I can’t tell you how many times I looked at my to-do list and thought… How on earth am I supposed to balance all this AND still see my customers? I know you’ve felt that too. One minute you’re knee-deep in emails and vendor calls, and the next a customer walks in and you just want to drop everything to … Read More
Retail Momentum the CEO Guide: Localism and Team Power
Oh my gosh, September really does feel like hitting a reset button, doesn’t it? Summer’s winding down, the back-to-school buzz is here, and in Chicago I even got to wear a sweater the other day. That shift in the air? It’s the same kind of energy your store can tap into. This is the season to build retail momentum. Now, … Read More
How Retailers Beat Online Competition with Story & Experience
Retailers, I know how frustrating it feels when a customer comes in, falls in love with something in your store, and then says, “Oh… I saw this online for less.” Ouch. I used to think that meant brick-and-mortar retailers like us didn’t stand a chance against the giants of online retail competition. But here’s the truth: we’re not in a … Read More
Media That Moves Merch: PR Tactics for Store Owners
Small Business PR Tactics That Actually Work (Even Without a Big Budget) I’ll be honest with you, for years, I thought PR tactics were only for the “big guys” with massive marketing budgets. You know, the brands splashed across glossy magazines or featured on morning shows. I figured small retailers like us couldn’t pitch local media, build relationships with journalists, … Read More
Your Products Have a Story, Share It and Make Sure the World Knows
Have you ever wondered how something as simple as a sock could transform your business and someone’s life? Because products have a story and that story can make all the difference. At first glance, it sounds almost too simple, right? But stick with me, because that’s exactly what happened when I met Laura Schmidt, founder of Notes to Self. Her … Read More