As with any holiday, last minute shoppers will be out and about these next few days. Make your displays inviting and impulse buys convenient in order to maximize profits during this special time of year.

Valentine’s Day is a very good holiday for convincing shoppers to pick up something extra. Jewelry, flowers, candy and stuffed animals are always go-to items for Valentine’s Day, so place these items near the register and in close proximity to other Valentine’s Day gift items.

Also, considering pre-assembling gift baskets or grouping similar items together in order to encourage people to pick up another item that complements the original gift. For example, place coordinating earrings next to a necklace. Put together a variety of spa items such as robes, lotion, pedicure supplies, slippers, etc.

Here are some ideas for gift sets that not only will draw in customers, but will encourage them to spend just a little bit more for a quality gift this year.

Gift Sets for Men

• A toiletry bag filled with nice shaving essentials such as a razor, shaving cream warming, shaving brush, aftershave and cologne.
• Cigar Sets that include nice cigars, cutters, lighters and a cigar box.
• Grilling sets that include utensils, rubs, marinades, spices, smoking chips and kabob skewers.
• Any alcohol gift set that includes alcohol, glasses, a wine opener or bottle opener, a flask and various accoutrements.

Gift Sets for Women

• Spa/bath set including salt scrubs, bubbles, lotion, loofahs and candles.
• Manicure/Pedicure sets with foot scrub, nail polish, pumice stones, hand lotion and cuticle oil.
• Chocolate gift packs with assorted candies.

Another idea would be to provide baskets and a “build your own gift set” with complimentary basket wrapping. Then have a table with various items like perfume, stuffed animals, chocolate and more so that people can build their own gift set that is in range with their exact budget.

Then don’t forget to have some flowers, stuffed animals and extra Valentine’s Day cards at the register so that shopping can pick up these last minute items and add them to their total.

How do you encourage people to purchase gifts in your store?

Hats, scarves, ties and belts can be tricky to display and more difficult to keep organized. However, these can be great impulse purchases when displayed effectively. These fixtures do not take up very much floor space and can enhance other displays as well. Because hats, scarves, ties and belts are great gifts, think about featuring these accessories for Valentine’s Day.

Some great store fixtures are available that are designed specifically for displaying scarves, belts and ties in an eye catching way. The rotating belt/tie/scarf rack features 20 hooks and stands upright. Customers will be able to view these items from all angles. Ball spiral racks are also optimal for scarves, ties and belts. With 29 chrome balls featured in a spiral figure, no items will be hidden from a customer’s view. Additionally, these fixtures are easy to move and go along well with other retail displays. Try putting them in a high traffic area and see if your sales increase.

29-Ball Spiral Rack |     Rotating Belt/Tie/Scarf Racks

There are several varieties of hat displays available to meet your store’s needs. Free standing floor cap towers will add visual dimension to a boring wall. A 12 tier cap tower has the ability to hold 72 hats and a 6 tier cap rack will hold 24 hats. If you’re looking for a countertop hat rack they are available in 2-tier, 3-tier and 4-tier depending on how many caps you wish to display. A 4-tier countertop cap tower is also available.  The difference between racks and towers is that a tower has a front and back and the tiers are stationary, giving it the ability to stand against a wall. The tiers on a cap rack rotate, and therefore must be placed in an area where customers can use the rotating store fixture.

Countertop Cap Tower |     4-Tier Standing Cap Rack

If you have wire grid or slatwall, a cap display that attaches to those fixtures may be more suitable and space saving for your store. Additionally, cap sky tiers will save floor space because they attach to existing display racks. And extra revolving cap tiers are available if you want to add more caps to a rack.

Cap Sky Tier |          Extra Cap Tier

Hat racks keep your merchandise in the best selling condition possible. We wouldn’t recommend throwing hats into a dump bin because they could be damaged and will lose their shape.

Also, think about using these apparel accessories on your mannequin displays. For more about mannequins check out this previous blog post: Mannequins.

Impulse buys are items that shoppers purchase that they had not planned on buying beforehand. Items near registers are not put there on accident. They are strategically placed to capitalize on impulse purchases. Usually these items are smaller, easily identifiable and priced lower than other items in your store. Though the register is a key place for merchandise, you can utilize other areas by creating special displays in high traffic locations or next to related merchandise. For increasing impulse buys, here are a few tips that we recommend trying.

Change out merchandise frequently. We have given this advice before about displays in general, but it is especially important for special displays designed for impulse buying. Regular customers look for updated merchandise, new products and featured sales. Make sure that you are regularly featuring new items so they keep coming back. Try to keep track of what you have displayed, where you setup the display and the success rate. This will help you know what works and what does not.

Highlight return policies near impulse purchase displays. Customers will be more likely to purchase higher priced merchandise on the spot when they are assured that it will be easy for them to return or exchange if they regret the decision later. Also, make sure that you clearly communicate if sales are final either with signs or at the register.

Put accessories next to related items. Accessories are great impulse merchandise sales. For example, when someone is looking for a great coat and sees scarves, gloves and hats to match, it will be too good to pass up. This also works with items that have accessories that are sold separately such as games, toys and tools.

Remember, you won’t know what works until you try it. Now is the time to experiment a bit with holidays such as Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day so you will be extra prepared for maximum sales during the next Christmas season.

What are your best impulse purchase displays?

Some statistics out there have said that 10% of all engagements in the U.S. happen on Valentine’s Day. This number seems a little high, but the bottom line is that many use this romantic day to pop the big question and that means ring sales! Even if you’re not a diamond selling store, in today’s economy, it is not unusual for women to opt for a non-diamond engagement ring. And really, any store that sells rings can benefit from effectively displaying products. In addition to making rings standout against a flattering background, having ring displays keeps these small items in front of your sales associates.

Depending in your store’s needs there are several ring displays to choose from. And because each of these displays are available in either black velvet or faux white leather, store owners will be able to choose the best color backdrop for featured merchandise.

To display many rings at once we recommend using the five finger ring display, twelve finger ring display, foam ring insert with 72 slots, foam ring inserts with 36 slots or foam ring pads with 8 sections. To highlight a special ring or to let a customer view a ring alone, the single finger ring display is available with either a round or square base. If your goal is to add some interest to your displays, the polystyrene display hand or the horizontal display hand are great options that will make rings sparkle.  the horizontal display hand are great options that will make rings sparkle.

72 Ring Foam Display |   5 Finger Ring Display |  Polystyrene Display Hand |   Single Ring Display

Also, don’t forget a plastic ring size measuring stick and a finger size measuring ring set with 25 plastic rings on a chain so customers know exactly what will work for them.

Ring Size Measuring Stick | Finger Size Measuring Rings

How do you display rings you sell? Do you display single rings? Multiple rings? Or both?

Like many things, it’s not surprising that men and women have different shopping behaviors. It is beneficial for store owners to cater certain displays toward women and others toward men, depending on the item featured and the season. Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to test how creating displays targeted at gender can increase sales because both men and women will be out in search of gifts for their significant others.

You can find countless articles about the different shopping habits between men and women. I would advise glancing over a few of these because they are very interesting. You will find information such as:

• Women spend $4 trillion annually and account for 83% of consumer spending in the U.S. (from WomenCertified.com)
• “A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs. A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn’t need.”
• One of the most important aspects for men when shopping is checking out fast. One of the most important things for women is the experience and feeling like an important customer. (from a 2007 study done at Penn State)

Knowing some of this information, you may be asking yourself how do you translate this to your displays. Here is what we recommend thinking about when displaying for men:

• Make sure items that your popular items for men are very easy to find and in stock. Because men have a “get in, get out” shopping mentality, they may give up at your store if they cannot find exactly what they are looking for quickly. Instead of creating cute, decorated displays we would recommend focusing on visible signage and keeping products organized.
• Men are less likely to ask for help than women, try to make all products available on the floor. Though it may look better to display an item without the clutter of having multiples of that product, men may not go looking for that displayed product if it is not readily available.
• Especially during Valentine’s Day, men may be a little out of their element when shopping for wives or girlfriends. To make them more comfortable, keeping popular Valentine’s Day merchandise in one area might be a good idea so they are not overwhelmed having to walk and search through the entire store.

Women are a little more eclectic in their shopping style, so you have more freedom with your displays. Here is what we recommend thinking about when displaying for women:

• Because women love options and deals, displaying a plethora of merchandise can be advantageous when targeting women. You can utilize a mix of dump bins, tables and racks to feature lots of merchandise. Displaying products at different price points will allow women to measure their options. Most women are not overwhelmed by a large inventory.
• Make sure that you let your female customers know that you appreciate their business and ask for feedback from them. You can do this by adding things such as comment boxes or survey slips in your store.
• Women are more likely to buy multiple items when they can see them together. For example, when a woman is shopping for her husband, pair that great wallet with a snazzy watch.

How do you make displays more appealing to men verses displaying for women?

We listed five helpful tips earlier in the week for store owners to effectively display jewelry. Instead of hanging jewelry by itself on a peg, we recommend using jewelry display cards for several reasons that include:

• Jewelry cards keep items neat and from tangling easily. This aspect will save your employees and customers time and frustration by not having to hassle with knotted merchandise.
• It is easy to mark prices on jewelry cards. By putting the price on the card, you will not have to strategically figure out a way to label the price directly on jewelry items.
• Because jewelry cards fold over and adhere to themselves, jewelry is never harmed by adhesives or connectors. This is a perfect way to avoid annoying sticker residue on items.
• Jewelry cards are perfect for display racks.

Self-adhesive necklace fold-overs will hold any size necklace, bracelet or even hair ties. With convenient inserts, you will be able to display merchandise on racks or counter stands. Available in cases of 100 these jewelry cards come in white or black.

Self-Adhesive Necklace Fold-Overs

For earrings you can choose between black or tan velour imprinted earring cards with “FASHION EARRINGS” on the front, black velour plain earring cards, or white plastic earring cards. Available in cases of 100, these earring cards will hold pierced or clip on style earrings.

Plastic Imprinted Earring Cards

Special pin cards with “FASHION PIN” printed on the front are available in cases of 100. Barrette cards in black and white feature slits for displaying barrettes and the ability to hang on wire displays and peg displays.

Barrette Cards

The way you display jewelry is a very important aspect to generating sales. Chances are that customers are not going to know exactly what they want before they purchase jewelry. These types of purchases are personality and style based and not focused as much on functionality. That is why you must cater these displays to your target buyers’ tastes.

