Events Ideas and Free Publicity

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Effective business owners and store managers are always looking more ways to obtain more attention while keeping costs down. Enter in-store events, press releases and word-of-mouth publicity! I know we’ve lightly touched on this before but it bears repeating in more detail.  Here are some event ideas that involve a small or minimal monetary investment but can garner a lot of attention.

Give and you shall receive. Donate your products or services to a local non-profit or other worthy organization. How does giving away your merchandise or knowledge benefit your store or company? Two words: free publicity. Newspapers will print or post online news about events benefiting the community and non-profits for free.  
  • If you own a beauty salon, offer a day of pampering to the residents of a local assisted living home, senior center or women’s shelter. Contact the activity director, pack up your gear and go give free hair trims, comb-outs or mini-manis to people who would like a little pick-me-up.
  • Own a restaurant? Choose a day to offer military veterans free dessert and coffee or have a little 3-hour reception with finger foods, beverages and desserts for the vets.
  • Owners of pet grooming salons can offer free nail trims and ear cleanings for dogs and/or cats and ask for donations which will benefit a local animal shelter. Give it a party-like atmosphere by setting up a tent outside where you can work on the less skittish visitors and do face painting for the kids.
  • Owners of clothing stores can contact a local homeless shelter or women’s shelter to offer some people in need nice new clothes for job interviews or clothing for their children.
Put on your thinking cap and think about what events you can hold at your location or what services you can offer off-site. What can you do to make the events fun and newsworthy? The event will be more effective if your heart is in it – the sincerity will show through and speak for itself. In turn, people will talk about it in a positive way and spread the word about your company. And there you go – more publicity. 
Make sure you spend extra time cleaning your store and organizing everything! After all, there will be potential customers coming to your place for these events, so give them a great first impression. Be sure to have business cards or flyers with your company’s information to give to visitors, especially if your event is off-site.
Spread the news. Write an effective press release to let the local news outlets know what you’re doing. Make sure you get the press release to the Events Editor at least 2-3 weeks before your event and take pictures at the event so they can print a follow-up story (which you will also provide in a press release format). Press releases need to have a title that both grabs attention and gives info of the event. Be sure to give all pertinent information in a summary paragraph at the beginning of the press release before delving into details. If you don’t, you may not grab the attention of the editor – no attention from the editor, no free publicity. Check out this article on how to write an effective press release for some helpful hints. Don’t forget to advertise your event with posters in your store, on your website/social media page and via email to your mailing list.

So, you’ve got some new fun and profitable event ideas to generate interest and get publicity. Please let me know what events you’re planning and how they go!

Visit the Specialty Store Services website for products to help you promote your events and for links to more tools to help you run your business effectively.

Luck o’ the Irish Giveaway

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This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Paige, the winner!


Good luck is not just for the Irish! Luck seems to come and go, Irish or not, so many of us have little charms that we carry or quirky things we do when we need a boost in the luck department. Some of us may pick up pennies from the sidewalk or wear a lucky shirt when watching our favorite team play.

But we cannot just rely on luck to bring in customers or make our promotions known. That’s why Specialty Store Services is giving away a deluxe write on/wipe off markerboard with chrome stand and markers to help one lucky winner promote sales and events! Just post your comment below saying what your lucky charm is or what you do to bring on the luck. One person will be selected to win. Good luck, everyone!


No purchase necessary, must be 18 or older to enter. One comment per person, please. Void where prohibited by law. Contest valid in the US and Canada only. This contest starts today, Monday, March 12, 2012 and ends Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 11:59pm, central time. Winner will be announced Monday, March 19, 2012. Prize valued at $70. 

EAS Systems: RF vs. AM

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Shoplifting is a problem faced by all retailers but, according to experts, shoplifting theft can be reduced by 60% when using a reliable Electronic Article Surveillance system (EAS). The two most widely used EAS systems are Radio Frequency (RF) and Acousto-magnetic (AM). The question most business owners ask is “Which security system should I use in my store?”

