As a local retailer, you have the distinct advantage of personally knowing your customers better than any large retailer ever could. And there’s no doubt that your personal familiarity with shoppers and your town are reflected in the in-store experience. But, when it comes to marketing outside of your store, there are different strategies you […]
Marketing & Management
The Evolution of Customer Loyalty
Even though it’s been proven that more customers prefer to shop in store than online, it can still be a dizzying process trying to market to them and keep them loyal. You might even stop trying to bring old customers back and put your focus on bringing new ones in. Imagine being able to win […]
Meeting Customer Experience Expectations in 2019
ThirdLove has been attempting to dominate customer experience in the retail industry since 2013, and to be quite honest, they’ve been doing a great job. Unlike traditional retailers that find one thing that works and sticks to it, ThirdLove is constantly changing and evolving around their customers. By using the power of technology and open […]
Uber Freight Satisfies Small Business Shipping Woes
Trying to satisfy your customers’ shipping needs can be a long, tiring, and expensive process, especially if you’re just starting out in the retail business. The growing demand for faster shipping is inevitably leaving the little guys behind because they can’t keep up, and this is where Uber has stepped in to help the cause. […]
Sell More Souvenirs This Summer
The U.S. novelty, souvenir, and gift industry includes about 23,000 stores with combined annual revenue of close to $16 billion. According to First Research, “The profitability of individual companies depends on effective merchandising and the ability to generate store traffic. Large companies have advantages in purchasing, distribution, and marketing. Small companies can compete effectively by […]
Mother’s Day 2019 – Consumer Insights and Promotional Tools
Mother’s Day, one of the biggest retail holidays of the year, is just around the corner. A total 86 percent of Americans celebrate Mother’s Day and spend an average of $180 per person. Last year, shoppers spent more than $23 billion on well-deserving moms, according to the National Retail Federation. What Shoppers are Buying for […]
2019 Economic and Consumer Outlook
The overarching theme of retail consumers in 2019 is high expectations. Higher consumer confidence, higher wages, innovative startups and emerging technology all contribute to unrelentingly high standards. But, for all of those same reasons small businesses are in a better position now, more than ever, to exceed consumers’ high expectations. Here’s a deeper dive into […]
Money Saving Tips for Your Business
Running a business can be hard work and very costly, especially if you’re just starting out in the field. Instead of throwing any extra change into a piggy bank like your mother taught you, there are easier ways of cutting costs, and Independent Retailer has put together tips for just that. Between advice from CEOs […]
How to Create an Immersive In-Store Experience
70% of our economy is driven by consumer spending. Mark Mathews, NRF Vice President for Research Development and Industry Analysis, says “as long as you have a strong consumer, you have a strong position.” How do you create strong consumers for your store? By offering them a great experience. Jill Standish of Accenture said at […]
Tax Season for Retailers – What You Need to Know
Last year, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling that changed online tax law. The original law predated the internet and was more reflective of mail-order catalogs. Previously, retailers only needed to collect and remit sales tax if they had a physical presence in that state. On June 21st, 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that […]
