Name for Handyman Service
My husband lost his job and is starting up his own handyman or home maintenance business. Any suggestions for a name? We could always use the fallback of our last name etl - any suggestions would be helpful. Nielsen Remodeling & Home Maintenance - boring....Do you think you can help name this business? Help us brainstorm a business name in the forum.
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Kids + Summer = Shoplifting
This week we have had more kids steel from us than the total number of adult shoplifters for the whole year. What is it with these kids? Two of them acted as if they could care less that they were in trouble. Our store requires staff to call the parents, but I wonder if that is enough to stop these kids from shoplifting again.
Does your store's shoplifting policy address underage shoplifters? Do you prosecute? Share your shoplifting policies and tell us how you handle young shoplifters.
Plan Your Next Promotional Event Now
Retailers working for chain stores may not know how easy they have it when it comes to planning promotional events and merchandising schedules. Planograms, marketing calendars and ad schedules arrive neatly typed and organized right to their desk from the corporate office.
Everything I took for granted when I worked for a chain store was learned the hard way my first year in business for myself. I'm embarrassed to admit that most of the promotions were planned, implemented and (undoubtedly) failed within a 48-hour period. Then I learned to plan ahead.
Combine this promotional event calendar with your own marketing plan for a powerful retail promotion tool.
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Identify and Prevent Retail Theft
Results of the National Retail Security Survey, released at the National Retail Federation’s Loss Prevention Conference and EXPO, show that retail shrinkage averaged 1.52 percent of retail sales in 2008, up from 1.44 percent in 2007.
As we focus on cutting expenses, retailers must continue to identify and prevent retail theft as a way to improve profitability.
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Careers in Retail
While many employment sectors are expecting a decline over the next few years, the retail industry continues to offer growth potential through the year 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Retailers are always looking for good people with a commitment to customer service, the ability to work in a team environment and individuals who can work through difficult situations with problem solving skills. Working in retail offers many exciting opportunities. Just take a look at some of the jobs in retail listed below.
Retailing Careers:Buyer: Job Profile | OpeningsRelated:
Visual Merchandiser: Job Profile | Openings
District Manager: Job Profile | Openings
Manager: Job Profile | Openings
Assistant Manager: Job Profile | Openings
Salesperson: Job Profile | Openings
Improving Profitablity
A retailer recently told me she was glad to be in business during these hard economic times for two simple reasons. For one, she feels if she can ride out the recession, her business will see her through many years to come. And two, because she's learned how to go up against competitors, where to tighten her expenses, and how to build a solid retail business.
We don't always see slow sales as a good thing, but if we learn the important lessons, we can emerge a stronger entity. Browse these ten ways to better your business to find out how you can improve your store's profitability.
How is your retail store weathering the recession? Share your comments below.
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Choosing Customer-Friendly Fixtures
When I purchase store fixtures, three basic factors influence my buying decision. First, I choose a fixture based on the need. For example, if I want to display garments off hangers, I'll look for a fixture with dividers for folded clothing. Then I'll shop around for the best price. Finally, I select a store fixture that looks best with our decor.
Unfortunately, none of these decision making factors involve the customer! All are based on my own needs. If you've made this same mistake, take a look at these 3 tips for choosing customer-friendly fixtures from Jerry Barczyk.
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Compliance Notice: Labor Law Poster
Have you recently received an official looking letter warning your business about replacing outdated labor law posters? It may say something like:
Failure to comply with 2009 compliance requirements may lead to government fines and/or audits.
Retailers are busy people and some may find it overwhelming to stay up to date on all of the laws and regulations governing our businesses. Unfortunately, many direct marketers know this and some may try to take advantage of those retailers.
The United States Department of Labor has certain regulations requiring posters or notices to be displayed in the workplace. Is your retail store following the law? Do you know which notices you are required to post? Before you spend money with a poster provider, browse these workplace posters and requirements to be sure your shop is in compliance. I've even included links for you to download the posters for free.
Image courtesy of U.S. Department of Labor
Book Review: Marketing Your Retail Store in the Internet Age
As soon as sales dip and retailers look for ways to boost the bottom line, many begin thinking about marketing. Some may think about cutting their marketing budget, others may look for new, innovative ways to market their retail business. Either way, marketing becomes increasingly important during down times.
Retailers aren't the only ones who know this. I've received several calls this week from various publications asking us to buy advertising space. We know we need to keep our brand out there in front of our customers, but where should we put our marketing dollars? Where can retailers turn for marketing advice?
If you're a retailer thinking about marketing or considering opening a retail store, read my review of Marketing Your Retail Store in the Internet Age by Bob and Susan Negen to find out if their marketing advice is worth the investment.
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Photo courtesy of John Wiley & Sons, Inc.Bailout for Retailers?
How many times have you heard that question in the last few months. How many times have thought it?
Beginning June 15th, retailers and small businesses can apply for an interest-free, deferred loan to help meet their expenses. The America's Recovery Capital (ARC) loans will be offered by some Small Business Administration lenders for as long as funding is available or until September 30, 2010, whichever comes first.
So hurry and find out if your retail business qualifies for the ARC Loan program or learn how to apply.
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