Month: May 2011

Retail Store Curb Appeal

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

So, in an earlier blog we talked about the importance of the outside of one’s store. The outside has to look presentable because a dirty exterior could deter potential customers from stepping through the door, right?

Here’s a little something to help keep the outside of your store a little cleaner: a smokers Ceasefire Cigarette Receptacle. When smokers are done with their cigarettes and there is no place for them to dispose of them, the cigarette butts just may end up on the sidewalk. With the cigarette receptacle, you will give smokers the option to dispose of their cigarette butts while keeping your sidewalk and gutter clean! There are several styles of cigarette receptacles to choose from so you are sure to find one that will complement the outside of your store.

Another way to make the outside of your store more appealing is to offer a comfy bench or other seating area for weary shoppers to sit down and rest their tired tootsies for a few minutes. Taking a little rest outside of your business gives folks a chance to look inside your windows and when they see something that interests them, they just may walk their rested and refreshed selves right through your door.

Opening a New Store

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com


You have decided to open a new retail store? Congratulations! What an interesting, challenging and rewarding professional future you have ahead of you!

You and your big ideas. So, you have a vision of the store you’d like to open. You’ve decided what type of merchandise you’d like to sell and you can just see yourself greeting customers, assisting shoppers, ringing up sales and having a good time. That’s great! Visualizing what you want is the first step toward acquiring it. You will also want to think about what will set you apart from your competitors. What merchandise or services are you going to offer that customers cannot get from a nearby competitor? Making your business stand apart in a positive way from the competition will be the difference between being perceived as average or remarkable.

Capital. You need some capital to get started, of course. This can come through various channels such as a bank loan, investors or from money that you’ve socked away just for this reason. If you are going to apply for a bank loan or approach investors, it would be a great idea to formulate a business plan first. In fact, most banks or investors will insist on it. Here’s a nifty website I came across that can help you write your business plan and it also has some handy calculators to help you determine various costs.

Location, Location, Location. Location can make or break a business. Some things you need to take into consideration include zoning, parking/public transportation stops and traffic flow. Think about the customers that you hope to attract to your store. Is there a particular neighborhood that attracts your potential customers? Can you rent space at a busy strip mall or commercial building that already generate a lot of traffic and interest? Which brings us to how much rent you can afford or whether or not you are going to purchase a building. Either way, you want to make sure the space’s wiring can handle your electrical display requirements as well as Internet, phone and fax, if needed. Is the plumbing adequate for your needs, will you need to install a kitchen or break area? Also, don’t forget to scope out the competitions’ locations! For instance, you may not want to open up your craft store right across the street from an already established and popular craft store, right?

To staff or not to staff? New businesses usually start out small and that means the owner(s) are manning the store themselves and will hire maybe one or two employees in the beginning. New business owners wear many hats and often, all of those hats at the same time. While many people thrive when handling the whole kit-n-caboodle themselves, you don’t want to face burnout so if the budget can handle it, a couple of motivated, dependable employees can be life savers. Be sure to look at your numbers to see what you can afford to pay an employee. New business owners may start employees at a wage that they find difficult to handle if business doesn’t start booming immediately. If you’ve never hired anyone before, then this blog entry about hiring employees may be able to guide you along the way.

Stocking the store.Deciding exactly what to stock and where to purchase from can be fun but it is also a challenge. I found this article that had some good advice and pretty much sums it all up. I know you’re excited but try not to go nuts when ordering; pay attention to the guidelines you set for yourself and don’t get sucked into in impulse purchase of 5,000 troll dolls because the sales rep tells you “they’re coming back”. It’s the same principle as “do not grocery shop when you are hungry” because at that time, everything looks good (no offense to the troll doll collectors out there…and I know you’re out there). Remember; you can always order more or different product later.

Displays and store maintenance. There are oh-so-many choices when it comes to displaying and packaging your merchandise. From clothing racks to show cases to fixtures to impulse bins to the bags you send home with your customers….I can go on and on. The professionals at Specialty Store Services can help you figure out just what you need to display your product and can even design a floor plan for you. Keeping your store in tip-top shape is very important and this blog entry on merchandising and store appearance can help you see your store through fresh eyes. Store window displays are huge attention getters so check out this blog entry to get some tips!

Show and sell. Okay, you’re almost ready to roll! Have you gotten the word out about your fantastic new store? Issue a press release to the local papers and post on free press release sites online. If you do not have a Facebook page, you may want to think about starting one and posting information about your store opening and other events and sales as they crop up. Hang up your custom banners to let people know that your store is coming and don’t forget your grand opening banner for the big day! Indoor and window signage can really generate business so make sure the signs are legible, to the point and professional looking. Think about hosting some in-store events to generate interest and get potential customers into your store to take a look around.

Now, these are just some general guidelines. It would be advisable for you to sit down with professionals that you trust, such as other successful business owners, an accountant and possibly an attorney to help you hash out the details and offer advice, both professional and legal. You can also check out this website for a little more guidance.

Good luck on your new adventure! Please feel free to send me photos of your store opening or visit Specialty Store Service’s Facebook page to touch base.