1. Match the display with the style of jewelry you are displaying.
The jewelry you sell probably matches the personality type of your customers. If you sell high end, one-of-a-kind pieces, then you should focus on displaying each piece in a special way. When you have many of the same kinds of pieces, than a variety of merchandise will give customers more choices.

For example, the materials of the jewelry you sell can be a good indicator of what displays are right for you. If you have pieces with precious gems and stones then we recommend using black velvet and lights to make those items really shine and sparkle. Some merchandise might be more eclectic and made with beads, smooth rocks, string and wire. Using other textures and colors in these displays could be more eye catching. Think of a few adjectives you would use to describe your jewelry inventory i.e. casual, funky, formal. Then, have your display match those describing words accordingly.

2. Utilize a variety of mirrors in several places in your store.
From countertop mirrors to floor mirrors, customers will want to view all angles of themselves. Having mirrors around encourages customers to try on pieces and that will make them more likely to buy. You can even strategically place mirrors closer to sales associate stations, so you can ask if they need any assistance. It would also be a good idea to have hand mirrors behind the counter for people to view the backs of their heads or a close up of their face.

3. Make the jewelry the focus.
Be careful not to let your merchandise become hidden by your display materials and accessories. It can be easy to get carried away decorating displays, but sometimes less is more. Take a step back to look at your display and make a note of the function of each material you are using. If you can’t think of a reason for a particular decoration, chances are you would be better off without it.

4. Think about how portable you want your displays.
If you have jewelry displayed during store hours and then put it away at night for safe keeping, then you will want displays that are easy to maintain and move. Think about the difference between stationary displays and portable displays. Stationary displays are more appropriate for stores that do most business in-house. Owners that conduct a large part of their business at craft shows or trade shows will lean toward portable displays. You may find that you have a need for both.

5. Be organized.
Customers can be very frustrated messing with tangled necklaces and bracelets. Likewise, finding a card with a missing earring is a turn off. Choose displays that will be easy for you to maintain and straighten up regularly through the day.

View a previous feature product blog post about portable jewelry displays.

How do you effectively display jewelry in your store?

Because jewelry is a top seller for Valentine’s Day, offering jewelry boxes with purchases is a nice touch for buyers. Jewelry boxes are great for keeping purchases safe, secure and unharmed from the time of purchase to when the recipient opens the box. They help keep necklaces and bracelets from becoming a tangled mess, as well as add an extra element of surprise when opening.

Many women also keep the original boxes their jewelry comes in as a way to neatly store and organize jewelry. Plus, many times stores put their brand name on their boxes so it is a good way to remind customers where they purchased their favorite jewelry items. You can easily brand boxes by adding custom sticker labels with your company name and contact information.

For many stores that carry jewelry, cotton-filled jewelry gift boxes will suffice with customer purchases. These boxes come in silver, white, kraft and gold to match any other packaging materials you offer. Many shapes and sizes are available to accommodate necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watches, pendants and rings. Additionally, they come with a piece of cotton that is sized to the box, so these are great for packaging other small, fragile items as well.

Cotton-Filled Jewelry Gift Boxes in silver, kraft, white and gold.

Jewelry stores that want to create a dramatic presentation with their products, faux leather and black velvet boxes are perfect for creating the WOW factor. These not only look great but because they close tight, items will be stored safely wherever they go. Boxes for rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants and watches are available in black velvet with gold accents, faux leather white and faux leather black.

Black Velvet Earring Box | Faux Leather Necklace Box | Faux Leather Watch Box

Since many retail stores have cut back budgets and do not offer gift boxes with purchases, your store will standout above the competition when you have these items available.

You have probably noticed the Valentine’s Day merchandise already hitting the shelves. Although most Valentine’s Day sales come three days prior to the 14th, getting your Valentine’s items out earlier this year could be to your benefit, for a couple of reasons:

Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday. Historically when Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend, retail sales drop a bit. This is because instead of buying products, couples go out to restaurants and date destinations. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), when Valentine’s Day was on Saturday in 2009 consumers spent about $14.7 billion compared to $17 billion in 2008.

The Super Bowl is early this year. With Valentine’s Day falling on the week after the Super Bowl, retailers will have to be on their best selling game. Men’s attention will be preoccupied, so getting them into the Valentine’s mood may be tricky. Start reminding them early that they need to think about the ladies in their lives.

The most popular items purchased for Valentines from the NRF include:

• Cards
• Evening Out
• Candy
• Flowers
• Jewelry
• Clothing
• Gift Cards

If your store sells these items, highlight them at the front of your store, near registers and with Valentine’s Day sale signage. Appeal to men’s shopping behavior by making it easy to see items that would be perfect for their wife or girlfriend.

What is a big Valentine’s Day seller for your store?

Happy New Year’s!

Wow its 2010 already. Is your store open today?

More and more stores have kept their doors open on the first day of the New Year, advertising extra savings to rake in shoppers looking for a deal.  Along with the tips from Tuesday about how to maximize after holiday sales, changing the look of your labels along with the discounted price will highlight reductions.

An easy way to draw attention to lower prices on price tags is with a one line pricing gun or a two line pricing gun. Pricing gun kits come with white labels, fluorescent red labels and sale labels. These sticker labels are perfect for going over a paper price tag or another sticker. With a wide selection of pricing gun accessories, stores will be able to find labels that will meet their needs.

1-Line Labeler Kits |        Regular Tagging Gun Kits

If you are having a storewide sale, an efficient way to mark all discounted merchandise is with a system using color labels, discount labels or sale labels. For example, you can mark all items that are 30% off with a green colored label and items that are 50% off with a red label. Likewise, you could use discount labels that have 20% Off, 30% Off and 50% Off already printed on for easy markdowns.

Blue Color Labels |           Discount Kit + Labels |           Sale Labels

To totally change your tags use a tagging gun that connects a paper tag to an item with a plastic fastener, refer to previous Friday Feature Product Post Tagging Guns and Accessories.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas past, after holiday shopping is in full gear. Shoppers are still looking to save money where they can, which means they are out coupon hunting and sale searching to find the best deals out there. Independent retailers are going to have to price items very competitively to drive customers toward the registers.

According to the National Retail Federation, the number of shoppers was up but spending was down on Black Friday. If you were disappointed with Black Friday and December 26 sales, there is still time to increase your December/January figures. Independent store owners can take advantage of the holiday foot traffic by effectively highlighting marked down merchandise and displays.

The key for store owners is not only to get customers into your store but to spend money there as well. The first thing to consider is communicating to roadside customers or passersby that your store is featuring sales. You have about three seconds to let people know what they can expect to find inside. Especially as mid-January approaches, shoppers will still be looking for those holiday signs. Key places for signage are in window fronts, sidewalks and by the road. Remember to keep your signs simple, direct and professional. Easy-to-read, attractive signs will relay important messages to your target market.

Along with coupons and mailers, stores will attract more buyers by featuring merchandise with store fixtures and supplies that are designed specifically for highlighting sales. We have always recommended using a mix of hanging racks, bins and shelves. Round racks and dump bins are an economical way to feature a large amount of items and do not require lots of maintenance throughout the day. Because these fixtures stand alone, they are optimal to place in high traffic areas and draw customers to a particular area of the store.

Sell holiday merchandise quickly to make room for new 2010 items. We also recommend setting goals for employees and rewarding those who are keeping a positive attitude.

Everyone have a safe and happy New Year’s!

Christmas is almost here and hopefully your store is thriving this holiday season. Our last tip for retailers before this Friday is to take orders over the phone for last minute shoppers. Not only will this be a great selling point now but can increase sales in the future. Phone orders are quick and easy when you have a clear method in place. However, if you do not have an organized system, the process could become a disaster.

The best way to take orders over the phone is by putting the order directly into a computer system. However, if you are just starting out, you may have to begin with a pen and paper system first. Either way, record keeping is a must. Here we will outline how you can start a pen and paper system to take orders over the phone.

1. Initial Order: When customers call in, have a friendly greeting ready. Make sure that your employees are trained on how to fill out special order forms. Have the tax figured out on each item to make it easy to total.
2. Shipping: Ask how quickly they would like to have their order shipped as it will change the grand total. Let the customer know if you can guarantee that the purchase will arrive by Christmas. Make sure you let your employees know if some larger or specialty items will take longer to ship. At this point the employee should give the customer a grand total of the purchase with tax and shipping.
3. Payment: Decide beforehand how you will take payments. Over the phone you can take credit card information or have them mail you a check. However, be aware that it is a bad idea to ship merchandise prior to receiving payment. So, let your customer know that mailing a check will considerably slow down the process.
4. Receipt Process: Have your employee tell the customer how the receipt process will work. We recommend putting the receipt in the package that you ship. Or take down an e-mail address and electronically send a copy of the receipt.
5. After the Call Procedure: Make sure that you have designated places where order forms go such as a “To Fill Order” spot and a “Filled Order” spot. Also, put all orders and order statuses in the computer for more efficient record keeping.

Remember that you must comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule. Listed below are some of the key points of the rule:

• Sometimes referred to as the “30-day rule,” retailers must believe that they can ship merchandise within 30 days of the order.
• If you change the shipment date, you must provide a delay notice with a new shipment date to the customer.
• If a customer cancels an order before you ship, you must comply and cancel the order.
• This rule does not cover magazine subscriptions (except for the first shipment), sales of seeds and growing plants, and orders made on a collect-on-delivery basis.

For more information and to view a complete list of mail or telephone order rules outlined by the FTC, visit the FTC website.

How does your store keep an organized phone order system?

Coats and outerwear are too bulky to keep folded. You may be able to lay these items flat on a table, but for larger, higher priced merchandise it would probably be optimal to hang coats and outerwear.

Because these items can be heavy, you will need durable hangers that are specially designed to handle the extra weight. Coat and outerwear hangers come in different materials, colors and price points to meet any retail store’s needs.

Natural wood coat hanger | Molded plastic coat hanger | Walnut wood coat hanger | Clear plastic coat hanger

These 17” hangers will hold up for many uses. To add a nice touch to the end of the sale, consider offering customers a garment bag or clothing cover with the hanger. For more information about garment bags refer to the “Friday Feature Product: Garment Bags and Clothing Covers” blog post.

For retail stores that sell clothing, this may be a question that you have: Should I fold or hang clothing merchandise? Sometimes you have to go with what looks best for your display. We have made a PRO/CON list for each method. Hopefully this will help you make the best decision in your store.

Folding Pros

• Takes up less room than hanging.
• No Need for Hangers
• Easy to store.

