Would you like to know how YOU should celebrate Amazon Prime Days? Wait, what?! Why am I asking you, an independent retailer, to cheer for Amazon Prime Days? Because this is a huge opportunity to take advantage of the cultural fanfare this event gets and puts a local twist on it to make it your own successful annual event. In fact, … Read More
And now just a little of that human touch (Part 3 of 3)
First, pat yourself on the back. I know that looking at reports is not necessarily the “fun” part of retail (unless you’re me of course!! Hit reply if you’re with me!) Doing the RETAILMavens Vendor Scorecard is taking action towards a successful holiday season and that sets you apart from your competition (who most likely is just “winging it”). You … Read More
This is how to listen to your customers’ needs and wants (Part 2 of 3)
By doing the RETAILMavens Vendor Scorecard, you are listening – not just listening, but hearing – your customers’ needs and wants.
A powerful report you are probably NOT evaluating (Part 1 of 3)
Our Mavens have been busy this past week, getting reports ready for our private clients ahead of the upcoming holiday season (if you missed our email about why we need to start planning holiday earlier this year, and how to do a Holiday open house in a pandemic – You can read about that right here!). One powerful report, which … Read More
The holidays are not canceled! Let’s get festive!
Recently Jami asked me:“Just wondering what are your thoughts on Christmas open house? How are you planning on adjusting to meet requirements?” And of course – we are all about finding the opportunity in every obstacle, so here are the powerful strategies I shared with Jami: #1 Start earlier This year, we HAVE to start talking to our customers about … Read More
Do your marketing tactics accomplish these 2 things?
You’ve heard me say that you must spend 20% of your work time on marketing. If you aren’t, then it doesn’t matter what you do for the other 80% of the time. Why? Because your people won’t be there otherwise! You won’t have traffic. If you work 5 days a week, that’s the equivalent of one full day spent specifically on … Read More
Black-Owned Wholesale Resource
A core value of our business is to always improve and to help others do the same. That includes understanding racism. It includes understanding how silent prejudices in beliefs impact thoughts and create actions. We are working on that. “Staying humble and being ready to fumble” is a great quote from Rachel Rodgers. We will fumble during this time but … Read More
7 Reasons Why Team Meetings Are a Waste of Time
I remember when a retailer told me that staff meetings were a waste of time. I was shocked. I have heard many excuses why retailers don’t do them – but never heard anyone say that they weren’t worth doing at all. I asked why they thought so… and all the reasons were spewed out! Some were valid and some weren’t. … Read More
Reopening Your Store
Reopening Your Store Ready or Not! Get Set! Let’s GO! Congratulations! You are ready to walk through to the other side!Change is the only constant – ALWAYS. Take courage from the fact that you have mastered the skill of – Stop! Pivot. Reset. This skill will continue to serve you well. You have done things that you didn’t want to … Read More
Do Not Pay Your Landlord!
Do Not Pay Your Landlord! You should not be paying full rent right now. You can’t afford to. Note that I am not talking about not ever paying your landlord – just right now during this crisis and while your store is closed. There is so much going on and so much of it is outside of your control. Rent shouldn’t be. … Read More