First, adopt some common sense green improvements in the office, like cutting down on paper usage and expenses by only printing emails and other documents as necessary. When you do have to print, use both sides of the paper. Next, encourage green practices among your employees, like turning off lights and machines not in use, or recycling recyclables. Set up recycling bins in your back office or in various locations of the store, so employees and shoppers can separate recyclables such as office paper, newspapers, aluminum cans, glass bottles and more. Then, show your commitment by selling green and marketing green. If you use product packaging, make sure that you’re using recyclable materials. If you use promotional items for your business, use items that are recyclable or made of recycled products.

Other special issues faced by retailers on the green front are the usage of paper receipts and bag choices. The plastic vs. paper debate continues to leave retailers without an ideal ecological choice, when it comes to disposable shopping bags. Many customers are urged to, “bring your own bag,” but remembering their shopping lists is hard enough, among daily to-do items. Retailers, therefore, have devised strategies to jog their customers’ memories. Following are some of the creative tactics used currently in retailers’ BYOB efforts:

1) Offer a gift. For those customers who forego a plastic bag, they receive a sample of their favorite product or a gift giveaway.

2) Discount the purchase. Some retailers, such as those in Washington, DC, are charging consumers five cents for every plastic or paper bag used. But others are using a positive rewards method by offering a five to ten cent discount on the overall purchase price for every bag the customer brings.

3) Sell reusable bags. The best way to guarantee that customers will bring their own bag is to sell reusable bags. Not only will shoppers no longer use the excuse, “I don’t have a bag to use,” but retailers will be provided with an opportunity to create a little brand awareness and advertising.

Simply stated, awareness of the importance of environmental preservation continues to grow, and without any acknowledgement or effort to implement green initiatives, a business’ bottom line can feel negative effects. Following are some beneficial and motivational reasons to always think green:

1) Public Relations. Retailers who emphasize the fact that they are attempting to be environmentally friendly can gain the favor of like-minded consumers.

2) Cost Savings. Companies that focus on reducing energy consumption not only help the environment, but also reduce their costs in the form of lower energy bills.

3) Tax Credits. The current economic stimulus plan provides incentives for companies to go green in the form of tax credits, which can enhance their bottom lines.

4) Consumer Demand. As environmental consciousness grows, consumers are demanding more green products and services, according to the Green Business Bureau website.

The environmental movement is powerful, and whether you as an independent retailer are participating in it or not could prove to be the best or worst decision, as you position yourself in a competitive market. As the push for energy efficiency becomes greater, the concept of going green for small businesses may no longer be a question of “if,” but “when.” Why not this spring?

Hot Selling Helicopters, Planes and Slot Cars

Bargain Crusader, well-known for its Airsoft products, including Airsoft pellet guns and accessories, has made it a point to expand its tactical gear and scopes, but also explore the market in toys and novelties. “Our mission has been to supply great selling goods at the best pricing, so our retailers can make money,” notes Coppernoll. “In general, we look for goods our retail customers can make at least a 100 percent profit on, with a quick turnover so as to keep their shelves fresh and full of new merchandise.”

Bargain Crusader boasts that many of its RC items have not been seen in the U.S. before, like the Airwanders, RC Helicopters with a motion detection wand controller. Averaging $22 wholesale, “These helicopters are a new novel idea,” says Coppernoll. “Change the controller to look like a light saber and make it easier to control.” Motion sensors make the helicopter react to the tilting of the wand forward and backwards. Twist left and right and the helicopter will spin in the desired direction. The thumb power control and the motion sensors make this a great new idea for controlling gyro helicopters. Each Airwander comes fully assembled and ready to fly, batteries included. Other features include adjustable trim control, three channel control functions, and two band frequencies, and the unit comes programmed with a demo flight pattern. The seven by four inch helicopter can be charged for a full six to eight minute flight time.

