Gift Retail Management
These helpful articles on marketing, management and operations will ensure your gift retail store is properly managed.
A Retail Lease Primer for Gift Shop Owners: Survive to Thrive
The recent economic downturn has created a tough sales environment for many retailers, especially the so-called independent “mom and pop” stores and those operated by franchisees. Declining sales due to high unemployment and depressed home valuations have contributed to a feeling of economic insecurity that is reflected in increased savings rates and decreased consumer spending. This all translates into a challenging environment for owners of retail gift shops.
Getting Back to the Basics to Prepare Your Business for 2010
There are eight steps a business owner can follow to be well-positioned for the new year, whether they're a long-time owner or an entrepreneur embarking on a new venture.
Turnaround Tenacity
I recently met my new business hero. His name is James Brown and he hails from the hardscrabble hills of Eastern Kentucky. Maybe they breed folks a bit tougher there but this guy has shown me a tenacity and resolve that I have rarely witnessed in my work with distressed businesses.
Survival Skills
Yes, the retail environment is difficult. But you can maintain—or even increase—your bottom line in 2009. We asked three retail-marketing experts some questions you have probably been asking for a while now. Read on for some reassuring advice.
Making Cross-Cultural Connections Work
With a dip in the dollar, your store is likely to be visited by increasing numbers of international tourists. Find out how to make these customers (and your diverse, multi-cultural staff) comfortable in your store.
How Do You Get to the Heart of Great Customer Service?
Do you really listen to your customers? Find out how doing so can improve sales at your store.
Rushed or Relaxed: Make Every Customer Visit Count!
Every customer interaction is a chance to make a sale. This is especially important during the holiday rush when many customers are harried and looking for quick solutions. Here are some ideas to maximize sales with both the rushed and the relaxed holiday customer.
Advertise!
You have stocked your shelves with unique merchandise and hired great staff. Now you need to drive traffic to your store! Targeted and regular advertising needs to be a critical element of your store's marketing strategy. This two-parter shows what works, and how to get the most out of your advertising dollars.
The Price is Right
Price your products too high and your customers shy away. Price them too low and you bite into your profits. Find out what pricing strategies will bring satisfied customers to your shop, over and over again.
You're Hired!
Whether you are a rookie owner looking to hire new staff or an old pro thinking of expanding your sales force, the basic lessons of recruiting are worth remembering.
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