We have been keeping store photo albums since we started in business almost 35 years ago, documenting every window display and all major staff events. This gives us a treasure trove of display ideas, as well as a starting point for discussing what has worked best in our windows over the years. These albums also… Read More

If you are like me, you’ve been too busy keeping your store afloat to participate in a “flash mob.” These are happenings in which a large number of people suddenly show up in a public location, having been alerted via e-mail, cell phones, Facebook, and other social media. They then perform a brief, unique act… Read More

My friend Mary Lang Solinger, who had years of retail experience under her belt before turning her attention to good causes and liberal politics, pointed out recently that many people are now collecting experiences rather than “things.” Not good news for retailers, you might think — but as Mary points out, as store owners we… Read More

As if you didn’t have enough to worry about, the latest issue of Stores magazine (the monthly publication of the National Retail Federation) reports that Organized Retail Crime is estimated to have had an impact on 85% of all retailers in 2008. Organized crime can hit your store in the form of a ring of… Read More

If you build it, will they come? With over 100 million web sites now in existence, it is a challenge to draw people to the “clicks” part of your retail operation. But there are creative ways to use your “bricks” store to draw customers to your online presence.  One way is of course to include… Read More

Our shop is lucky to be part of a strong buy local movement, and I can tell you that the support of consumers who want to help independent businesses survive in this tough economy has made a real difference in our store’s success.  If you are not already involved in encouraging consumers in your area… Read More

One of our neighboring business owners recently had an emergency appendectomy. Like many small retailers, she didn’t have health insurance, but this surgery wasn’t optional. Her bill came to $27,000, and although the hospital has agreed to reduce the total, she will be paying off the debt for years. We have banded together to do… Read More

Once upon a time (in fact, when I was a girl), Tupperware was sold exclusively through home parties. It’s still done that way in many places — the hostess invites her friends and provides the refreshments.  The Tupperware representative brings games and little prizes, samples of all kinds of Tupperware, and of course lots of order… Read More

We all know that the near future is going to be rough going economically, but what if your community adds street repairs to the challenges you are already facing this year?  The Small Business Advisory Council here in Madison, Wisconsin (where there are said to be two seasons, winter and road work) has issued a… Read More

Have you ever felt that no one really understands how hard it is to be retailer, especially today? Do you wonder whether your customers appreciate all that you do, and whether your employees know how hard you work to keep them employed?  Cheryl Karpen knows, from personal experience, and she wants to reassure you that… Read More