Folding Cons

• Takes more time than hanging.
• A whole stack can become ruined from people searching for sizes.
• Requires upkeep throughout the day.
• May hide sizes.

Hanging Pros

• Keeps clothing wrinkle free.
• Minimal upkeep throughout the day.
• Displays the whole garment.

Hanging Cons

• Takes up more space.
• Some garment items need special hangers such as pants and boat neck shirts.
• Could stretch out knit materials, distorting the shape of the garment.

We recommend using a mix of hanging and folding to add interest and variety in your store. Tier tables and shelves are optimal for folding, whereas racks and hooks are perfect for hanging. Also remember to use a hanger that will display the clothing item the best. For more information about hangers, read our previous Tuesday Tip post “How to Choose the Right Hanger for Your Retail Store.”

Along with the tips from Tuesday about how to resell shoes, carrying some shoe specific store supplies will add to the selling tactics you are already using. Consider how some of these shoe retail options can increase the profits of your store.

If you have slatwall or wire grid in your store, specially made shelves are available to fit these display materials. The slatwall shoe displays are slanted to show the front view of shoes, while keeping shoes secure. The wire grid shoe displays show the side view of shoes and are versatile options to display other small merchandise. If you do not have slatwall or wire grid, the chrome shoe merchandiser includes eight shelves which holds 60-80 pairs of shoes.

Slatwall Shoe Display |       Wire Grid Shoe Display |       Shoe Merchandiser

Customers will thank you for having sewn bottom footlet-footies available for trying on shoes. Offered in beige for women and black for men, these economical booties will prevent inventory damage, as well as make trying on shoes easier and more comfortable for the customer. Also, a helpful instrument to have on hand is a Brannock device shoe sizer for customers who may not know their shoe size. Men’s sizers, women’s sizers and children’s sizers are available. These devices will measure the length and width of your customers’ feet to find the most accurate shoe size.

Beige Women’s Footlets |      Women’s Shoe Sizer

To really complete your shoe section, consider adding stools and mirrors that are made specially for selling shoes. The shoe fitting stool is an attractive chrome stool with black upholstery. It’s easy to move and features a rubber surfaced foot rest. Also, the shoe floor mirror is made to sit on the floor to view foot apparel with ease. The durable design is made to last and will look great for years.

Shoe Floor Mirror |         Shoe Fitting Stool

Finally, seal the deal with a plastic bag that is perfect for fitting bulky shoe boxes. These white plastic draw tape bags feature draw tape handles for convenient closing and transportation.

Plastic Draw Tape Bags

If you are opening a shoe store or just want to improve your shoe section, these shoe store essentials will impress customers, as well as add comfort and ease to their shopping experience.

What kind of store supplies do you use in your shoe store or shoe section?

Selling used shoes differs a bit from selling new shoes. Instead of having one shoe on display and then several pairs of the same shoe stored in different sizes, you will have to display all your shoes at once. Here are a few tips that we recommend using when you are reselling shoes in your consignment or second hand shop.

Instead of grouping shoes by type and style, we recommend grouping them by size. Save your customers time by putting all the shoes in their size together. This way, customers can easily locate only the shoes that will fit them. We would still separate mens, womens and childrens shoes into different sections.

Just like other shoe stores, people are going to want to sit down and be comfortable when trying on shoes. Have chairs or stools in place for people to tie laces or buckle straps. Also, have mirrors close to the floor so people won’t have search for a mirror elsewhere.

Have the sizes clearly marked. Even if you have shoes sectioned by size, they are bound to get mixed up after a busy day. Make things easier on yourself and customers by placing a sticker inside of the shoe with the size and price. Also, try using stretch bands to keep the shoes together. This will keep people from walking out unnoticed, as well as keep pairs of shoes with their respected match.

Keep shoe polish on hand when used shoes come in. Sometimes they just need a good shining to make them look like new. Other things like changing out shoe laces or inserting pads in the bottom can make or break a sale.

How do you maximize sales of pre-owned shoes in your store?

Earlier in the week we mentioned that a key factor to maintaining a welcoming environment in any store is by keeping it clean. During the fall and winter months when there is more debris outside, dirt is sure to make it into your store. Vacuums are a store supply must have to keep your floors looking great. We recommend two Oreck models because of their durability and versatility that make them perfect for retail cleaning.

The Oreck XL2000 Commercial Upright Vacuum is built to handle virtually any commercial cleanup job. It moves with ease from carpet to hard surfaces. Featuring a light, fast and durable design, the Oreck XL2000 Vacuum is perfect for cleaning under furniture and fixtures, as well as up close to baseboards and displays. This vacuum includes a one year commercial warranty. Disposable bags and replacement belts are also available for the Oreck XL2000 Upright Vacuum.

As an alternative to lugging out a full size vacuum, a floor sweeper is perfect for quick cleanup jobs. The Oreck Hoky Wet/Dry Manual Floor Sweeper features a lightweight and maneuverable design. It works on carpet, tile, wood, concrete and vinyl. It picks up wet and dry substances such as fruits, vegetables, dirt, flour, thread, ashes, grass, sand, pins, paper clips, glass and even nails. Additionally, Oreck provides a 10 year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Keep vacuuming on your daily task list and don’t let a dirty floor become an issue in your store. Wait until you store is clear of customers to vacuum so you don’t interrupt anyone’s shopping experience.

Note: Oreck products sold for commercial use only.

Not only will your displays draw in customers, but the overall feel of your store will dictate whether or not a person decides to enter your store. The key is to make customers feel as comfortable as possible to put them in the shopping mood.

There are some simple questions to ask yourself to determine how approachable your store is to potential customers. We recommended answering the following questions about your store and from your findings, try some new things to improve.

1) What kind of lighting is best suited for your store?
With lighting you can set the tone of your store and highlight new or seasonal products. Some stores strategically may want it darker and can achieve this by using lamps instead of overhead lighting. Lights that are too bright and white may remind people of the superstore they wanted to avoid. Burnt out lights outside and inside your store should be a red flag. We recommend replacing burnt out lights as soon as you notice them.

2) What is the first smell that a customer is introduced to in your store?
A foul smell is a big turn off to a customer. However, a great scent can be a huge selling point. And because smell and memory are closely linked, have a customer associate a good scent with your store. We recommend going with a clean or widely popular scent such as fresh linens or vanilla. Be careful not to overdo it as that is also a turnoff. Pick clean and light scents that are airy, not overwhelming.

3) How clean is your store? Is there dust on merchandise or dirt on the floor from foot traffic?
Keeping a clean store might sound like a no brainer, but it is something that you are going to have to watch and maintain everyday. If you let this get away from you it will be harder to attain desirable cleanliness in the future and one bad experience may turn a customer away for good.

4) Are key areas in your store clearly marked?
Don’t make customers search for items until they get so frustrated that they give up completely. Have your aisles clearly marked. And remember to let people know where the restrooms, customer service, exits and gift wrapping stations are located.

5) Is there a greeter readily available for customers that need assistance?
Greeters let customers know that you are available and that you genuinely care. However, there is also a threat of becoming overbearing and even intimidating customers who may prefer to browse without interruptions. The trick is to read customers’ verbal and nonverbal language. They will give signals if they want to be left alone.

These are simple things that you can implement to make your store more welcoming. Little things like adding a scented candle or a few daily cleaning duties to your store can go a long way.

How do you make your store more inviting to customers?

Earlier in the week we talked about storing seasonal merchandise. For clothing items, a great way to keep them from being damaged is with Garment Bags and Clothing Covers. We recommend keeping these items hung if you can. A large bin or box where items can lay flat will also keep clothing neat.

Plastic Garment Bags come in rolls of up to 486 in each roll, depending on what size you need. They are available in white or clear. Garment Bags will keep clothing from dust, dew and other potentially damaging elements. Also, consider offering Garment Bags with a customer purchase as a nice touch and they will protect the product during transport from your store to a safe closet. Also, Clear Plastic Shirt Bags are great for keeping dress shirts looking their best. For easy application of Garments Bags use a Garment Bag Rack with Bagging Jack. This garment bag rack features adjustable hooks, which hold each garment while the bag simply slips down over the top.

For larger, more expensive or formal clothing, a plastic garment bag may not be the best choice. The following options are more durable and optimal for long term storage.

• Bridal Gown Cover - Zippered in Clear or White –Damage can be caused just by materials rubbing up against each other. Use these bags for storage or in-store display to keep them looking their best.
• Grip-Tite Garment Bags – Available in two sizes, these canvas garment bags are water resistant and great for moving. With a unique patented locking system that clamps garments tight without creasing or folding, you can enjoy worry-free storage.
• Suit Cover – Polyester Zippered – Featuring a reinforced hanger opening, full length zipper and cold crack resistance, these suit covers are available in two sizes and are ideal for storage and transport.

When you’re ready to take your merchandise out of storage, we recommend using a steamer to make items look brand new. For more information on steamers check out this past blog post, “Friday Feature Product: Steamers.”

Hopefully after the holiday season you won’t have too much Thanksgiving and Christmas merchandise left on your shelves. If you don’t have vendors that you can ship back to, most of the left over items have to be stored away until next season. It may seem like a huge undertaking now, but taking extra precautions in storing your seasonal merchandise will keep it looking new for a profitable season next year.

It should go without saying that nothing should be left out in open bins. Keep in mind all the elements that could cause harm or damage to your products. If you building floods when it rains, keep boxes off the ground and use plastic containers instead of cardboard. Clear plastic containers can be helpful so you can see what is in them.

Labeling takes almost no time at all and will save you hours of going through all your boxes next year. Make sure when you stack and store your boxes that the labels are facing out so you can read them, they won’t do you any good hidden away.

With breakable items, it’s better to wrap in a paper without any ink. Newspaper and color tissue paper could get wet and stain your products. Also, be mindful of what products you combine in one box. We recommend keeping scented items separate from everything else, so your products do not permanently smell.

Unless you are absolutely sure that some of your food products will be like new in a year, do not try and store them. On items that are going to expire or that are outdated, consider having a clearance sale to get these products out of your store. And instead of throwing them out if they don’t sell, you can donate items to food banks or charity organizations.

Even though the process is a hassle for you now, you will be so happy that you made the extra effort next year when unloading holiday merchandise back on your shelves with ease.

How do you store your holiday merchandise? Any tips for new store owners?

A store has to watch out for theft and accidents for merchandise that is small, breakable or expensive. An easy, attractive solution to showing these items is a Glass Display Tower. These towers are very practical and can add a vertical dimension to your store.

