What if I told you that I have a foolproof way to say “Take my $10!”?  Retailers are always amazed that one small tweak can make a huge difference to your bottom line, but that’s what sooo exciting about applying the science of consumer psychology to your marketing, merchandising and team training. This particular strategy I’m about to share with … Read More

I’m sure it comes as no surprise to retailers that PIVOT received an honorable mention in dictionary.com’s People’s Choice Word of the Year 2020 (the top spot was claimed by “Unprecedented”). And boy did you pivot. You SLAYED the pivot. You earned that badge – wear it with pride!  But pivot simply doesn’t do justice to your achievements this past … Read More

What! HoHoHo has a secret translation? We can all picture Santa Claus leaning back with hands on his belly while saying “hohoho”! It is part of his joyful and laughter-rich image.  Fun fact: “Hohoho” is an onomatopoeia, which is a word that sounds like what it means. It is a deep and happy sound. In the 1970 Christmas cartoon movie, … Read More

Your day is just starting. Unlocking the door you walk into your dark, quiet store. So used to your morning opening routine are you, that you don’t even have to think about what you are doing. You put your things in the back room, turn on the computer, put your float in the cash register, turn on the lights… And … Read More

There is something important I want you to know: YOU are NOT powerless! It’s so very easy (I know, I’ve been there) to feel defeated when traffic is down, and your sales are suffering because of it. It’s easy to blame this outside force – the weather, the economy, the pandemic… BUT you have more control than you might think. … Read More

Do you set a sales goal every month, which corresponds to your overall sales goal for the year? If your answer is “sometimes”, you are not alone. It’s an important step that a lot of retailers miss (or skip) because they get too busy. OR they think because creating a sales goal is “guesswork”, it doesn’t really matter if they … Read More

We talk a lot about the importance of navigating the holiday season as a small business owner, to avoid stress and burnout (get our free guide to No More Holidaze here!) This is especially important if you are a team of one.  And what if you do have a team? How can you best support them through the busy holiday … Read More

Would you like to spend this holiday season relaxed, present with your loved ones and enjoying every holiday pleasure you desire? As an independent retailer, you might think that you are destined to spend the holidays exhausted, sacrificing yourself in order to keep your store hopping. Scurrying through the holidays in a Holidaze. I’m here to tell you: That simply … Read More

As an independent retailer, you are an integral part of a HUGE patchwork that ties your community together. On a larger scale, you are a cornerstone of our greater society. That is why we are declaring November the month of GRATITUDE!And here is why you should declare it with us! This world NEEDS you. Yes YOU! Your shop is a … Read More

Here at RETAILMavens we are BIG on Manifestos! We teach all our private clients how to write a manifesto for their business, and every year we encourage all retailers to write a HOLIDAY manifesto: manifesto nounman·​i·​fes·​to | \ ˌma-nə-ˈfe-(ˌ)stō  \plural manifestos or manifestoesDefinition of manifesto: a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer Why is … Read More