“How do I plan my holiday season with all this uncertainty?” This is what retailers are asking me right now. How about you? The answer is: There will always be uncertainty. Really. It might seem like this is a more uncertain time than usual – but I’m telling you: Nothing is EVER certain. And this is why it is SO … Read More
Is the Battle Between Indie Retail vs. Big Box Real?
I am the first to agree that independent retail comes with its fair share of challenges and obstacles. So is the battle between indie retail vs. big box real? Truthfully? There are many store owner misconceptions – that creates obstacles that otherwise wouldn’t be there. I find that the fourth quarter and holiday season tend to bring these misconceptions, fears, … Read More
3 Ways to Stand Out Online
Enjoy these tips to help you stand out online, from guest blogger Jiselle Riley! – Cathy The pandemic has had a significant effect on e-commerce and online consumer behavior. With restrictions making it difficult for brick-and-mortar retailers to continue their business, Insider Intelligence reports that there was a 16.5% sales growth for the global retail e-commerce industry. This trend is expected … Read More
How do I get More Repeat Sales?
As a store owner, a BIG part of your revenue comes from repeat sales. But are you getting enough of them? If I was a Magic Genie in a bottle who granted you three retail wishes, you might wish for: But… Since I’m NOT a Genie (sorry I really wish I was!), you’ll have to rely less on magic and … Read More
How to Support Your Team So They Can Support You
Are you frustrated by your retail team’s performance? You need to learn how to support your team so they can support you. Listen, I know exactly how frustrating it can be when your retail staff isn’t doing what you want them to do. I get it… You unlock the door and walk into your store early in the morning. It … Read More
7 Sure Ways to Waste Your Team’s Time
I remember when a retailer told me that staff meetings were a waste of time. Now I have heard many excuses why retailers don’t do them – but I usually don’t hear that they aren’t worth doing at all. So when I dug a little deeper, it became clear that this retailer was making some very common mistakes that did … Read More
5 Retail Skills Your Team Must Know
You have worked hard to create great relationships with your raving fans. Those relationships can be easily damaged by lacking customer interaction skills from your team. You don’t want to lose any business that way.
5 Steps to Hiring Well – Why I Love a Bad Employee
The secret to having a supportive team is hiring well. In all my experience with hiring retail employees, I narrowed it down to 5 steps to hiring well. I actually always loved a bad employee. Why? Because the beauty of having bad employees is that it points out a problem, right? And when you see a problem, you have 2 … Read More
Why You Should Hire Like a Turtle & Fire Like a Rabbit
Turtles are slow, unhurried. They take their time. When you are hiring a new team member, it’s so important that you move slowly and deliberately. To clarify, I don’t mean you should procrastinate or drag out the hiring process. What I mean by slow is being intentional, thorough and knowing what you want, and what you need. Hire Slow Use … Read More
Why You Should Hop Off the Fence
Decision fatigue is a very real thing and you might not even be aware that you suffer from it. It manifests as mental exhaustion, procrastination, avoidance – the inability to make smart, productive choices. And that’s such a terrible way to live. When you think about how many decisions we are faced with every day, it’s no wonder it happens … Read More