Display Towers are available in three shapes to meet the needs of your store:
·    Stretch Hexagonal Tower Cases
·    Hexagonal Tower Cases
·    Square Tower Cases

Each style is available in four different colors to match your store’s décor:
·    Maple
·    Cherry
·    Black
·    Gray

All the towers come with a frameless door that is not noticeable to customers. You also have complete control of the contents because you can keep the tower securely locked. In addition, the tower will light up the room with included lights. With the combination of glass and light, products will really shine in the tower. All glass shelves can be easily adjusted for different sized merchandise.

How do you keep small, breakable or expensive products safe?

From decorating to cooking, people always get into the holidays. So this is your chance to capitalize on holiday merchandise sales. Just putting out your seasonal merchandise is not going to put you above your competition. You have to go the extra mile and really make your seasonal merchandise stand out. Appeal to your customer’s senses and put them in the holiday buying spirit.

Sight
Your displays are going to be a huge factor in attracting customers to your holiday merchandise. People are going to go towards attention grabbing things like lights, moving objects and sparkle, not a tower of boxes. Here is where you should let your creative talents shine. If you are not very artistic, consult employees or friends who can help.

Smell
Draw customers into your store with a holiday scent like gingerbread or pine. This would be especially helpful if you’re selling holiday candles or potpourri. Many people associate the holidays with certain smells, so put them in the holiday mood with the sent of their mom’s fresh baked apple pie.

Sound
“Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la, la la la …” Nothing puts people in the holiday spirit more than Christmas or holiday music. Make sure it’s not too loud and try to have a variety of music play. Also try to avoid religious music and play songs such as Frosty the Snow Man, Let it Snow, Winter Wonderland, etc. or make sure you represent all traditions in your musical selection in order to keep all customers happy.

Taste
Everyone loves samples. If you have a special holiday drink mix or dip consider putting out samples. This is a great marketing tactic because people won’t have to guess at what they are buying. And it shows that you believe in your products enough to put it out and know that people will like it enough to buy it. This will also make people stay in your store longer and lure in others who are wondering what is so interesting.

Touch
If your merchandise is packaged in a box, we recommend having a display out of the box so that customers can pick things up and touch them. If you don’t, people will end up taking items out of boxes themselves. This could potentially damage several products.

Think of what would appeal to your customer’s senses this holiday and you might be pleasantly surprised at the difference it makes in your store.

How do you attract customers into your store?

Mannequins can be a tricky store fixture because they come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. If you are not ready to commit to using mannequins in your store, Mannequin Alternatives are an economical way for you to feature your merchandise in the same way that a mannequin does.

You can display clothing and merchandise the way it is meant to be worn without having to worry about catering to gender, body type or ethnicity. There are different options available to meet your display needs.

For single garment hanging, Adjustable Singles Costumers and Chrome Hook Stand are ideal. These Mannequin Alternatives are best suited for merchandise worn from the waist up. They can be adjusted to fit any type of shirt, sweater or dress.

With the ability to hang pants, Multi-Form Adjustable Mannequin Alternatives and Adjustable Adult UniQuins are made for displaying full outfits. The Adjustable Child UniQuin is a shorter version that fits smaller clothing.

Alternative Mannequins are easy to move and store. They are perfect for highlighting merchandise in window displays, as well as on the floor or on a table. If you are looking for an economical way to display clothing, look into this versatile store fixture.

Shoppers will judge a book by its cover when it comes to window displays. Your display has about five seconds to persuade customers to enter your store. If the display doesn’t give a great first impression, people will lose interest or have no interest in your store at all.

Some super stores have whole creative teams to make holiday, sale and everyday displays. Because you probably do not have a professional staff for your displays, you are going to have to think out of the box to make a statement worth noticing. Here are some tips to think about when planning out your window displays.

More is not always better. Cluttered displays do not grab buyers’ attention. If they’re not right away attracted to your store, it’s easier for them to pass by without another thought. Simple and clean displays with a direct message can be more effective than very intricate designs.

Plan before you act for quick turn around time. If you are changing out displays during store hours, the less transition time you take the better. Have a clear plan of attack for how to dismantle the previous display and have everything ready to go up for the new one. Don’t worry about putting everything away. Your main priority should be getting the new display up.

Be different but not in a bad way. Keep in mind that all types of people will walk by your window including children. Even if you are not targeting kids, make sure that you don’t offend parents by your message. For example, Barneys did a window display in July that depicted its mannequins being attacked. With blood spattered windows, the display had people walking in the opposite direction of the entrance.

Stay true to your brand. Your window display communicates a message to the public about what is important to you and your company. While you may be promoting a sale, also keep your store’s mission in mind. Never compromise your values to make a quick buck.

What are some of the things you have tried with your window displays? What worked for you and what did not?

When I’m walking around in the mall one of the things I notice the most are the bags that people are toting around. This tells me which stores are in the mall and even if that store is having a sale. Your bags communicate a message to others, as well as reflect on your store’s image.

Think about what a white plastic bag says, and then think about a bronze metallic paper bag with handles and GUCCI in printed in gold letters. The message is very different. We’re not suggesting creating the most elaborate bag you can but do think about using a bag that means something.

Store Supply Warehouse’s online custom bag manager makes creating a branded bag easy, quick and affordable. Custom options include:

• Kraft Paper Shopping Bags
• Apparel Boxes
• Metallic Paper Shopping Bags
• Fashion Color Paper Shopping Bags
• Euro Totes
• Gift Boxes

Once you select the product you want to customize you choose the color of the bag/box, the foil color and if you want one or two sided printing. In addition, you can upload artwork and logos. The program suggests what items are ideal to fit in the selected bag/box, as well as gives a price per carton and will update the price as you change your options and quantity. Other design options include bag/box text, font, size, style, alignment and color. Below is an example of what the custom manager looks like.

Adding Tissue Paper and wrapping fragile items in Kraft Paper will accent your custom bag. Consider using different bags to promote a sale or holiday. If your bags stand out, your store will too!

Do you use cool, custom bags in your store? Tell us about your custom bag design.

As independent store owners, it is imperative to make your store unique and standout against larger chain stores. People will come to your store not only for merchandise but to get away from everyday super stores and their bright white lights. Because larger retailers may be able to carry a larger selection of products at a lower price, you will have to highlight the benefits of your store to overcome these obstacles.

While there are many tactics you can implement, we recommend starting small and aim for quality not quantity in this process. Choose a few techniques and do them well. If they are not showing the results you desire, don’t be afraid to try something else. Here are a few things we have seen retailers do that really set them apart from the super store across the street.

Offer onsite services that will save your customers a trip. People don’t mind paying a little extra if the service you offer makes their lives easier. For example, if you sell pants, offer an onsite hemming service. This is also a great way for people to start buzzing about your store by telling their family and friends about the great benefits you offer along with your merchandise.

Treat your customers like friends not just buyers. Personal interactions will keep your customers loyal. Little things like greeting your customers by name and asking about their family, while getting them in and out in a timely manor will make customers feel like they are buying from a friend. Upping your personal attention doesn’t cost a cent but makes a huge difference in the customer’s shopping experience.

Because you don’t have to answer to higher management, you have the ability to haggle a bit when it comes to pricing. On large orders consider throwing in some of the smaller accessories for free or at a discount. For example, in a hardware store if someone is buying tools and materials for building a deck, give them a discount on the nails they use. Or for long time customers, if they run in for something small, let them walk out without paying. Just use your best judgment when doing this, and make sure your employees know that this is a privilege only you can pass out.

Do your research on the big box store competition. You are probably not going to have higher profits than the superstore next door but you can retain a good client base and thrive. Get in the mindset of your customers. Are they looking for quality over convenience? Do they need help finding smaller objects? If you don’t know these answers ask your customers. Pay attention to your competition and make sure you’re doing something different and original.

Focus your efforts on realistic goals for your store. Weigh your options and try to receive feedback from employees and customers.

Do you compete with a large chain store? How do your business tactics keep customers coming back?

Many people who order online want to have their purchase sent directly to the recipient for the holidays. Offering gift wrapping services for online sales is a good strategy for these buyers, making your online store a one-stop-shop for holiday customers.

There are many different pattern options of gift wrapping to match your customer’s tastes. The following are offered as half ream rolls measuring 24” W x 75’ L.

• Red-Gold Holly Leaf
• Candles
• Metallic Gold Pine Cone
• Metallic Poinsettia
• Metallic Silver Stripe
• Metallic Snowflake
• Ornaments
• Holiday Block Print

Offering customers different wrapping options will personalize the gift and experience for them. Usually people ship gifts to people they cannot see over the holidays, so any amount of custom options you can offers will be appreciated. We recommend stocking up on your packaging material such as stretch film, bubble wrap and Kraft paper.

For more information on packaging, refer to previous blog posts in the packaging category.

Stemming from Black Friday, Cyber Monday falls on the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year Cyber Monday will be on November 30, 2009. With entire websites dedicated to help consumers find the best deals for this year’s Cyber Monday, it can be very competitive to get your sale noticed. Obviously if you don’t have an online store, Cyber Monday is not as big of a “selling holiday” for you, but it doesn’t hurt to be knowledgeable about online sales.

Here are a few facts about Cyber Monday to keep in mind:

• Victoria’s Secret’s website was completely down between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. during Cyber Monday in 2008, resulting in a decrease in sales and backlash from customers.
• Cyber Monday sales were up 15 percent in 2008 at $846 million compared to 2007.
• The term “Cyber Monday” was coined by shop.org in 2005 as a marketing tactic.

The number one, most important thing for eCommerce sites is to be able to remain functional with high amounts of traffic on Cyber Monday. When sites are down, customers are not willing to wait around, they will simply find what they are looking for with a click of a button to a competitor’s site. Though, some situations cannot be helped, do everything you can to test and retest your site to make sure it does not crash right as a customer clicks purchase.

Perhaps one of the most important things you can do this holiday season is to use appropriate Holiday Signs to lure customers into your store. Because your store won’t be the only one with holiday signs up, sign placement and message are extremely important.

The Store Supply Warehouse website makes it easy for retailers to shop for holiday store fixtures with the holiday items listed together. With all the options as everyday store signs, holiday signs come in many varieties.

The 11 Piece Holiday Sale Promotional Sign Kit and Holiday Sale Super Sign Kit features “Holiday Sale” and friendly snowman. The Economy Burgundy Sale Sign comes in packs of 100, available in two different sizes and feature holiday present images. Economy Snowflake Sale Signs also come in packs of 100, available in two sizes and are printed with snowflake images. The Holiday Sale Companion Sign comes in packs of 50 with “Holiday Sale” and snowflakes.

