In this economy, small businesses must take advantage of every possible avenue at their disposal to thrive. This includes using tools like social media for everything from marketing to sales. While it seems like sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn have been around forever, there are always new sites and...
One great strength you have as an independent natural products retailer is your broad selection of hard-to-find, high-quality products. But for first-time natural shoppers, this massive selection can be overwhelming. You remember the jam study, where a large independent high-end supermarket known for its selection presented two sample tables...
Research shows that 90% of businesses do not know what their customers want. In a world burdened with financial difficulties, American stores need to shape up. According to a four-year study conducted by the market intelligence firm, BIGresearch, most customers will put value and service ahead of price. That’s right.
Should you offer one?Should your employees receive a discount for purchasing products from your store? In my view, there are several compelling reasons why you should consider it. 1. The employee product-purchase discount is a valuable, untaxed fringe benefit that enhances implied compensation. Instead of increasing base pay, giving a...
As more and more baby boomers pass the 50th birthday landmark, this consumer-base deserves a second look. Baby boomers are reaching retirement age, which means they will have more time on their hands and more money to spend. In fact, according to www.businessweek.com, the current population between the ages of...
If you can’t change your footprint, change what’s inside it.April. Your taxes are done. Flu season’s over, and supplement sales are cooling down. Unless your store is located in a summer tourist area, you are facing relatively lower sales over the next few months. This might be a good time...
A Slogan of the PastIn a day and age where Wendy’s, Burger King and McDonald’s commercials rule the air, one man strives to make a difference. Sid Lerner, famously known for his “Squeeze the Charmin” commercials, resurrected the idea of “Meatless Mondays.” Lerner asks that people indulge in three meatless...
How do you create an effective end cap? Here are a few tips. 1. An end cap is promotional, so you should refresh it at least once per month. 2. Pick your theme first, like “Heart Health Month” for February. 3. Use a visual design concept based on the...
No one likes to be kept waiting, especially a customer. Checking-out is an experience just as important as a customer entering your store; you want to make great first and last impressions so your customers keep coming back. Whole Food Supermarkets uses an incredibly efficient system of queue management in...
In this month's issue, you’ll find WholeFoods’ 34th Annual Retailer Survey. There’s lots of good news to report. Smaller stores, those under 2,600 square feet, which have struggled the last few years, showed signs of strength, reporting higher sales, profits and larger basket sizes. Overall, two main trends emerged from...
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