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 […]
Marketing & Management
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 […]
How Pop-Up Stores Are Revolutionizing the Retail Space
The retail space has seen a lot of technological advancements, but perhaps none more impactful than the pop-up store. In fact, according to Storefront Magazine, temporary pop-up shops are expected to generate $50 billion annually across the globe, and have been accepted as a proven marketing strategy for big brands. The pop-up store is a […]
4 Steps for Choosing a POS System
Choosing a point-of-sale (POS) system is a big decision. The right system can make your business operate much more efficiently, help manage inventory, provide data to make better purchasing and staffing decisions, and improve customer service. Many of the POS systems available for retailers advertise similar features. But, they are not all created equal. Here’s […]
Back to Basics: Freshen Up Your Store with Merchandising 101
Spring has sprung. Well… almost. There’s no better time than the present to freshen up your store for yourself, and for your customers. Having a great retail display can make all the difference. The way you display products and organize your store can be the difference between stellar sales or a deadbeat season. So, let’s […]
Spring into Action: How to Increase Apparel and Accessory Sales
It is not enough just to stock your store with apparel and accessories for the new season, you need strategies to move those products. Spring is a time for new beginnings, and there’s no better time to reinvent your store and optimize for sales. Here is a step-by-step guide for increasing apparel sales in your […]
How to Profit from Seasonal Overstock and Returns
The holidays are over, including retail holidays Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Super Saturday. But, there is still one retail holiday left to contend with: National Returns Day. This more informal holiday takes place in the beginning of January when consumers flock to the stores and the Post Office to return or exchange holiday […]
How to Upsell Gift Cards
It’s January, and that means one thing in retail: gift card redemption month. Year after year, gift cards are one of the most popular holidays gifts. 90 percent of gift cards are used within 60 days of purchase, and 72 percent of customers spend more than the value of their gift card when redeeming. So, […]