These festive signs will let customers know that these are not your everyday sales. Special sale signs mean special sales and discounts. Because the signs are dateless, you can use them over and over again. Try pairing them with holiday displays and keep the discounted merchandise close by.

The day after Thanksgiving, commonly known as Black Friday, officially marks the first Christmas buying day of the year. This year Black Friday will be November 27, 2009. Black Friday can be a retailer’s best and worst dream. While traditionally this day brings in the most foot traffic of any day in the year, it has not always brought in the most sales. Usually the day before Christmas rakes in the highest amount of profit for store owners.

Here are a few facts about Black Friday to consider as you prepare your store for the crowds:

• The term Black Friday originates back to the 1960s in Philadelphia, referring to the overcrowded sidewalks and busy streets.
• At the top of the selling list in 2008 was the Nintendo Wii, Ugg boots, Sony Blu-Ray Disc Player, Samsung’s 52” LCD TV and Nintendo’s Wii Fit.
• Black Friday is not an official holiday, however most employees get the day off (except those working in retail and banking).

The key for retailers is to turn window shoppers into buyers this holiday season. Some tactics to consider are utilizing holiday signs, advertising early bird specials, giving freebies with a certain purchase or offering a percent off at a certain time of the day.

What are some of the best and worst experiences you have gone through with your store during Black Friday? We would love to hear your retail stories!

In an uncertain retail market some store owners may be hesitant to invest in more expensive merchandise and advertising this season. However, a recent article by the St. Louis Post Dispatch titled, “Bustling Halloween market has retailers seeing back” reports that customers are expected to spend more than $50 on Halloween this year.

The article features retailers from Halloween store owners to haunted house operators to pumpkin farms. They all report that profits are expected to match and even top last year’s sales. One Halloween retail store said their sales are up 20 percent from the same time last year.

With a majority of Halloween spending taking place in the last two weeks of October, it’s not too late to cash in on this holiday surge in spending.

An efficient way to manage the high volume of customers you are expecting this holiday season is investing in some portable posts and barriers for easy crowd control. Avoid massive mobs of people blocking key walkways in your store and keep lines to the registers in designated areas. Not only will these items maintain order in your store, they also help protect against theft. Posts and barriers can deter people with un-purchased merchandise from going out of your store.

There are several options in this category to match any store’s needs and budget. We would recommend measuring how long you need your posts to stretch within your store. Also consider if you will need to use these posts for outdoor use, because plastic is a better material for outdoor use than metal chrome.

Available in black and white, Portable Plastic Posts and Plastic Chains are an economical option for interior or exterior access control. For maximum stability, sand should be kept in the base. The Plastic Chains are sold by the foot. A seven foot length chain is recommended to use with the Plastic Posts.

The Portable Post with Tape is a simple, no-nonsense solution for temporary or permanent control. The belt is self-retracting and connects slowly and safely when detached. A three year warranty is included with purchase. End a line with either a Beltway Portable Receiver post or a Retractable Tape Wall Receptacle.

A Chrome Metal Portable Post has a classic, sleek design for any interior application. This light weight post goes with any style hook or snap. The Velour Rope with Chrome Snap Ends matches perfectly with the Chrome Metal Portable Post. This six foot rope will add an elegant look to any décor.

Portable posts and barriers are your solution to keeping order, hosting an event or deterring people from certain areas. Try them out in your store and let us know how it goes!

The holidays are the busiest time of the year for retailers. While the season of buying can be very stressful, it is necessary to put in the work now because it will carry you through some of your slower months. You can not plan for everything, but going into the season organized will only help create a smooth holiday season.

Add extra staff on the weekend and during peak store hours. It can reflect poorly when your store is full and you are understaffed and can’t accommodate customers. Get detailed schedules of your employees and plan for some sick calls. If necessary, begin looking for seasonal employees now. College students are ideal seasonal workers since they usually have around four weeks off from school.

Set-up a system for back stock and damaged merchandise. Chances are workers behind the counter will be swamped and not have time to put away unwanted or returned items. Designate a specific place for each of these and have someone keep an eye on the piles.
Keep your store room organized. Don’t try and control everything, you’ll drive yourself crazy.

Post important messages to customers. These can include:

• Return policy
• Holiday store hours
• Gift wrapping availability
• Holiday events you are sponsoring

Because your employees will take their cue from you, if you stay positive even when things are rough they will follow. Think about doing little things that will put your employees and customers at ease such as adding music to your store, having refreshments in the break room or making sure there is a greeter at the entrance.

How do you make the holidays in your store go by smoothly and successfully?

An easy way to send messages to the community is by utilizing a bulletin board. You can send personal messages out to your customers, feature your organization’s future happenings and endorse causes and events you support.

Wall-Mounted Enclosed Bulletin Boards are perfect to hang anywhere in your store. They come with a lock so you have complete control over what is featured on your board. Brown cork board and black letterboard options are available. These boards have a sleek, contemporary appearance, featuring a rounded, slender frame for maximum viewing area. Letterboard letter sets are 142 piece sets with white letters, numbers and symbols.

Some key items you should think about including on your bulletin board:

• Store hours and holiday hours
• Your company in the news
• Sponsored events
• New departments or employees

Obviously your industry will dictate how personal you can be with your store and products. For example, a mom and pop gift shop will want to be more personal than a large scale grocer. However, no matter your industry, customers like to feel a connection with the store they are investing in. This connection is what will turn them into repeat, lifetime customers.

These personalized touches will come with time from being open and establishing yourself in the community. There are some small things that will make a big difference, so customers always remember your store.

Have a signature color that people can associate with your organization. For example, this Store Supply Warehouse Blog is blue with accent colors. This is something that you have control over and people can expect and connect these colors with your brand. Even the paint color you use in your store can make a difference, if you walked in to a store that was bright yellow it would make an impression (maybe not what you’re going for, but you get the point).

Making your packaging distinguishable is another way you can add a personal touch. Even if your organization’s name isn’t all over the bag, you can still make your packaging memorable and reflect on your store. Consider using tissue paper that matches your store color, or offer paper bags instead of regular plastic bags. We all know that Victoria’s Secret has the pink tissue paper inside their pink striped bags.

If you have long term employees, get them involved and have them become a part of the store. You can feature employee birthdays and anniversaries. Some book stores highlight an employee recommended reading section. Customers can match their tastes with an employee and follow their reading habits. This interaction isn’t something you can buy. You have to build relationships with customers in order for them to last.

How have you personalized your store?

Retail outlets including drug stores, gift shops, mass merchandisers, grocery stores and convenience stores are almost expected to carry greeting cards. Sometimes these are last minute items that people may need to pick up quickly. So, the key is to place greeting cards in a convenient spot in your store.

The Countertop Greeting Card Rack is great for smaller stores. It holds 12 cards and rotates for easy viewing. The 20 Pocket Countertop Post Card Rack is designed specifically for standard 4” x 6” post cards. Each pocket can hold up to 100 post cards.

The Pocket Greeting Card Rack holds 48 greeting cards and rotates. This standing rack will put your cards right in front of your customers for easy selection and increased impulse sales.

Strategically place your greeting card rack in a place where it is easy to find. Because people usually stand around reading cards, try not to clutter the area around the rack. If you have the space, place your rack away from the wall so more than one person may view the cards.

It’s better to start planning for the holidays early than to frantically throw things together a week before. And the better prepared you are, the higher the return will be in holiday sales. We recommend using what works, but remember that there is always room for improvement. Think about incorporating some of these tips in your holiday routine, you may wonder why you weren’t doing them all along.

Get your employees excited about the holiday happenings in your store. Employees can be some of your best customers, walking displays and talking endorsements, so use them! Offer incentives for employees and reward those that go beyond the call of duty. Even encouraging words will let your staff know that you are behind them and there for support. Happy employees will rub off and translate into happy customers.

Set-up holiday advertising initiatives and budgets early. If you haven’t already, compare your past advertising budgets to the season’s profits and determine the most successful opportunities. Get in touch with advertising representatives and get estimated pricing so you know your options.

Stock up on gift cards. Last year retail saw around 40 billion in gift card sales. Refer to past StoreSupplyGuy blog article, Making a Profit with Gift Certificates, for more helpful tips.

Conduct a sweep of your store. It’s a little late for spring cleaning, but the more organized your store is, the smoother you holidays will be. Hopefully your store will see a great deal in foot traffic this season, so give your customers the best impression you can by maintaining a clean, attractive store.

What have you found works well for getting ready for the holiday season?

An easy way to break up lines of racks or shelves is by using tables for focal point displays. Our favorite table is the Three Tier Table because of its vertical interest and ability to easily separate products on three levels.

These tables are available in several sizes to fit your needs and room space. The Economy Tier Tables are perfect for smaller spaces with a tier base measuring 48” x 48”. The Premium Tier Table comes in two different sizes, one with a larger rectangle base table and the other is a smaller square base table. Choose between maple and cherry to match your store’s décor.

Another table option is Nesting Tables. These two piece tables conveniently fit into each other. Depending on how much space you have available, use separately or tier them out by fitting one slightly under the other.

The classic round table is always a store owner’s go-to displayer. The 30” Round Display Table with interlocking wood finger-grove legs is perfect for travel due to its smaller size and easy to set-up and store characteristics. The larger 36” Round Table with folding legs is durable and fit to hold 250 lbs. Dress up these tables with table clothes available in red, green and white and in three sizes.

Focal point displays are the first thing that customer sees either outside or inside the store. They will add interest to your store, as well as places the products you want directly in front of your customer’s eyes. There are few important factors to consider when creating focal point displays.

1) Find the right place to set-up. This step can be easy or hard depending on the layout of your store. If there is some sort of large architectural feature of your store, there may be no question as to where the best place in your store is. However, for others in square rooms, this may be more difficult. Consider places in the room that can be seen from outside. Also, a place that can be viewed from all angles of the store is ideal.

2) Choose the product (s) that you want to feature. Here you may want to highlight sale items or seasonal merchandise. If your location is in a place that gets lots of traffic keep breakable products towards the middle.

3) Use appropriate signage to advertise your display. Make clear why you are featuring these products. Whether you are offering a discount or featuring a new product, get the customers excited and in the know about what’s going on.

4) Maintain your focal point display. Hopefully your display will get lots of action, but be prepared to keep up with out of place items. Organize several times per day during slower store hours. Or even put an employee in charge of keeping the area tidy.