Disc Repair System Pays for Itself

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Even in this age of on-demand movies and downloadable music, we still love our discs, those little spheres of escape and entertainment. We’ve lovingly compiled a library of tunes, games and movies that we can turn to in times of stress, boredom, excitement and joy so it’s frustrating when one of our little friends goes down for the count.

Something that can bring a disc back from the brink of the dumpster is a good disc repair system, like the JFJ Easy-Pro Disc Repair System. A simple one-step operation buffs out light scratches and fingerprints and takes care of that pesky skipping while a multi-step process can fix up more heavily scratched discs. This is a great system for movie and game rental stores and libraries as well as personal use. The disc repair system also works on Blu-ray discs, CD-roms, Gamecube, PS2, PS3, Wii and XBOX games so fire it up and get to work saving your entire collection! No need to discard those damaged discs and spend the money to replace them.
The disc repair system does not require water to operate so no need to fool with dirty water, hoses and that whole soggy mess. DVD and CD cleaning supplies and buffing pads are included with the disc repair system so you’re ready to roll from the time you unpack the box. Ordering additional cleaning and buffing supplies is quick and easy so you won’t have to deal with a lengthy down-time if you run out. Most repairs are done in 1-2 minutes and at 15 to 20 cents per repair, it’s quite an economical system. Disc repair and cleaning is also a service you can offer to customers and just think of how grateful they will be when you save their favorite music disc or game!
So, what are you waiting for? Your disc collection and customers are depending on you!

Hiring Temporary Employees

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

It’s on the way. The busy summer season! Are you ready for the influx of customers that the nice weather will bring? One thing that will make your summer season flow smoothly is a dynamic, friendly and helpful staff, and this includes your seasonal employees. Here are some helpful hints to make sure you find the temporary employees that are right for your business.

Don’t delay when getting your summer staff roster in order. Start scouting for your talented staff early, before your competition snatches them up. Giving yourself enough time to interview, hire and train your new crew will mean you won’t be flustered when the busy season sneaks up on you, like it’s apt to do.

Check work references. Starting your screening process early also gives you ample time to verify employment and run background checks on your potential temporary employees. Applicants should have previous employers who can attest to their work ethic, reliability and character. Remember, Federal laws prohibit potential employers from asking the applicant, or references, about certain topics that could be used as a basis for discrimination including age, race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, color, pregnancy, marital status, citizenship or disability, along with others.

Dip into the applicant pool. College students and retirees make fantastic employees. The college students’ flexible schedules while on school break coupled with their energy make them ideal candidates for temporary employment. Retirees possess years of work and life experience that can be valuable to your company and, like college students, retirees also have flexible schedules.

Get your ducks in a row. What positions are you looking to fill? What skills are you willing teach and what skills do you need your new employee to possess right off the bat? What sort of personality best fits with your business’ culture? Think about what you need and then ask the same questions of every applicant so you can measure them all with the same yardstick. Develop a scoring system to help you score various areas of expertise and then tally the scores to help you keep track of and compare applicants.

Don’t lead the way. Asking “Can you do ____?” leads the applicant to tell you what you want to hear, not what they have to say. Asking broad questions will lead to more insightful answers. For instance, “Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer or coworker” gives you insight into how they would handle a difficult situation and is more telling than a simple yes or no question.

Think team player, not temp. Hiring seasonal help with the “I just need them to get through the next couple months” attitude can trick you into lowering your standards. You want an employee who will be a positive addition to your company, whether as a temporary or permanent employee. Treat your temp employees with the same respect and consideration that you would your permanent staff. If you like what you see during the summer season, you can always invite your temporary employees back for the holiday season, or even as a permanent team members.

Good luck on your search!

Credit Card Processing

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

We are all aware that “cash money” is a universal language but in case you haven’t noticed, many people are now fluent in speaking “credit card”. Paper or plastic doesn’t just refer to bags any more! The question is, are you speaking your customers’ language?

There is no doubt that people like to have choices. Choices in clothes they wear, the food they order, the fancy (or not-so-fancy) coffee they drink and they like to have options in how to pay for it. I, for one, do not carry cash with me very often and I truly think I could not survive without my debit card (I do not know how I functioned before they came along!). I cannot run across the street to my neighborhood store for a gallon of milk because the merchant only accepts card purchases over $10. I know several people who use their credit cards exclusively so they can rack up points with the credit card company. I understand that many businesses do not offer credit/debit card processing because they are leery of the fees incurred and contract commitment but I wonder just how many customers have been lost to businesses that only accept cash?
If these items don’t convince you that credit/debit card processing is important to a bottom line then check out this little tidbit: Credit card users spend 12%-15% more than those who pay with cash. Now, wouldn’t it be nice if that little boost ended up reflected in your sales?
If you’ve been kicking around the idea of offering card processing to your customers, now is the time to check it out. First Payment Services can set up a card processing program that is right for your business. Nervous about entering into a long contract? Don’t be, because FPS offers month-to-month contracts if that is what you desire. If you already have a card processing company, First Payment Services offers a $1,000 guarantee that they will save you money over your current card processor. Nice deal!
So, why not explore the possibility of offering card processing? You just may get more people fluent in the language of “credit card” walking through your door if you do.

