Operations

Message in a Bag

1. The bright red store bags from Lululemon incorporate fun messages that emphasize the store's philosophy of helping customers live healthier, more fun lives. Eye-catching red color and trendy messages make this bag a winner.... more »

Survival Skills

Q: I have heard that many consumers are clamping down and only buying essentials. I don't stock many "essentials." What should I do? Should I be changing my inventory mix now? To what?Bob Negen of... more »

Conquering the Credit Crunch

Rick Claesson, owner of Madly Pop'n, has been a successful gourmet food gift retailer for 24 years in Oak Park, IL. Unfortunately, a slowing economy over the last year and customers who are more careful... more »

Dealing with Downtime in Your Business

Like most retailers, the holiday rush has now died down and you are looking to take stock and regroup for the new year. Here are some tips for taking control of your downtime while creating... more »

What are some successful strategies for pricing inventory?

What are some successful strategies for pricing inventory? When do you need to markdown and by how much? Debbie Dusenberry of Curious Sofa Debbie Dusenberry of Curious Sofa 913.432.8969 CuriousSofa.comFor me, pricing inventory is all... more »

The Price is Right! Or is it?

Pricing is Critical While retailers understand that pricing is a necessary component to doing business, do all retailers understand the critical importance of pricing as it relates to the branding, profitability and the long-term success... more »

Making Cross-Cultural Connections Work

On her first trip to China, Susan Bristol, who speaks three languages—English, French and Greek—and is co-owner of Asian Village Antiques in Edwards, CO wondered why the Chinese she spoke to giggled when she said... more »

Customer Service Sells!

Most retailers are fully aware of the terms add-on selling and up-selling, each used to describe the concept of maximizing each sale. These concepts are especially important during the short holiday selling season, when the... more »

The Care and Feeding of Difficult Customers

Type in the phrase "customer service skills" in your favorite search engine and you will get approximately 3 million hits. There is no lack of information out there about how to improve your service quality... more »

How can retailers boost sales every winter holiday season?

How can retailers boost sales every winter holiday season? It's make or break with the winter holidays. Are you prepared? Here are some tips to always make the season work for you. Trip Van Roden... more »