How do you use focal point displays to drive sales?

Earlier this week we talked about using current trends as selling points in your store. If you decide to create a green or health section to your store, don’t let it go overlooked. We recommend featuring these products with lights. Lights are a simple, economical way to draw attention to your displays.

There are many different types of lights to choose from, so you can feature any type of product. Tube lights are perfect for glass display cases or outdoor use. These 12 foot long, weather resistant lights are available in Clear, Red, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Green and Red/Green. Consider switching up the colors to match the season or theme. You can also connect up to three tubes together for a 36 foot long strand. Add motion to your tube light with a Chase Speed Control. The controller lets you vary the speed of your chase sequence.

To drive traffic to a particular area of your store Rotating Sale Beacons are ideal. Offered in Red and Blue customers won’t be able to help stopping. Also, Mini Strobe Lights that come with a speed controller can flash up to 10 flashes per second. These lights will draw attention to any corner of your store and are ideal for Halloween displays.

If you want to highlight merchandise on slatwall or wire grid, attach a light for noticeable emphasis. Available in white or black, these lights include a 12 foot cord, 12 inch extension arm and adjustable swivel head. You can’t go wrong with easy and attractive lighting.

You work so hard to create beautiful displays, so shed some light on them. Try adding a light to a display and watch your profits glow.

How do you use lights in your store? What difference does it make?

You never want your store to become dated when it comes to your merchandise and displays. There are some classic products that will always be profitable but you should keep a close eye on the newest trends and your inventory. This is not to say that you should jump at every pet rock craze that comes along, but it’s never a bad idea to know what your customers are talking about and looking for.

Here are some trends with long term value that might be selling points for you now or in the future.

Go Green
According to the 2009 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey, 34% of Americans are more likely to buy environmentally responsible products today. And 70% indicate that they are paying attention to what companies are doing with regard to the environment right now, even if they cannot buy until the future.

Online Sales
With gas prices still high, consumers are looking to the internet to save themselves a costly drive. If you already have an online store consider offering free shipping for spending over a certain amount or advertise a free gift with purchase. However, if you are thinking about creating a new online store, be prepared to advertise or discount aggressively to drive initial traffic in order to build an online customer base.

Buying American
This is not a new concept, but with struggling economy and the American car industry urging consumers to buy American made cars, some consumers are looking at the tags on other items as well. Look at your inventory and weigh if highlighting some of your American made products could make a difference. However, be cautious of this tactic if the majority of your products are not American made, as it will only highlight that you carry imported products. While there is nothing wrong with imported products, certain customers may not like it.

Health
The boomer generation of Americans that were born between 1946 and 1964 are moving into the senior citizen bracket, 65 years of age and up. With the life expectancy hovering around 80, the boomers aren’t going anywhere. In their retirement they have money to spend and are looking to healthier lifestyles to keep up with the grandkids.

Do It Yourself
People are looking for money savers. Instead of paying someone for labor, some are finding that they don’t mind rolling up their sleeves themselves. If your product is suited to do-it-yourselfers, capitalize on your expertise by hosting workshops. People will buy your products for their project and call on you if things don’t end up looking like the picture.

Have you noticed any current trends that have impacted your business?

Some great items to feature in the fall are hats, gloves and scarves. A person can never have too many of these functional accessories in the cooler months to come. Don’t let these items become overlooked in a messy bin.

A simple head form that sits on a display table or countertop will draw attention to fabulous hats. Or choose a mannequin with an extra long neck for scarves. To dress up your female head form displays, consider adding a wig from our large selection of different colors and lengths.

Hand forms also sit on display tables or countertops. They are not only ideal for displaying gloves, but you can also feature things like bracelets and watches. Female and male hand forms are available depending on your retail needs.

Hats, scarves and gloves are not only fall and winter accessories. You will be able to use these displays year round. For the future, think about things such as sun hats, light scarves and biking gloves.

As the weather changes, you may be looking for ideas to change some displays in your store. Preliminary things to consider are your budget, timeline and central theme. If you have creative employees that can help, ask them for their opinions. Also, think back to previous displays and use what has worked, as well as incorporating new ideas.

An easy way to cut your decorating budget down is by combining your Halloween and Thanksgiving displays. Unless Halloween is one of your bigger holiday selling periods, think about going with a more neutral, harvest theme.

Then remember that holiday displays are not only for getting into the holiday spirit, but they are also a way to highlight seasonal products. So use products as the centerpieces of your displays. And then make sure that those items are located near the display so that your customers can scoop them up right away.

Home and décor stores have a unique advantage during the holidays when it comes to displays because you can use your existing products as the actual display pieces. Let your customers imagine the display in their own home. Huge elaborate themes can become overwhelming. Sometimes simple is more appealing, so your customers think “I can do that.”

Customers look to retailers for ideas, so don’t be afraid to try some new things. Instead of going with cliché brown and orange, consider expanding your color palette to deep pinks, plums, burgundy and olive green.

Have fun being creative this season! Let us know if you have any questions about fall display ideas.

How do you make the change from summer to fall displays?

Wood displays are very versatile, giving store owners several options to display merchandise. If you are going for a natural, crafty look it can be the perfect backdrop for your products. Also, because wood is lighter than other materials such as metal and glass, it is easy to change and transport. All wood displays are unfinished natural pine, however it is simple to stain or paint them to match any store décor.

Many wood displays fold flat and feature removable shelves and accessories, so they are easy to store. Also for business owners who take their store on the go, wood displays are substantial, attractive, easy-to-move pieces that will make viewing products simple and enjoyable.

There are no limits with wood displays. You can hang, stack and feature merchandise as you see fit. With many accessories for slat panel wood displayers and pegboard screens to choose from, there are endless ways to customize your product displays.

Pegboard screens are ideal for hanging awkward products because you can choose from several accessory fixtures. Slat panel wood displayers give store owners the ability to customize units with shelves and accessories including Peg Displays, Waterfall Peg Faceouts and Corner Shelves. Basket and crate displays are nice accents, breaking up shelf units.

Wood displays can create a cozy, at home feel for your store. Consider using wood for functional and eye-catching displays.

The materials you choose to display your merchandise can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your store. Because it can be expensive upgrading to new materials, it is important to make thoughtful decisions for timeless displays.

With so many store fixtures available, sometimes the hardest decision is choosing the best materials to use in your store. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the glass, metal, wire, wood and slatwall options out there, but by asking yourself a few key questions will help narrow down your search to the perfect fixture material.

1) What are you looking for in functionality?
You can answer this question by thinking about the merchandise you have and visualize it displayed in your store. Do you see things hanging? Stacked? By itself or with similar items? Also, keep in mind that accessories can be added to displays such as baskets and shelves.

2) What look and feel do you want for your store?
Here, you should keep your customers’ tastes in mind. For discount shoppers, wire bins, dump tables and sale signs are attractive. If you are going for a more modern, upscale look, sleek lines and darker materials may be a better fit. Another thing to consider is that many materials come with finishing options.

• Wire Grid Panels are available in chrome, black or white.
• Slatwall Gondolas are available in black, white or maple.
• Display Cases are available in black, gray, maple and cherry.

3) How often do you want to change your displays?
Some materials are easier to move and change than others. For example, metal gondolas are much heavier material than wire and wood, so they are better for permanent displays. Also keep in mind that many wire and slatewall fixtures are available with wheels to use anywhere in your store, whereas glass and metal displays stay standard.

If you are still unsure, get ideas from other stores that you like or pull pictures out of magazines for design options. Remember that you will most likely use these fixtures for years, so plan for the future.

What type of display materials do you use and why did you choose that material?

Clothes do not look their best when they come straight out of a box. They are usually wrinkled and smashed. A great appliance to have handy is a steamer that can give clothes a fresh look. There are many benefits you can enjoy with steamers as opposed to irons.

• Steamers are gentler on clothes than irons because heat is not directly applied.
• Steamers are designed to use on clothes that are on the hanger or even on mannequins.
• Steamers are safe to use on fabrics such as silk, cashmere, velvet and wool.
• Steamers can also be applied to hanging curtains and table clothes.

There are a variety of different steamers available depending on your needs.

• The Jiffy Esteam Handheld Professional Steamer is perfect for a smaller shop.
• The Reliable Steamer is an economical full-featured steamer.
• The Jiffy Model J-2000 is perfect for full-scale garment shops carrying items such as wedding dresses and formal wear. *
• The Jiffy Model J-4000 is an upgraded version of the J-2000 and features a fast heating thermostat, over 1.5 hours of steam per filling and more. *

* These Jiffy models are backed by at 12 Month Factory Warranty plus an additional six Month Store Supply Warehouse Warranty FREE of charge.

It is important to keep your steamer in the best condition possible for lasting use. Liquid Cleaner for Jiffy Steamers will clean out scale and deposits. We recommend applying this liquid cleaner every six months to keep your steamer performance high.

If you ever have a problem with your Jiffy Steamer, Store Supply is a factory authorized Jiffy Repair Station. You can send us your Jiffy Steamer for repair and order Jiffy replacement parts.

Nothing can turn a customer off more than shabby looking store merchandise. Keep your products looking their best by following some simple tips.

Keep garments away from windows and out of direct sunlight. The sun will fade clothing materials, especially cotton, and can leave streak marks on clothing. Even bright, direct lighting can fade materials.

Dust off your merchandise and displays. It only takes a small amount of dust on items to give away that products have been sitting there for some time. Feather dusting will suffice on a daily basis, but try to take the time once every couple weeks to use glass cleaner or other liquid cleaners such as plastic polish.

Don’t allow smoking, eating or drinking inside of your store. This is especially important for employee drinks as a small spill could potentially ruin merchandise.  Smoke will ruin clothing, making it smell forever. If smoking, eating or drinking can not be avoided in your establishment, protect your merchandise by displaying in glass display cases or behind the counter.

Remove damaged merchandise from the shelves. Once a customer sees a damaged product, they usually keep walking. When you are doing your daily sweep of your store, pay close attention to the quality of shelf items. This includes looking at expiration dates, price tags and other small details.

Make note of how you keep merchandise in your storage areas. We recommend storing merchandise in containers protected from sunlight, dust and water damage. Keep in mind that cardboard boxes are vulnerable to water and sunlight can discolor items in clear containers. Storing items in newspaper may protect breakables, but the ink can also rub off on products.

Taking extra care of your merchandise will have customers coming back for quality products.

How do you keep your merchandise looking its best?

