by Elizabeth Cichowski Whether or not retailers are requiring their employees to wear face masks, those employees need to make a human connection if you want to increase sales and capture market share from your competition. That valuable discussion brings up a completely different issue: If you are implementing new policies due to this pandemic, […]
Retail News
Foko Retail Launches New Retailer Resources as Part of COVID Kit
Foko Retail, a leader in the retail communication space, recently announced the release of its coronavirus employee screening tool, MyCheck-In, and a new website tracking store reopenings across every US state as part of its COVID Kit for retailers. The new suite of resources was designed to help retailers cope with the evolving challenges of […]
Four Ways Indie Retailers Can Cut Costs for Opening Week
by Brooke Chaplan Few times in life are more stressful and more cost-laden than the days leading up to a new business launch. However, there are a few steps that retailers can take now to reduce the initial outlay, protect their investment, and eliminate the hidden costs and last-minute expenses that often derail new businesses […]
Q2 Trends and Predictions Around the Coronavirus
The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has put many consumers and business owners all over the world on edge. With no foreseeable future on when this pandemic will end and the number of infections continuing to increase day after day, most brick-and-mortar retailers have closed their doors and are relying solely on online sales to […]
Retail Employee Engagement and COVID-19: Getting Back to Work
The other night I saw a Big Lots TV commercial. Instead of the usual, slightly sad COVID-era piano soundtrack, it opened with an upbeat version of Put A Little Love in Your Heart. It showed real employees cleaning, sanitizing, stocking shelves with toilet paper, and smiling. It ended with the tagline “Your Neighborhood Discount Store.” […]
Changes, Preparations, and Interests: Post COVID-19 Outlook for Retailers
Nothing has felt normal in the past few months and things just continue to change as we move farther into the COVID-19 pandemic. States are starting to lift their stay-at-home orders and while it seems like business may return to usual, that is far from the reality. Retailers are going to be up against a […]
Tampa Bay Families Rally to Support Charitable Small Businesses
Shop Local For Good has announced the rollout of their “Build-A-Box Delivered” program. This initiative was developed as an opportunity to encourage the Tampa Bay community to “shop local” with their small business neighbors who have regularly supported worthwhile nonprofit missions in their neighborhoods. To maximize the savings of the shoppers while also supporting the […]
Tips for Retailers Marketing Non-Essential Essentials During COVID-19
by Brooke Chaplan As COVID-19 continues to impact the world, it’s certainly a scary time for millions of people. Additionally, it’s a really scary time for businesses that are deemed non-essential at this time. However, business owners have the power to change the narrative around their business. Even though your local government might view your […]
The Different Return Personas and How to Combat Them
Retailers lose more than $600 billion each year to sales returns. Labeled the “ghost economy” by IHL Group, retailers in North America accounted for $183 billion of that number alone. Understanding the importance of returns in the consumer journey is critical for indie retailers looking to stay competitive and succeed in today’s online marketplace. Returnly, […]
The NPD Group Reports Upward Signs of Retail Spending
As consumers settled into their sheltering at home routines, spending improved for the fourth straight week, up seven percent compared to the prior week, according to The NPD Group. Retail spending also showed flat year-over-year performance during the week ending April 25, 2020 — the first time sales didn’t decline since early March. As promising […]
