Beginning on page 18 of this issue, you’ll find the “2015 WholeFoods Magazine Retailer Survey Overview,” now in its 38th year. Fresh perishable food such as produce, juice bar, deli and refrigerated prepared food continue to define the character of a store, how many customers will shop per day,...
To post or not to post? That is the question. The answer? Post (specifically). After investing time and effort in your business’ social media strategy, you may get frustrated when your pages are not getting the engagement you hoped for. great products and quality content are not always enough when...
It’s getting harder to make your store stand out in the crowded natural organic marketplace. If you honestly assess your competition, you will likely see your customers can get most of the same products you offer elsewhere; perhaps even more selection in certain categories. It’s getting harder to make your...
You’re preparing for your next big in-store event. You’ve passed out flyers, posted the news on social media and secured signage. Until the event is underway, you’ll probably nervously wonder, “Will anybody show up?” Local media—whether it’s a town newspaper, e-newsletter or community website—can play a big role in...
Where should you place the products in your store? Or, more precisely, which product categories should be next to one another to optimize shopping? Your choices can grow or shrink sales, and a well-thought-out merchandising plan can subconsciously relax your customer, encouraging her or him to slow down and...
The concept of a workplace has changed for many companies lately, moving toward a more casual and flexible experience. One word that may be a bit odd to see thrown around, though, is “fun,” but as it turns out, making your store more fun may be exactly what you...
Is retailing a dead-end job? Many people think so. But if you were one of them, you wouldn’t have opened your store. So, how can you communicate your enthusiasm to current and prospective employees, most of whom likely work out of necessity, not aspiration? First, let’s agree that an engaged...
The natural products industry is home to numerous family businesses. While many families love working together, friction can surface when several family members are involved in the business and everyone isn’t on the same page. Joseph Semprevivio, founder of Joseph’s Lite Cookies, started making and selling sugar-free ice cream as...
In February, Nestlé announced it would clean up its ingredient list on its signature chocolates, followed about a week later by Hershey, with a similar announcement to use “simpler” ingredients in its ubiquitous candies. A couple of months ago, drugstore chain CVS dumped $2 billion of its sales at a...
In today’s busy world, people often forget to say “thank you”; it’s a courtesy so commonplace that it gets overlooked. According to a recent study, a simple thank you cannot only brighten someone’s day, but it can also increase your future sales as well. Michigan State University marketing scholar Clay...
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