When you are out at local events, make your business stand out from the rest by creating eye catching displays in your designated spot or booth. Some things to find out before the event are how much space you will have, if tables and chairs are provided and the set up and pack up times.

Traveling with displays that are easy to store and move will make things much easier when you are at events. Salesman Rolling Racks are perfect for keeping clothing items organized and visible. The racks feature industrial casters so you can simply roll and lock them in their place. They are durable for everyday use and easy to transport.

Dump tables and other large display items are usually too heavy and bulky to take on the go. A Wire Folding Dump Table is a great alternative. It easily folds and wire is much lighter than other materials for transport. Other wire displays like baskets and shelves are also great for events.

Also, countertop displays and risers can help create eye catching table displays as well. These displays create height layers that enhance the real estate on the back of your table in order to maximize your space.

Just remember that you should have an extra set of hands to help you load and unload so that you don’t have to leave your merchandise behind while you are in the middle of transporting it.

What type of display fixtures do you use when you’re out promoting your store?

For any brick and mortar store, or any online store for that matter, one of the hardest things to do as a business is to reach new customers. Sometimes you need to take your store on the road in order to present your merchandise to perspective customers that otherwise are not familiar with your store.

There are many ways to go about doing this. One way is to participate at local events. Events like arts and crafts shows, flea markets or fairs are a great opportunity. Purchase some booth space and sell your materials at the event. Make sure you have plenty of signage, fliers with your address and website on it and business cards at the event in order to make new customers aware of your company.

Also, find local “shows” that highlight your business. For example, every area has bridal shows multiple times a year. These shows are perfect for retailers in the dress and tux industries, but also for florists, framers, shoe stores, accessory stores, bakeries, restaurants and even gift stores. By enhancing your presence at these events, you can reach brides that not only will maybe use your services for their wedding, but they may become long term customers. Home and garden shows are also a great way to showcase your organization.

While at these events, make sure you have displays that are not only portable, but that show off your merchandise. If the event booth is only a table, use countertop displays that allow you to layer your items at different heights so that merchandise on the back of the table gets as much attention as the front. If you have clothing, bring rolling racks of clothes that can easily be transported.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you participate at an event or show, that the show itself is a reflection of your company. So do your research ahead of time and make sure that the event is aligned with your business’ values and mission.  Then, remember that your main job at a show is not only selling one piece of merchandise, but introducing your company to a potential repeat customer.

What type of events do you attend to promote your store?

With so many different products for the back-to-school season, it is the perfect time to get creative with your displays. However, this can be difficult when items are so varied. Combination racks are an ideal solution to display different items in one store fixture.

Combination rack options include:

• H Shelf Racks – These racks have a sturdy metal frame that is supported in the middle of the rack and on the sides. The result is a two sided rack that can be customized with different shelf types.
• Hanging Rolling Shelf Racks – These racks combine hanging racks with stacking shelves and feature wheels so that they can be easily rearranged in your store.
• Hangrail Shelf Racks – These racks feature a hang rail in the middle and two side shelf racks, making it an efficient and attractive use of space.

Combination racks, shelves and racks ship the same day your order (on orders placed before 3 p.m.). So it isn’t too late to spice up your back-to-school displays.

Take full advantage of the second busiest buying period of the year, back-to-school time. Second only to Christmas, the National Retail Federation reported that this year’s spending is expected to bring in $47.5 billion. Kids of all ages will be out in search of the latest fashions and trends ranging from pens to jeans. Make sure your store is fully prepared for the season.

With the economy, families are still looking for value when they shop. You will want to appeal to kids’ wants and parents’ pocketbooks. The National Retail Federation also reported that families are more likely to reuse items instead of replacing them, such as book bags. We recommend featuring products that have to be purchased new every year such as notebooks and planners.

The National Retail Federation also expects an 11% hike in electronic sales compared to last year. This shows that families are willing to pay a little more for the latest trends in technology. Don’t be afraid to highlight these items just because they are more expensive than folders.

Also keep in mind different products for college students. Parents are willing to spend more money to ensure that their student who is leaving home for the first time has everything they could possibly need, including laptops, flash drives, power strips, cleaning supplies, first aid kits, alarm clocks, rugs, cooking supplies, towels, linens (extra long to fit dorm beds) and gift cards.

Now is the time to get back-to-school merchandise out on the shelves and the sooner the better! Prepare your store as well as your employees for a busy, profitable season.

How does your store prepare for the back-to-school season?

Have you ever been in a store, with your arms full of merchandise, wishing you had a shopping basket or cart? Don’t let this happen to your customers. Eliminate the frustration a customer can feel in this situation by offering these simple supplies in your store.

Shopping baskets come in either blue or red, to match the décor of your store. You can keep these at the front and the back of the store for customer convenience. Baskets are not only beneficial to your customers, but they will increase the number of items a customer buys which will increase your profits.

The mini shopping cart is another carrying option, perfect for any size store. It is ideal for carrying larger items and breakable goods. This can protect merchandise by decreasing accidents up to the register and out to the parking lot. The blue and red baskets fit perfectly on the bottom of these shopping carts, allowing for maximum purchases.

Things to keep in mind with shopping baskets and carts:

• Shopping will be easier with wider aisles.
• Cashiers will have to be extra careful that the customer has unloaded and paid for all items from the basket or cart.
• Warn your customers that putting children inside the baskets and carts is unsafe.
• Do a parking lot check each day, making sure that all your baskets and carts have made it inside.

Have baskets or shopping carts made a difference in your business?

With more independent retailers utilizing social media outlets, Store Supply Guy is joining the conversation on Twitter and recommends that you do the same if you haven’t already.

If you like reading weekly updates on the Store Supply Guy Blog, imagine receiving several updates every day from @StoreSupplyGuy on Twitter. Here, we can keep up with your day-to-day activities and find out what is really in the heads of store owners. Whether offering words of encouragement or some helpful tips, in 140 characters or less, @StoreSupplyGuy will be available for all your retail needs.

Store Supply Warehouse also manages a corporate Twitter account, @StoreSupply. If you ever want to know what trade shows Store Supply Warehouse will be attending or receive information about Store Supply products, @StoreSupply is updated daily with such tweets.

Are you still a little fuzzy about what Twitter is? Here are the top 5 reasons why we think Twitter is a great resource for retailers.

1. Networking and Finding Potential Customers
2. Research Tool for New Ideas
3. Reinforce Your Brand Name
4. Promote News, Events and Products
5. Direct Traffic to Your Site

If you already have a Twitter account, follow me for some great tips, @StoreSupplyGuy! If you have yet to join Twitter, make a profile and start networking with thousands of other retailers.

Because there is so much competition out there, customers can be very choosy as to where they take their business. That is why it’s important to make shopping as convenient and easy as possible so they are sure to find what they are looking for in your store.

One of the most frustrating times for a customer can be when they are in a rush and cannot find the item they are seeking. There are some things you can do to alleviate this common problem.

• Make aisle labels visible and clear
• Have sales associates ready to answer any questions
• Display popular seasonal products on end caps or at the front of the store

Hand-in-hand with a convenient shopping experience is a pleasant one. Here are some things to consider that will personalize your customers’ trip.

• Make customer service a priority
• If a customer calls with a question, have a real person answer the phone
• Soft background music
• Attractive, customized packaging
• On large orders, offer assistance out to the customers’ vehicle

Hassle free shopping trips will satisfy your customers. If you go the extra mile, it will have customers coming back for not only the product but the enjoyable shopping experience.

How do you make shopping easier for your customers?

Your countertop display can be a focal point in your store and it is a great way to highlight smaller products. Every retailer should make good use of their countertop. You might be surprised that just by moving a product in front of your customers’ eyes will increase impulse sales.

Choosing the right display can make merchandise more visible and add interest to your countertop. There are many great display options out there, depending on what products you want to feature.

• Rotating Jewelry Displays
• Easels – for books
• Ballot Boxes
• Literature Displays - for brochures
• Cap and Hat Displays
• Eye-Sun Glass Displays
• CD and DVD Displays
• Countertop Forms
• Peg Spinner Rack
• Mirrors
• Risers
• Wire Countertop Racks

Assess what products you think would sell the best on your countertop. We recommend switching out products and strategically placing these display fixtures. They can stand alone or as a group display. Light accents such as tube lights can add emphasis. If you are not using one of these displays on your countertop, try moving it to another location in the store. It will keep you and your customers from getting bored.

Your counter serves many purposes, so it can be difficult to create a space that can accommodate all of your needs. The three main roles of a counter are 1) to serve as a space for customers to check out purchases, 2) to display smaller, convenience items for impulse purchase and 3) to function as a work station for employees.

By following some simple tips, you can transform your counter from drab to fab.

Most importantly, you must keep your counter clean. A dusty work area could reflect poorly on your business. At the end of the day, try to make it a point to wipe down the front, sides and surface of your counter. After each week clear everything off and get the back corners.

Don’t clutter up your counter space. This is sometimes easier said than done. Remember that countertops are no place for work documents or employees’ personal belongings. Employees can keep their belongings safely stowed in the back of the store. Also, things like staplers, receipt tape and other day to day supplies have a way of ending up everywhere and getting lost. To keep organized, we recommend designating a permanent home for these items and then labeling that spot so employees know where to return items.

Make thoughtful choices as to what you keep on your counter. If you make note of the supplies that you use most often, you can put everything else away. For merchandise, we find it best to switch out countertop items and see which ones sell.

Keep the countertop simple, but make it pop. Just by adding some lights or seasonal decorations can really make the countertop stand out. Trying new things can work to your advantage. Consider changing up your countertop display.

How do you keep your countertop interesting and functional?

When you suspect an employee of stealing, sometimes it can be hard to gather enough evidence to fire or prosecute them. Stopping theft before it starts is always the ideal situation, but what do you do when you know it is occurring? Speculating and firing someone without proof could be unfounded and you could potentially lose a good employee. Sometimes you need to install security cameras in order to stop a thief in their tracks.

Sometimes employees just need a little reminder that you can always be watching. If you just want cameras as a reminder to be honest, you can install simulated security cameras. These cameras look exactly like functioning security cameras, they just don’t actually record. Many of these models even have function blinking red light. They even can work off of standard AA batteries so you do not need wiring. Simulated cameras come in a variety of models including dome cameras, mini cameras and weather resistant outdoor cameras.

If you need a working system, new cameras work off a DVR system, allowing you to keep footage electronically. You can automatically set these systems to record at certain times. They can be backed up on USB and connect to any computer. Plus you can even monitor the footage from any smart phone, allowing you to literally be in your store at any time.