Other unique additions for Bargain Crusader are RC airplanes, featuring classic twin tale designs, and modern day jet planes. “Another item that has been good for us are the hand crank slot cars, which require no electricity,” notes Coppernoll. All car movements are created by the user cranking a hand controller; the faster the user cranks, the faster it goes. No more overly sensitive controllers from the past, these new controller concepts make the slot cars more player interactive. Tracks snap together quickly, so users can take them anywhere.

Already offering the advantage of a minimum order of $125, Bargain Crusader offers other benefits like volume discounts, available when logging onto the company website. “We also have a new customer special of 7.5 percent off if the ad in Independent Retailer magazine is mentioned,” says Coppernoll, “or, enter at checkout the word, ‘supersaveme.’”

For more information:
Bargain Crusader, Inc.
2841 Index Rd.
Fitchburg, WI 53713
Toll Free: 866-405-6267
Fax: 866-256-4533
Email: Use form online
Website: www.airsoftgunsusa.com

Kole Offers Bargains and Varied Price Points

For this reason, Kole has shifted its focus to more and more bargains, particularly closeouts and deep discounted wholesale items. “Today’s consumers are being more selective with how they spend their money, and we feel that offering more items and better deals is a must to ensure success,” says Danny Kole. This doesn’t mean, however, that the best deals come only in the form of dollar merchandise. In fact, throughout 2010 and 2011, Kole Imports has worked hard to establish the company as an, “importer and closeout buyer of all price points.” According to Kole, “We have made huge strides in this area, with over 30 percent of our goods now being closeouts, covering many price points.” Looking ahead he adds, “One of our biggest goals for 2012 is to really rebrand ourselves so that customers understand that we are not just importers, and not just a provider of dollar merchandise. We are much more varied now.”

With a change in overall strategy, the company is confident that its customers will be able to continue to offer deals in their stores that otherwise would not be available. “We have established ourselves as an even more valuable source of merchandise, providing merchandise that allows our customers to increase their profit margins,” notes Kole, “while also focusing on packaging and simple selling solutions for those retailers looking for quick turnover.” One of Kole’s recent purchases is a mix of merchandise that is higher end in regards to household items, baking sets, home décor and other mixed categories.

At the ASD Las Vegas Show in late March, Kole Imports will be showcasing 35 booths (Booths SU1000 to SU1118) of its newest merchandise, as well as Kole’s regular line and all its closeouts. The Kole brothers are also expecting a buzz about the company’s completely reviewed and updated packaging that has been in the works for the past six to nine months. “We have fully recommitted to continuing our packaging at the forefront of the industry, to help keep our customers’ stores looking fresh,” says Kole. It was just a short time ago that Kole Imports added its Promo Pallets line, prepackaged displays of merchandise, available in different sizes: starter pallets, floor displays, counter top displays and dump displays.

After 25 plus years in business, Kole Imports is still going strong, sourcing great products, coming up with new ideas, and preparing for a long and successful future. What sets Kole Imports apart? The company has the ability and reputation to buy closeouts almost immediately, without a long analysis process. Once a purchasing decision is made, the closeout buyer pays immediately, no matter the size of the deal. Retailers then see the Kole difference, as the company offers them detailed product descriptions for easier selection, which includes product name, real quantity in stock, UPC, detailed pictures, weight, brand name, color, length, width, height and more. “We look at our customers as our partners. That may sound corny, but we are clear on one reality: if our customers don’t do well, we don’t do well. Our slogan ‘Your Profit Source,’ is something that we take very seriously as we want to continue to see our customers profit on the merchandise they buy from us,” says Kole.

