Reducing Shopping Anxiety

Fred Mael, Phd MaelConsulting.com December can be a time of anxiety for everyone involved in retail activity. For store owners and merchandise producers, there is so much riding on having a smashing season’s finale. For retail employees, it can mean very long hours and big, agitated crowds – and the alternative is worse.  And for many shoppers who should be … Read More

Are You Serious About More Profit? Or Just Hoping? Or Just Stupid? Part 2 to your Breakthrough

We are talking about the four basic segments of your Roapmap to your Breakthrough. 1.    Inventory 2.    Profitability 3.    Marketing 4.    Customer Service Last week, I addressed customer service.  CLICK HERE TO READ IT. Let me start with the definition of breakthrough.  It includes removing a barrier to success.  In my experience, that barrier is often a lack of knowledge … Read More

Should You Buy From That Vendor Again? How To Know For Sure!

As an indie retailer, doesn’t it seem like you are always buying? I get asked so often, “How do I know for certain how a vendor is performing for me?” It is easier than you think to measure vendor performance. There are 5 steps to take. They can make all the difference. Every time I have clients do this exercise, … Read More

Did You Break Your New Year’s Retail Resolution Yet?

Actually perhaps a better question is…do you even still remember what it was? Did you write it down? The first week or so of the year is full of such hope and opportunity right? You dream about how life and your store can be different. Often it seems like the most obvious solution to those dreams is more sales. If … Read More

What Is The First Thing You Should Pay in 2013?

What Is The First Thing You Should Pay in 2013? The start of a new year is filled with hope and promise, right? Like you, I am very visual. The new year reminds me of a bright shiny new penny or a beautiful pristine landscape covered in snow. There is one thing that you have to pay to keep your … Read More