 

I took this question, and several others, to Julie Mitchell, Merchandising Manager at Specialty Store Services and all-around knowledgeable and helpful person.
Just how do the RF and AM systems work?
The RF system works like this: a label or small hard tag – basically a miniature, disposable electronic circuit and antenna – is attached to a product and responds to a specific frequency emitted by a transmitter antenna, usually one pedestal of an entry/exit gate. The response from the label is then picked up by an adjacent receiver antenna. This processes the label response signal and will trigger an alarm when it matches specific criteria. The most popular RF is 8.2MHz.
With the AM system, a transmitter creates a surveillance area where hard tags and soft labels are detected. The transmitter sends a radio frequency signal in pulses, which energize the tag in the surveillance zone. When the pulse ends, the tag responds, emitting a single frequency signal. While the transmitter is off between pulses, the tag signal is detected by a receiver. If the correct criteria is met, an alarm occurs.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the RF and AM systems?
The RF system is the most widely used system in the United States. The tags and labels are getting increasingly smaller which is beneficial from a visual standpoint. The RF system is not as sensitive as the AM system but it is also less expensive, which makes it an economical choice for small and mid-level retail stores. However, the tags and labels are slightly more expensive than AM tags and labels.
The AM system was the first EAS system in the market and is used in most large high-end retail stores and other large retail, hardware, appliance and discount stores. The AM system is very sensitive which means that there are sometimes false alarms. AM tags work well when they are close to metal and so the AM system works well in stores that use metal shopping carts.
Loop tag for sunglasses, purses and shoes

What type of security tags or labels are available?

 

Both security systems use hard security tagsand soft security labels specific to each system, available deactivatable and non-deactivatable. Soft labels are ideal for use with books, media, and any merchandise with a hard, flat surface. Hard tags are perfect for use with clothing. Hard tags are also available as blister pack tags for pegged items, loop tags for sunglasses and shoes, box wrap alarms and loop bottle tags for wine and liquor bottles.
How are security tags and labels deactivated?
Both systems require that the labels or tags be pressed against or waved over a deactivator pad, depending on the system and deactivator being used. Non-deactivatable hard tags must be removed by the store clerk at checkout; however, deactivable hard tags are also available.
To disarm the RF tag, a radio frequency pulse blasts the tag and burns out the diode so the tag does not emit a signal and trigger the alarm. When the AM tag is demagnetized, it is deactivated. When the AM tag is magnetized, it is activated.
Please visit the Specialty Stores Services website to learn more about RF and AM security systems offered. Do you have questions? Please call the helpful Sales Representatives at 800-999-0771.

 

Shopping Basket Placement in Retail Stores

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Shopping Baskets are an excellent customer convenience. I am always pleased when I enter a store and find those handy shopping baskets right near the door. But I’m overjoyed when I also find them elsewhere in the store, right when I need one, since my trip to purchase one item in particular always turns into a shopping extravaganza. The question is: where else should shopping baskets be located?

Well, the answer depends on your particular business and store layout. A great way to figure out where to place shopping baskets is to conduct an experiment with different colored baskets.

For instance, place red baskets near the front door, green baskets near a fast moving product, yellow near high profit margin items and so on. Throughout the day, keep track of what color baskets are being brought up to the sales counter. If you are not getting many yellow baskets back then try moving those to another location. By testing various locations and counting the basket colors when they return to the register, your customers will tell you where they prefer the shopping baskets. Shopping baskets are available in standard and jumbo sizes and can be purchased in all one color or in a rainbow assortment.

Something else to keep in mind is whether to offer customers rolling shopping baskets in addition to the handled shopping baskets. Rolling shopping baskets are ideal for stores frequented by older shoppers and for heavier merchandise. The stackable roller baskets feature carry handles and a long handle for pulling the basket. Two swivel and two rigid casters make the roller baskets easy to maneuver.

Remember, having shopping baskets available throughout the store will encourage impulse shopping since it is easier just to pop another item into the basket rather than juggle it with other items. Trust me, I know.

For more information on shopping baskets and 1000’s of other items, please visit the Specialty Store Services website at http://www.specialtystoreservices.com .

Retail Window Display Ideas for Spring

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

It’s always a good plan to have new retail window display ideas in the hopper so you can plan ahead, gather your props and be prepared when it’s time to change the display. Spring is a’ coming and it’ll soon be time to update the window displays so let’s go over a couple more window display ideas.

Let me tell you right now: clear fishing line will figure prominently in these window displays. I love this stuff! Ideal for hanging props or merchandise as focal points without the distraction of visible string, ribbon or rope.

