Capital campaigns for non-profits usually center around new buildings and major projects – but one of the arts groups I support just announced a multi-million dollar fundraiser with the theme “people first.” This is a good reminder for us as shopkeepers that although merchandise, promotions and profits matter, the most important element of running a… Read More

An update of a popular blog post from November 12, 2018 NeeDoh squishies are making quite a splash in the gift world at the moment (when I wrote about this 8 years ago, it was fidget spinners that were the rage). As one would expect, there are countless manufacturers now coming out with new styles… Read More

Many of us struggle with posting regularly on social media. There often just aren’t enough hours in the day, or fresh ideas at hand. But one way to expand your offerings is through UGC, or user-generated content. UGC can be defined as “any text, videos, photos, or reviews about a product or brand created by… Read More

An update of a popular blog post from April 18, 2018 If your shop is incorporated, you are most likely an S Corp or C Corp.  You may not have even heard of the option of being a B (for benefit) Corp, which is not surprising — because this relatively new type of corporate status… Read More

A package of products from a new vendor just arrived that contained an impressive marketing flyer.  “Hi, Orange Tree Imports!” it stated at the top. “We picked this item just for you.” What followed was a photo labeled “Your Next Best Seller” as well as a QR code that leads to further recommendations.  A personalized… Read More

An update of a popular blog post from December 13, 2010 The customer may always be right (or not), but the customer is not always cheerful.  One of the day-to-day challenges facing store owners and our employees is how to deal with a surly shopper.  Here are five techniques I hope you’ll find helpful: 1.… Read More

Why is it important to work with a variety of vendors, and to carry merchandise sourced from different countries? Recent issues with tariffs, shipping, and supply chain issues have shown how difficult it can be when one country of origin or vendor becomes unreliable or more expensive. Diversity also builds strength in your product mix,… Read More

An update of a popular blog post from November 13, 2017 My favorite subject back in first grade was called show and tell.  This grade school version of Toastmasters encouraged even the shyest children to get up and talk about something they’d brought from home.  Perhaps it was the future retailer in me that made… Read More

One of the most common questions new retailers ask is “do I need a POS system, and if so which one is best for my store?” Veteran shopkeepers who have been using cash registers instead of the more modern point of sale systems are faced with similar questions when considering the efficiency of converting. Both… Read More

An update of a popular blog post from October 12, 2010 We all hope we never have to face a medical crisis in our business, but of course things do sometimes happen.  Beyond keeping a supply of bandaids on hand, what have you done to make sure you’re ready in case something happens to a… Read More