Selling Green

With spring in full swing, green is on everyone’s mind, and not just because of the budding landscape. Coming off tax season, individuals and businesses alike are looking into green improvements and practices to add to their list of deductions for 2012 taxes. Spring is the perfect time to start, before water restrictions are set and air conditioners are set to full blast. However, for independent retailers concerned with such initiatives, going green with your business does not require installation of solar panels on top of your store, or spending... 

Unique RC Buys

Electronic goods, once considered exclusive adult products, are now trickling down to the younger generation. As merchandise like iPods, cell phones, digital video recorders and even RC helicopters hit the mainstream market, there is a blurred line between children’s toys and grown-up gadgets. By raising the level of hi-tech development and simplifying manual instructions, toy and electronic manufacturers have leveled the playing field in which both children and adults can interact with the same alluring and sophisticated playthings. Recognizing... 

The Kole Difference

While humble about their successful ventures, business leaders like Rob and Danny Kole, brothers and co-presidents of Kole Imports, have over 25 years experience and knowledge of the preferences of today’s frugal retailers, and their equally cost-conscious customers. “At a time when many companies are sitting and waiting to see what will happen in the market, we are committed to finding more and more deals, in an effort to help our customers make their own store a destination that consumers want to shop,” explains Danny Kole. The Kole brothers... 

Pinups & Trendy Purses

Keeping up with fashion is an ongoing process, and retailers are well advised to set aside some time at least every season to stock up on the latest trends in apparel and accessories, including handbags. For retailers to be prepared, their wholesale suppliers such as Aliz International have to put in the leg work, investigating and testing trends for the seasons to come. Working in such a competitive market requires a continual cycle of innovative and new ideas, and sometimes an addition to the team. A new in-house designer, born in Hong Kong, a... 

Consumers More Upbeat

While still working towards an index level of 90, which economists consider the threshold for a stable economy, December’s consumer confidence level of 60 is something to be positive about, as it is the highest since April. The Consumer Confidence index stood at 64.5 in December, a significant increase from 55.2 in November. According to a monthly survey by the Conference Board, the index rating wasn’t all that saw an increase. More shoppers believe that business conditions are good, with 16.6 percent responding positively, compared with November’s... 

Email Marketing

Fast, responsive and measurable email marketing allows for the same targeting as traditional mail, at a significantly lower cost. Email encourages quick response and helps build loyalty and trust in a brand. Buyers also appreciate how it allows them some control over the frequency and content. And for this reason, retailers recently surveyed identified email (18 percent) as one of their top priorities when it comes to allocating marketing funds in 2012. Other top priorities include paid search (30 percent) and SEO (11 percent). Organizing Email...