Simple Spring – A simple and inexpensive way to draw attention to your spring-like window display is simply to hang accordion-fold tissue paper flowers or paper fans from the ceiling or top of the window frame, like in the window at Tomte Modern Craft. So easy! This doesn’t necessarily need to be a “theme” window; it is just an easy way to draw the eye as people are passing by. The free-floating flowers and fans get attention so of course folks will look in the window where your merchandise is neatly displayed. You can likely find paper fans, flowers and Japanese lanterns at any dollar store or party supply store.

Free Bird – Vintage style birdcages are attractive and have a fun, funky feel to them, especially if you spray paint them in a color that pops. Take a look at this window display from Slimline Warehouse. I love the way they made the birdcages the draw but then placed jewelry displays inside the cages, causing people to look more closely. Beautiful! These cages can be hung with fishing line from the ceiling or placed right on display tables in the window or on the selling floor. Do not, however, use live birds in your displays! Not only is it extremely stressful for the birds, but the accompanying poop and feathers are not appealing props. Birdcages aren’t just for jewelry displays, either. Other small merchandise can be suspended inside the cage with fishing line, giving a free-floating appearance. You can find these types of birdcages in thrift stores, garage sales and stores like Pier 1 and World Market.

What spring theme retail window displays have you used? We at Specialty Store Services would love to hear your ideas!

Redesigned Ultima Gondola Fixtures

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Specialty Store Services is pleased to offer the economical yet durable and attractive Ultima Gondola Fixtures to its customers, in addition to Madix Gondola Fixtures. Gondola Fixtures are ideal for merchandising in a variety of retail environments including grocery, convenience, discount and variety stores.




Ultima Gondola Displays feature heavy gauge steel construction and steel uprights slotted for convenient shelf placement, and boast steel pegboard backs. Built-in levelers and snap-together parts make installation simple while yielding an exceptional load capacity. Ultima Gondola fixtures, available double-sided, single-sided and as end-caps, can be configured into many different displays to fit multiple merchandising needs. Another great feature is that some Madix shelves are also compatible with the Ultima gondolas!

 

 

The Gondola Fixtures, in a pleasant neutral beige color, are available 54″, 60″, 72″ and 84″ high. Double-sided Gondola Fixtures, aisle units that allow retailers to create well-designed and functional displays, are the building blocks of any effective gondola display. One-sided wall units make the most of existing wall space while end caps give a finished look to double-sided gondola fixtures and maximize display space. Starters and add-ons can be connected end to end to meet space and layout requirements.


Shelves, sold separately, are strong and versatile. Each shelf has slim, sturdy, dual-position steel brackets that allow the shelf to be used straight or at a 20 degree angle, ideal for creating multiple merchandising arrangements. Gondola accessories such as peg hooks and baskets can be use to capitalize on display space and to cross-merchandise effectively.


Ultima Gondola Fixtures are now available on the Specialty Stores Services website and will also be featured in the new product catalog, to be distributed in February 2012.


http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/1/prweb9152468.htm

Specialty Store Services Introduces More Retail Anti-theft Devices

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

According to an annual survey conducted by the University of Florida, retailers lost more than $37 billion to theft in 2010. With $12 billion lost due to shoplifting and $16.2 billion to employee theft, Specialty Store Services is aware of the great need for effective retail anti-theft devices. Clothes are popular items to shoplift or use and return so the Shark Tag Garment Security Tag and Cable Coat Security Lock are necessary retail anti-theft products for any store selling popular brand or high-end clothing and accessories.Apart from outright shoplifting, retailers are subject to a form of loss due to “wardrobers”. The Shark Tag Garment Security Tag is an economical anti-theft product that prevents wardrobers from purchasing, wearing and returning the used garments for a full refund. The highly visible red Garment Tag attaches easily to the front of any garment, making it impossible for anyone to wear the garment without the tag being seen by all. The customer simply removes the tag at home with household scissors before wearing the garment; the tag cannot be replaced on the garment after removing without evidence of tampering. The Shark Tag is ideal for use with dresses, special occasion garments, prom dresses, menswear, formal wear, lingerie and coats.

