The purpose of your marketing strategy and all the time, sweat and money you put into it – is ultimately to get new customers so you can increase sales. You want to reach more people, and you want to convert more people from lookers into buyers. But contrary to what many retailers believe, the answer is not to throw more … 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
Why I Love a Bad Employee
The beauty of having bad employees is that it points out a problem, right? And when you see a problem, you have 2 options: Whine about it or address it. I always say, there are only two kinds of retailers – whiners and winners. I already know YOU are a WINNER… So let’s address the problem, shall we? The root … Read More
Are You A Frog?
Are You a Frog? Warts and all? If I were to ask you: Are you a frog? Warts and all? I’m going to guess that your immediate response is: “NO! And I don’t have any warts!” But are you sure? We all know the story about the frog and boiling water. It goes that if you put a frog in … Read More
Why Calling is Not a 4 Letter Word
When I shared my number 1 tip for increasing traffic and sales immediately with a client, she acted as if I had told her a 4 letter word 😳. I assure you I didn’t. But her reaction is not uncommon! I’m sharing our conversation so that you can see why it’s a flawed perspective.I’m sharing it because it wasn’t the … Read More
What are you doing wrong in December?
What are you doing wrong in December? Not knowing how much cash you will have at the end of the year. It is important to see how much cash you are on track to generate compared to how much you need to take care of bills. There is still time to take strategic action. I am here to help you. … Read More
What’s Your Return Policy?
Retail is about creating relationships. GOOD retail is about creating GOOD relationships. BAD retail is about creating BAD relationships. Now before you dismiss this as being obvious, please stop. Take a breath – in and out. Think about what kind of relationships the policies of your store creates. Many policies – if not most – are put in place to … Read More
Do It the Peppermill Way – 5 Ways to Connect With Your Raving Fans
The images of Las Vegas linger in my mind. Boy do they know how to do marketing there. Even in breakfast diners! Paul and I had spent the evening at the Venetian. We asked a bartender where to go for breakfast and her immediate response was “The Peppermill.” Then our cabbie on the ride home gave us the same advice. … Read More
You’re Not Crazy – There Is Something That You Were Never Taught
One thing that store owners get frustrated with is feeling like retail should be a little easier. And you are not crazy….it is easier for some store owners. They learned something you might not have…yet! There is something that you were never taught. I learned it the hard way. When my sister and I opened our store, we were wildly … Read More
How to avoid this markdown vs. discount mistake
To your customer, there is no difference between a markdown and a discount – they both mean a reduced price. But for a Revolutionary Retailer like you, there is a subte, but important difference, and if you don’t know it – you might be making a common mistake. The difference is in your ability to make informed, profitable decisions. The … Read More
