By Stacy on
12/8/2008 10:17 AM
You just can’t beat excellent customer service!
Like most people, I was out last weekend doing some holiday shopping and I was so pleasantly surprised to see customers out shopping in full force, despite negative media coverage of doom and gloom. Christmas really is going to happen again this year! I have to tell you I experienced the most wonderful customer service ever-- not just in one store, but in two! The stores were busy, yet the sales people helped me find items, asked questions to get me thinking about what else might be the perfect gift and did all this with a smile! These retailers are now tops in my book! It got me thinking, could it be that the slow economy has spurred old fashioned customer service resurgence? I think retailers do appreciate any and all the business that comes their way so give this some thought, give that extra service, and good things are bou ...
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By Stacy on
11/10/2008 3:14 PM
I recently read an interesting article in the November issue of GiftBeat magazine, titled “Economic Woes Not Spoken Here”. What a great article with great insight!
With all the publicity about the state of our economy customers now more than ever want a break from the doldrums. Your customers will welcome an upbeat positive atmosphere while shopping in your store!
Talk about the upcoming holidays, great gift giving ideas, or even the weather –anything but the economy!
You know is it always more uplifting to be around the person who ...
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By Stacy on
10/27/2008 2:07 PM
With the political election coming up, people everywhere are talking about change. Seems to be the new catch phrase!
Consider this: change can be good, especially in your retail store! You probably have the same customer base who visits your store regularly, along with a few new customers too.
Give them something new to look at when they visit next time.
Try this: visit other stores in your area and take mental notes. Did you have a good first impression? Did a great smell overwhelm you when you walked through the door? Did you feel welcome? Were th ...
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By Stacy on
10/13/2008 4:30 PM
Out of floor space or counter space? Which you had just a few more feet?
Consider using the air space above your head to market to your customers.
The big box retailers have been doing this for years, and you can too. Maybe it’s just a nice POP sign, hung with fishing line. Perhaps it’s merchandise hung on a chain (be sure it is long enough for customers to shop). Some retailers will have signs defining sections of the store—for example “Baby” or “Books”. Use this space to market to customers and direct the eye to important areas of interest!!
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By Stacy on
10/10/2008 1:56 PM
Thursday, October 16th is Get to Know Your Customer Day! Have fun with this one. Serve refreshments. Invite your customers to enter a drawing for a door prize-- you will gain valuable information by doing this, and everyone loves a chance to win something!!
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By Stacy on
10/7/2008 1:49 PM
Have you placed your holiday orders yet? I’ve talked to several retailers who have been nervous about holiday spending this year!
Wellspring has just the right items at budget-minded pricing.
Our #1 bestselling Flip Notes are perfect for stoc ...
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By Stacy on
10/1/2008 1:18 PM
Now more than ever people are looking for ways to save money and stretch their dollars. One perfect way is to cook and eat at home—a trend we’ve noticed more and more families engaging in. National news organizations have taken notice of sales jumps in home cooking items, especially low-priced cook books, practical cookware, and giftable ingredient kits.
As a result of all the press, I would encourage you to create a “Survive the Economy” display for your budget-minded customers. Our cook books retail at an average of $4.99, so they are perfect for today's tight budgets.
Sell the cook books with your kitchen accessories and Wellspring note pads (I recommend the super-economical Perf Pads). These gift sets look adorable with a bow and spreader attached. Encourage your customers to pen a hand-written note inside. They are thoughtful gifts that w ...
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By Stacy on
9/15/2008 3:15 PM
Do you have a share of the trendy “Tween” market? I’ve read many articles predicting sales of products for tweens will exceed $200 billion this year!
Some products to consider are any items that can be personalized. This category is huge for tweens. Tweens love to express their personalities. You can find many initial items from journals, Flip Notes, note cards, book bags, travel cups, cosmetics bags and more! Crafty items are also a big category in bedroom décor, locker décor, journals and clothing.
To help promote your tween section, offer a Birthday Club. Customers can list items they would like to receive. They can have their family and friends stop by and you can show them the list! This builds a wonderful relationship with your customers. Don’t forget to also send a birthday card with perhaps ...
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By Stacy on
8/22/2008 4:44 PM
Back to school….
As the kids head back to school you may see your business change a bit. Families are spending extra funds on school supplies and this may leave them with little to spend on gifts or on extra items for themselves.
Here is a suggestion: start planting the holiday spending seed in your customers’ heads a little earlier this year.
Provide a preprinted shopping list for your customers to use. List the obvious people (mailman, teachers, neighbors, coaches, hairdresser, family, and friends.) Then have space for them to include additional names.
Designate the bottom section as an area your customers can list the items they would like to receive. This part gets left at your store. Have your customers give you their friends’ & family’s names and addresses. You can send ...
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By Stacy on
7/22/2008 2:38 PM
Do you have some lemons sitting on your shelves?
Most retailers--even the best--will buy some items that just won’t retail and turn. If this is you, make lemonade!
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