The Cable Coat Security Lock is an effective retail anti-theft device ideal for safeguarding leather jackets, fur coats, winter coats, team sports apparel and other expensive articles of clothing. The Cable Coat Lock easily mounts directly to garment rack and can also be mounted to the wall, if preferred. The Cable Coat Lock housing is constructed of heavy-gauge steel and features a hinged door and unique construction that prevents cables from popping out when the box is opened. The key cannot be removed from lock while in the unlocked position, preventing thieves from taking the key for future use if the sales clerk becomes distracted while the lock is open. Easy load/unload cable system holds 60 standard 8’ long cables, keeping a large amount of merchandise secure all at once.

Specialty Store Services is dedicated to helping retailers grow their businesses and protect their investment. In addition to the above anti-theft devices, Specialty Store Services also offers a variety of video security systems, simulated cameras and security tags systems.

Gumball Machines are Good Profit Makers

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Profit makers, also known simply as gumball machines, truly do live up to their names. The machines pay for themselves, last for years and will keep on generating profit as long as they are stocked with gum, candy or toys. And believe me, these treats aren’t tempting to just kids!Most of us are used to seeing profit makers near the doorways of supermarkets, big box stores and Laundromats but what’s to stop people from employing them in any place of business? I recall being in an office environment – I think it may have been an insurance office – and thrilled that I was able to munch on peanut M&Ms from a bulk vend machine while my growling stomach and I waited for the agent. Retail stores or businesses leery of having sticky gum and melty chocolate near the merchandise or furniture can offer customers some refreshing Polar Mints or Sour Sweet Candy in bulk vend machines instead. Peckish customers = profit.

Yes, I said profit. For instance, the net profit on one carton of 1” gumballs vended at 25 cents each is $182.55 (not including tax and shipping). The cost of a single gumball machine with stand is $99.98. So, that first carton of gumballs will pay for the machine and net you a profit of $82.57. Not too shabby. Machines can vend 1″ gumballs/capsules or 2″ gumballs/capsules or bulk vend candies but if you’d like to offer a combination of product, simply combine different machines on a double, triple or quad stand. Imagine the profits generated by multiple profit maker machines!

As implied above, gumball machines aren’t just for gumballs. In addition to 1” and ½” gumballs, these profit makers can also vend 1” and 2” capsules with toys (which I cannot pass up!), 1” and 2” bounce balls (which my cats cannot live without so I’m always hitting those machines) or bulk candy like M&Ms, Skittles, Mike & Ike and other small vend candies. If vending gumballs, why not offer customers the chance to win a small prize by mixing in some gumballs imprinted with “winner”? People love a contest and will certainly try multiple times to win. The winner can claim their prize before popping the gumball in their mouth.

Gumball machines can be fun in addition to profitable. Take the Giant Spiral Gumball Machine, for instance. This 54” high attention-getter holds up to 1,000 gumballs and releases the gumballs down a long winding ramp, which kids just love to watch. But why just watch when you can play? The Pinball Gumball Machine is a fun interactive game with real pinball flippers and is played with gumballs instead of a metal ball. Players have the chance to win up to 3 gumballs and even when they lose, they win; the gumballs are dispensed at the end of the game!

So, really, there is something for everyone when it comes to profit makers; the customers get treats and toys while the merchant makes a profit. Win-win!

Lighted Showcases are Great Retail Focal Points

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Lighted showcases are wonderful focal points for many retail businesses, from gift shops to jewelry stores. Specialty Store Services currently carries a large variety of showcases and is happy to offer two new lighted showcases to its customers. The lighted showcases include glass sides, offering unobstructed views off all merchandise, and measure 47-1/4″ H x 19-2/3” D x 37” H.

Business owners who prefer to keep inventory close at hand will be pleased with the new lighted showcase that includes a built-in storage cabinet. The showcase features eight halogen lights to highlight merchandise effectively. This stylish lighted showcase is constructed of black aluminum with tempered glass panels and glass sliding doors and includes one adjustable glass shelf. The spacious storage cabinet has black panel sliding doors to keep overstock neatly out of sight and also includes adjustable feet.

The next sleek lighted showcase does not have a storage cabinet, leaving more room for displaying merchandise. Featuring eight halogen spotlights, the showcase is constructed of black aluminum with tempered glass panels, glass sliding doors and two adjustable glass shelves. The showcase also includes adjustable feet.

Please call the knowledgeable Specialty Store Services sales staff for more information about these attractive lighted showcases.