For more information:
Kole Imports
24600 Main Street
Carson, CA 90745
Toll Free: 800-874-7766
Fax: 800-292-1818
Email: email@koleimports.com
Website: www.koleimports.com and www.promopallets.com

New handbags, New Team Member, New Sales

With wholesale prices of $20 or less, retailers can’t go wrong with Aliz International’s handbags, especially its licensed celebrity bags, which continue to sell well season after season. It doesn’t always need to be about a new concept, mentions Tran, just a little reinvention and freshening up. While the entire line of Betty Boop, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley handbags was given a fresh look last spring, Tran couldn’t resist the offer to work with well known artist, Betty Harper, in designing an additional line of Elvis Presley bags. Harper, a portrait artist with a special hand for drawing the King of Rock n’ Roll, became the official artist for Elvis Presley Enterprises in 2006 and is helping Aliz with its new line. “Betty Harper’s imagination knows no boundaries, and with her talent our bags will have a fresh and unique look, marking some of the momentous events and times of Elvis’ life,” notes Tran.

The King of Rock n’ Roll isn’t the only licensed line that has Tran excited and Aliz working at full speed. A new funky and retro line featuring famous pinup girl, Bettie Page, is also soon to be launched. In fact, at the ASD Las Vegas show in March (Booth C2775), Aliz will be showcasing the innovative line featuring the “woman with the perfect figure.” Aliz assures retailers it has put in the effort to stay ahead of trends and the competition, and is offering a long list of hot items customers are looking for.

As always, for retailers who try a variety of the company’s products, Aliz offers a special assortment of 50 bags in two different arrangements. The first is a Manager’s Special that contains factory samples and discontinued styles for only $200. The second is the Trendy Pick, with an assortment of 50 of the newest best sellers, also for $200. Both sets of bags are valued over $1,000. All other orders must meet a $100 minimum; otherwise there is an additional $10 charge for handling.

For more information:
Aliz International, Inc.
11136 Satellite Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32837
Toll Free: 1-888-289-2541
Fax: 407-438-0122
Email: info@alizhandbags.com
Website: www.alizbags.com

Consumer Confidence Highlight of the Holidays

Much of the data was similar for other indexes and surveys focused around consumer confidence during and after the holiday season. The Los Angeles Times reports, “Pollster Gallup said December was the most optimistic month since June.” Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan also received positive feedback, as 29 percent of customers surveyed are expecting good economic times ahead, compared with 19 percent who said the same in November.

How is this increase in consumer confidence actually affecting shopping habits? The NPD Group Inc. released statistics that indicate nearly seven in ten consumers went shopping at brick and mortars during the week before Christmas, and spent 4.7 percent more per visit than the week prior. The Los Angeles Times highlights, “Beauty stores saw 31 percent more visits from shoppers, while apparel vendors enjoyed a 26 percent bump. Bookstores, shoe stores and department stores also experienced double digit increases.”

Check out our Industry Headlines to read about other consumer reports and surveys.

Organizing Email Marketing Campaigns

Email marketing campaigns can be organized so each group of recipients receives a relevant, even personalized, marketing message. And in 2012, the concept of learning something about customer preferences, demographics, desires, and devices, and then building relevant and authentic customer conversations via email around that data, will continue to grow in importance. As with any kind of marketing, targeting the right people at the right time is essential, and email makes it easier to strategize and customize. “While segmenting an email list by purchasing behaviors, funnel stage, and user declared preferences has proved successful, marketers need to continue to listen and look for shifts in consumer lifestyles,” wrote W. Jeffrey Rice, Senior Research Analyst for MarketingSherpa, in his company’s 2012 Email Marketing Benchmark Report.

Forty-nine percent of marketers responding to the survey said they could not segment their email lists based on viewer device habits. This is significant, considering that in May 2011, Nielsen reported that 38 percent of mobile users own a smartphone, and 55 percent of all new phones purchased were smartphones. As Practical eCommerce writes, “Given that one in ten email recipients are reading emails on a mobile device, marketers need to find a way to segment email lists so they can accurately identify those subscribers.” In preparation, however, those marketers designing for the B2C channel have created emails for mobile readership (41 percent), even without accurate readings on the exact number of consumers using their mobile devices to read email.

This article was adapted from a piece by Practical eCommerce.

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