Selling Unique Gifts and Service

Independent retailers have found a profitable niche in the sale of unique gifts that express thoughtfulness and sentiment, but most importantly stand out from the cookie cutter gifts purchased from big box retailers. Main Street USA can often promise an unusual present, “that has a great story behind it,” says Alison Jatlow Levy, a retail strategist, noting, “Local stores can add to the treasure hunting aspect of gift shopping that the national chain stores often miss.” Being different and offering one of a kind merchandise is the top criteria... 

Retailer’s Represented Via Video: NRF Seeking Contest Submissions

The NRF’s recently launched, nationwide advocacy “Retail Means Jobs” campaign was planned to include not only grassroots activism and old fashioned lobbying, but more specifically: • The launch of www.RetailMeansJobs.com, breaking down the retail industry’s economic impact by state and congressional district. • Advertising in print, radio and online markets. • Social media campaigning through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. • A viral video campaign to highlight the “Faces of Retail.” That viral video campaign is now organized... 

Are Mobile Shoppers Purchasing Your Products?

National news sources and even IndependentRetailer.com have not only followed the growth of mobile marketing (smartphone and tablet) throughout 2011, but have declared it as one of the fastest growing browsing and shopping channels of the year. As a result, this increasingly popular marketing platform is now influencing retail industry forecasts for 2012. Yet there are some retailers who might ask, “Will mobile marketing serve a purpose for me?” Stores magazine columnist, Susan Reda, writes, “Much of the excitement around mobile isn’t [even]... 

Designing a Retail Business Based on Biometrics and Real Statistics

Do brick and mortar retailers have a better sense of what their customers want and need? Since in-store customer service is all about face-to-face interaction, many would believe this to be true. But what about those consumers that come in just to browse, never saying a word and leaving without a purchase, what are they thinking or feeling? And while the store owner’s goal is to get to know each and every customer with the hope of gaining loyalty, sometimes the shopping rush shortens those personal interactions. The truth is online retailers are... 

Magmito Promotes Easy Mobile Marketing for Independent Retailers

NRF Stores magazine highlights that 2011 was the year for smartphones, tablets and consequently, m-commerce. As a result, this increasingly popular browsing and shopping channel continues to influence retail industry forecasts for 2012. As Stores columnist, Susan Reda, writes, “Much of the excitement around mobile isn’t [even] about transacting, it’s about influence, providing the local information shoppers are seeking about a store and being part of the conversation. Shoppers are channel-agnostic; they expect interaction from their mobile... 

Indies Profit from Unique Gifts and Smart Business Tactics

Annual occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and the holiday shopping season leave many consumers continually brainstorming for new gift ideas. As a result, independent retailers have found a profitable niche in the sale of unique gifts that express thoughtfulness and sentiment. Main Street USA can more times often than not promise an unusual present “that has a great story behind it,” says Alison Jatlow Levy, a retail strategist at consulting firm Kurt Salmon, in a recent USA Today article, adding, “Local stores can add to... 

Continuous Campaigning to Boost Local and Small Business Awareness

Similarly experiencing food and fuel price increases, and other economic strains, North American neighbors, Canada and America, are promoting two national campaigns to spur the many local economies taking a hit. With the help of the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), on Nov. 19, communities and consumers will be urged to “unchain” for a day, maximizing the impact of their dollars and injecting potentially millions more into the local economy by shopping, dining out and visiting only locally-owned independent businesses. The America... 

Independent Retailers Can Capitalize on Small Business Saturday

American Express and independent retailers are asking American consumers to not only shop, but pledge their allegiance to local small businesses this holiday season. Over the years, Black Friday has become recognized for the flash mobs hunting for bargains and big name brands at big box retailers, while Cyber Monday has become a day for eCommerce giants to celebrate the increased checkouts among their digital shopping carts. Independents, however, have earned a day to showcase their unique merchandise, offer in-store specials and bring together... 

Closing the Communication Gap Between Each Customer Visit

Among those of us who serve and cater to customers, it seems a basic universal truth that we want to maintain steady and loyal relationships in order to drive more sales. This fact also drives fairly consistent confusion as to what to do and how to do it. The question, “what?” usually results in a disparate list of marketing tactics, such as promotions, discounts, limited-time offers, and so forth. The question, “how?” is usually answered with different communication channels: email, advertising, special events, social media, mobile, etc. The... 

Fast Track Brand Building

What is a personal brand, and why do you need one? Your brand is in essence your reputation. Whether you’re running a million dollar megastore or a local small town boutique, your reputation is one of the most important assets you have in business, especially where customer loyalty plays a big role. A successful brand is built on what is real and authentic about you, and people know an authentic brand when they see one. Building your personal brand takes work, but those who are willing to put in the time and effort see big results. Here are some... 

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