Some retailers take advantage of a summer slump to work on their marketing calendar. However, for many retail stores the days following the holiday rush can be the slowest time of the year. It is also the time many choose to put together a promotional plan. Have you finished your marketing plan for 2010? Have you even started?

If you haven't already written yours, don't worry. It's never too late to put together a marketing plan. Laura Lake, our About.com Guide to Marketing, has created a handy marketing calendar tool to help you plan your marketing strategy.

This retail promotional calendar is a list of some of the major holidays, observances, retail trends, seasonal events and other happenings to help plan your store's retail merchandising. Combine this information with your own marketing calendar for a powerful retail promotion tool.

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Category Killer and other retail terminology can be found in our retailing glossary. View the alphabetical index of retail trade terms, definitions, acronyms and common misspellings of frequently used retailing terminology.

[Photo courtesy of cheeki at stock.xchng]

As a new year draws closer, we find ourselves taking stock of our personal lives. For many, 2010 comes with new hopes, new goals and new resolutions. It is a chance to do away with the old and start anew. But what about our businesses? What new hopes and new goals do we set for our retail store?

If you looking for areas of improvement within your retail shop, consider these 10 ways to better your business.

Related Resolutions on About:

• Financial Planning: Financial Resolutions for the New Year
• Investing for Beginners: 10 Financial Resolutions for the New Year
• Human Resources: Resolutions for Your Possible New Year
• Management: New Year's Resolutions vs. New Year's Goals
• Small Business: Canada: New Year's Resolutions for Work-Life Balance

A reader writes:

How do you find wholesale items?  I can find the retail items, but don't know where to go from there to get it wholesale.  Is there some prerequisite, tax license, etc. that's needed before you call.

We often receive similar questions by retailers looking for merchandise for resale. Buying wholesale merchandise can be quite tricky when you're just starting out. Can you remember your search for wholesale products? Join the discussion and share your experience.

As the new year approaches, we're receiving several invitations to trade shows. There are dealer shows, industry shows and an array of upcoming expos. Like most retailers, we're excited to have an opportunity to shop for our store, preview new merchandise and network with others in our industry.

Attending a trade show can be an invaluable experience. However, if you aren't prepared, you may not take away from the event as much as you could. To get the most from attending a trade show, you should have a strategy. Learn how to maximize your time with these trade show tips.

Related:

• Retail Trade Associations
• Inventory & Buying

When we selected a retail store front for our fishing tackle store, we found one less than a mile from the lake. The rent was reasonable, the size ideal and we believed we had chosen the perfect retail store location. We didn't realize at the time that there were so many bad aspects with our choice. From no visibility, improper lighting, and the wrong kind of traffic to a restrictive lease, we were almost doomed from the beginning.

Experts have debated that the right location can make or break a business. However, I'm sure most would agree that there are many factors to consider when choosing a retail location. Before you sign a lease, understand the types of retail store locations and find one that fits your business model.

Did you research locations before opening your store or did you open in the first available building? Tell us how you choose your retail location. Would you do it differently if you had to do it again?

Most of the people reading this blog came here with a common goal. That is, to learn about some aspect of starting and operating a retail business. Yet people choose to go into business for themselves for many different reasons. We each have different driving forces that lead the entrepreneur in us.

Poll: What motivated you to want to start a retail business?

• Money
• Freedom
• Boredom
• Physical Disability
• Job Market Barriers
• Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Family Tradition
• Have a Great Idea
• Other (Add your own option in 'comments' below)

View Results

Related:

• 4 Reasons People Don't Start a Business
• Is Retail Ownership Right For You?
• Pros & Cons of Starting a Retail Business

I've noticed some really creative and inspirational holiday window displays this year. It looks like many retailers are working hard to get people in the holiday spirit. What merchandising has your store done to help bring holiday cheer to the shoppers?

If you have created a unique or beautiful visual display for Christmas or other holiday event, we want to share it with our viewers. Just follow the instructions and send us your photos to be added to our gallery. Who knows, you just may inspire another retailer!

Related:

• Visual Display Gallery
• Christmas Display Ideas
• Creating Attractive Displays

[Photo Courtesy of Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort]

Cyber Monday and other retail terminology can be found in our retailing glossary. View the alphabetical index of retail trade terms, definitions, acronyms and common misspellings of frequently used retailing terminology.