Retail Training Classes

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

I don’t need to tell you how competitive the retail sales industry is. As competitive as this business is, the good news is that there ways to increase your competitive edge. One way is to attend retail training classes that can teach you and your staff new skills and help you fine-tune the ones you already possess. The downside is that, although these classes can be a valuable tool, they can often be expensive and time consuming. Not so with RetailTraining.com.

The on-line classes offered through RetailTraining.com average 20 minutes in length and the best part is that you can take them whenever you want to; all you need is a computer. Not only are these classes concise and and informative, they are very cost effective.

You will discover how to:

  • Utilize impulse merchandising and visual merchandising to enhance your customers’ experience and generate unplanned purchases
  • Retain valuable employees by building morale, skills, confidence and loyalty
  • Use key financial statements to assess and analyze the fiscal health of your retail business
  • Develop a strategic retail plan and store audit to keep your business on track
  • Implement a Customer Loyalty program and discover how your business will benefit from the program

Sign up for a free, no-obligation on-line retail training class to take the first step toward building a stronger foundation for you business by further developing your greatest asset: the knowledge you and your staff possess.

Instructional Videos for Product Assembly

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

I’ve noticed lately while surfing the web that more and more videos are being posted on news links in addition to, or even in place of, written copy. While I am an avid reader, there is something to be said about just being able to click a button and having information told and/or shown to me. Apparently, video clips are the way to go and Specialty Store Services has definitely caught the video wave by creating video assembly instructions.

Need to know how to assemble our 2-way garment rack? Well, check out the video to see how to assemble a 2-way garment rack (#2621)! You can also view the instructional videos on how to assemble the Waterfall Stacking Basket Display (#3387) and the Bucket Seat Stool (#5860B). See all of our current instructional videos at Specialty Store Services’ channel on Youtube. You can also see the videos on our Facebook page. While you’re there, be sure to “like” us so you can stay on top of product and merchandising information as well as receive special promotions exclusive to Facebook friends. The instructional videos will soon be posted on our website, as well, so stay tuned.

Are there any SSS products for which you’d like to see an instructional video made? Let me know!

 

Vertical Merchandising with Grid Displays

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

We all know that displaying merchandise can be tricky but even trickier is working with limited display space. When floor space is at a premium, your best bet is go up. Enter Grid Panels!Grid panels range in height from 4’ to 8’ and widths of 1’ to 4’. Just think of how much merchandise you can showcase on a 5’ tall display! Grid panels are incredibly versatile and can be directly attached to the wall or connected to other grid panels to create floor displays. These nifty panels can be configured into different shaped grid displays such as “T,” “H,” quad and triangle displays, or can be connected end to end to span the length of wall; the configurations are only as limited as your imagination. Mobilize the displays with casters and a floor plan can be rearranged with ease. Slatgrid panels can be employed in the same manner as grid panels and, what’s more, any slatwall accessories you may have can also be used on slatgrid!

Retail flexibility is yours when choosing from grid accessories such peg hooks, faceouts, waterfalls, hang rails, shelves, baskets and more. Use a wide variety of grid accessories to display anything from clothing and purses to books and movies. Half round mannequins can be hung on the grid panels to garner attention and show customers how clothing will look when worn. Accessories can also be moved around with ease to accommodate changing inventory.

As you can see, grid displays are versatile and ideal for cross merchandising which makes them a great investment for any retail environment.

Impulse Purchases: Pump up the Volume!

Posted onAuthorericw@specialtystoreservices.com

Pump up the volume of impulse items you sell, that is. We covered the yummy goodness of chocolate and candy impulse items last week but now let’s explore some impulse sale techniques.Make the impulsive human nature work for you. Customers standing in line waiting to check out have already made the decision to purchase something, so initiating another small purchase just requires a little nudge to the impulsive human nature. Many of us have that little voice in our head that says “I’m already checking out and that item is interesting/necessary/cute so what is a few more dollars?” The trick is to offer your customers small, inexpensive items at or near the checkout counter. Make sure your impulse items are inexpensive, ideally under $10 but even $1 items can really add up. Imagine how much extra revenue you could generate if nearly every customer spontaneously purchased a $1 pack of gum or travel-size hand sanitizer.

Make the impulse items small so they “blend in” with your customers’ purchases. A larger item may stick out and make them second guess their impulse purchase but a smaller item tossed onto the counter or into the basket will easily blend in so the customer won’t be phased out. So make the point of sale items small and easy to grab if one’s hands are full, such as funny sticky notes, sample sized toiletries, gummy bracelets or hair accessories. Also, think about your target audience; what would most appeal to the customers who shop in your particular store?
Finally, display your impulse sale items in attractive and easily accessible containers and display racks. Countertop displays can be attractive and do not take up much valuable counter space. If you have room next to your registers then you may want to consider a larger floor display that can hold a wide variety of items. There are many display options including wood baskets, mesh baskets, plastic jars, acrylic jars and peghook displays so take a look at around and think about what would complement your decor and best showcase the impulse merchandise you offer.

Little things can mean a lot, namely extra cash in your register, so don’t underestimate the effect of point of sale items on the impulsive human nature.