track
  • Implement a Customer Loyalty program and discover how your business will benefit from the program

Sign up for a free, no-obligation on-line retail training class to take the first step toward building a stronger foundation for you business by further developing your greatest asset: the knowledge you and your staff possess.

Instructional Videos for Product Assembly

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

I’ve noticed lately while surfing the web that more and more videos are being posted on news links in addition to, or even in place of, written copy. While I am an avid reader, there is something to be said about just being able to click a button and having information told and/or shown to me. Apparently, video clips are the way to go and Specialty Store Services has definitely caught the video wave by creating video assembly instructions.

Need to know how to assemble our 2-way garment rack? Well, check out the video to see how to assemble a 2-way garment rack (#2621)! You can also view the instructional videos on how to assemble the Waterfall Stacking Basket Display (#3387) and the Bucket Seat Stool (#5860B). See all of our current instructional videos at Specialty Store Services’ channel on Youtube. You can also see the videos on our Facebook page. While you’re there, be sure to “like” us so you can stay on top of product and merchandising information as well as receive special promotions exclusive to Facebook friends. The instructional videos will soon be posted on our website, as well, so stay tuned.

Are there any SSS products for which you’d like to see an instructional video made? Let me know!