Hopefully you will never need to use this footage. But just in case, having a surveillance system will help keep your store safe and may help reduce theft.

The summer issue of the Store Supply Warehouse catalog is now available, featuring 121 new products, 47 closeout items and 262 reduced price items. The 80-page catalog is easy to navigate with color coded categories and more, so you can easily find exactly what you need.

Some of the exciting, new items include:

• Eco Friendly, Non-Woven Tote Bags in 2 sizes and 2 colors
• 12” Rotating Slatwall Unit
• Economy Tier Tables
• Color Tag Fasteners

Store Supply has never featured so many savings in one catalog. Some of the closeout products are over 60% off their original price. Store Supply already offers a no risk, low price guarantee every day and with these discount prices they won’t be beat. These items are also available online where customers can shop in the closeouts category for all the savings listed together.

If you have been thinking about making a change to increase sales in your store, now is the time to act. Whether you would like discount packaging options or to enhance the security in your store, the Store Supply Warehouse is the one stop shop for all your retail needs.

The latest catalog can be requested at www.storesupply.com for FREE and orders can also be placed on the company’s website.

Last week’s tips will help keep customers from stealing, but a trickier situation is how to cut back on employee theft without openly distrusting your employees. Discouraging employee theft takes some finesse, but can be accomplished by employing a couple of techniques.

• Prior to hiring any employee, check their references completely. And make sure to ask for legitimate professional references. If you see any red flags, follow your gut and move on to the next potential employee.

• Institute regular cash register policies. Count down drawers at the end of every employee’s shift, don’t share cash drawers and do standard mid shift audits. If you make these techniques policies, they will keep your employees honest because they know they can be caught. At the same time, make sure you keep the rules standard for all employees so it doesn’t seem like you are playing favorites.

• Rotate schedules. Work with every employee at different times. And make sure employees work with all different employees. Many times, employees steal in teams, so by breaking up routine, it is harder to establish these bad habits.

• Have employees step up as part of customer theft prevention. If your employees know that you are serious about preventing customer theft, they will know that you are serious about any type of theft.

• Compare sales receipts to inventory often to discover any shortages.

• Have employees use the front door. Items are more likely to sneak out the back. By having employees exit through the front exit, they will pass sensors and your watchful eyes.

By employing consistent policies and keeping an eye on your employees, you can help keep your merchandise and money from leaving in your employees’ bags.

How do you prevent employee theft in your store?

The presence of security devices in a retail store is proven to help prevent thefts. Security devices such as mirrors and anti theft door security systems will help keep your merchandise from walking out the front door.

You want things to fly off your shelves. But those items need to stop at the register instead of going straight into a purse or backpack. By installing certain items that increase the presence of security devices, you can keeps theft at bay. And you don’t need to break the bank.

Security mirrors placed in corners and around high priced items will allow you to see these areas from the counter area and will make customers aware that you are watching them. Security mirrors are fairly inexpensive and have no carrying costs, so we would recommend that almost every store use these.

Another way to protect your merchandise is through anti theft door systems. These sensors detect when items are removed from a store when the accompanying tag on an item has not been removed or deactivated by a sales associate.

Door sensors are extremely effective, but for some stores they may be cost prohibitive. There are alternatives such as simulated door sensors and tags. These faux sensors appear to function exactly like the real version, so they have the same theft deterrent value as the real thing. However, if someone is courageous and still walks out the front door, it will not activate the alarm.

Small items such as simulated door sensors and corner mirrors will help keep theft in check and keep you from losing merchandise.

What security products does your store use?

Small or large, sticky fingers are a problem that plagues the retail industry. From children making off with a candy bar to experienced pros who make a living off stealing merchandise, you need to take precautions to make sure your store and your merchandise is protected.

Last year loss rates rose to account for more than $36 billion. A survey conducted by the University of Florida estimated that loss represented 1.44% of all retail sales in 2008. And experts are pointing to even higher numbers for 2009 as a result of the recession. And the scariest number in this survey is that 44% of loss is estimated to be employee theft.

Because this is such a large topic, we are going to devout two weeks to security and loss prevention. This week, the focus is on customer oriented theft.

An easy way to keep theft down is to make your presence known in the store. By wandering around your store occasionally and asking every customer if they need help, potential thieves are more aware that you are watching and will be less likely to take things.

Other tips include:

• Keep small or easily stolen items near the counter area.
• Use glass display cases to secure valuable items.
• Install security mirrors in the corners of your store so that you can see all areas of your store.
• Utilize anti theft door system with security tags for your merchandise.
• Consider using security cameras, whether they actually function or are just simulated cameras.
• Post signs about your store’s theft policy.

The key to successfully stopping theft in your store is to proactively take steps to keep crime down. Keep your eyes open, check large bags in the front of the store and call the authorities if you suspect someone is breaking the law.

How does your store keep theft from occurring?

Stores need to be versatile. Some stores have unpredictable merchandise. Consider the antique business; depending on the items you purchase for you store, you could have completely different items from week to week. As a result, store owners should consider having some display elements that can be easily modified to meet your current inventory’s needs.

One of the best systems for versatility is slatwall. Slatwall can turn any wall into a multipurpose selling wall. Or effectively utilize interior space by using slatwall towers or gondola shelves. But the thing that makes slatwall so functional is the types of accessories that can quickly transform slatwalls.

Here are some of the most popular accessories for slatwall.

• Wire Baskets
• Faceouts
• Peg Hooks
• Shelf Brackets
• Shelves (Plastic and Wood Varieties)
• Brochure Holders
• Literature Holders
• Trays
• Sign Holders
• Necklace Busts
• Eyewear Displays
• Jewelry Displays
• Mirrors
• Cap and Hat Racks
• Hang Rails
• Display Lights

With all of these accessory options, your space can be completely changed over as often as needed. So as your merchandise changes, so can your space.

One of the most difficult retail stores to start up is an antique store. Unfortunately, you can’t just open up a distributor catalog to order merchandise. You have to search items out. At the same time, the unique items in your store’s inventory are also what make every antique store distinctive. According to the Princeton Review, the average part-time antiques dealer makes anywhere from $18,500 to $49,000 a year. Not bad for a part-time gig. And full time dealers can earn six figures once they are established. So how do you grab a piece of this lucrative industry?

Successful antique store owners are today’s version of treasure hunters. They seek out valuable items from our past and make them available to the general public. They value craftsmanship and detail. Owners of these types of stores aren’t people that go down to the big box store to buy furniture out of necessity. They purchase things as an aesthetic addition to the design of a room, not because they need a coffee table to set their drink cup.

Last week, our spotlight store owner Maura Lawlor mentioned that you shouldn’t buy something just because you like it. This is valuable advice for antique store owners. This industry is dependent on buying items that will appeal to a niche audience. So you want to make sure you diversify your antiques to appeal to the most antique hunters possible.

So how do you get started? Most people recommend trying your hand at the antique business online before opening a brick and mortar store. Sell items in your attic, from your friends and family and antiques that you find at local flea markets. Try sites like eBay and Craigslist to get the ball rolling.

The next natural step is to rent a booth at an antique mall or flea market. This approach allows you to accumulate more merchandise without giving up substantial space in your home. Antique malls tend to take a percentage of your profits, but you don’t always have to be at the actual location all the time, allowing you to keep your day job while accumulating capital.

Then it is time to take the big step, opening a brick and mortar location. When selecting a location, keep a couple of things in mind. First, your target clientele is important. Most antique hunters are looking for nostalgic items. As a result, the audience tends to be skewed toward the older generations. Accordingly, a store in the heart of a trendy neighborhood may be appealing, but your target audience most likely does not live in the area.

Look to other antique stores. People tend to make a day out of “antiquing” so choosing a location near other antique stores will actually increase your traffic because people will stop in after they go to their usual antique store.

Once you have a store, network with other store owners and buyers to determine the “hot” items to carry. Then with a little faith and a lot of luck, your store could very well be on its way to success.

Any antique aficionados out there? What is your advice to the budding antique store owner?

A buyer always wants to try on items before they purchase them. For jewelry and apparel retailers like Kerry Cottage, key supplies to have in your store are display mirrors.

You should strategically place mirrors next to jewelry counters, hat displays, clothing, sunglass displays and anywhere you have wearable merchandise. These are especially important if you do not have dressing rooms in your store.

Tilting mirrors and easel mirrors are ideal for sitting on counters. Tilting mirrors can adjust to the customer’s height whereas easel mirrors stay stationary. You should keep the height of your counter in mind when choosing a mirror. If the counter is very short, a tilting mirror might be more effective than an easel mirror.  If you sell shoes, we recommend a floor easel mirror to make shoe merchandise easy to view.

Hanging mirrors come with a convenient, universal mount that fits slatwalls or wire grids. These mirrors should be on walls or columns next to clothing. People try on jackets, sweaters and anything they can fit over their clothes in the main part of a store. Don’t just have these mirrors on the outside walls of your store. If you can, try and incorporate them within the store for easy access.

Turntable mirrors bring immediate attention to your gifts, jewelry, cosmetic or any small, light weight merchandise. There are no messy wires and can operate for days on a single D-size battery. This is a way you can feature special products and sales. We recommend switching out your merchandise on the turntable. Don’t let an item become stale.

Remember to think like your customers. Look at every area of your store from a customer’s prospective. Anywhere that someone may be tempted to try something on, make sure there is a mirror close. By having mirrors placed strategically throughout your store, you will entice customers to buy extra items such as jewelry, sunglasses and jackets.

Since we started the Store Supply Blog back in April, we have gotten fabulous responses from retailers on their tips for success. We developed the Store Supply Blog and Forum to be a valuable resource for independent retailers. Because of the response of our readers and our dedication to offering valuable information, we have decided to introduce a new reoccurring feature to the Store Supply Blog: The Store Owner Spotlight.

About once a month, we will turn to a store owner for their “Tuesday Tips” on how to successfully run a retail operation. This month, we focus on Maura Lawlor, owner of Kerry Cottage, an Irish merchandise store based in Maplewood, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis.

At Kerry Cottage, you will find everything Irish from Waterford Crystal to St. Patrick’s Day apparel. Maura Lawlor opened the store more than 20 years ago with her mother, having no idea it would turn into a fulfilling career. Starting with a big dream and a little bit of luck, Kerry Cottage has become a local favorite and has even been featured on local news.

We asked Maura to share her five tips for success in the retail industry:

1. Be passionate: Maura says you should either love what you do or don’t do it. If you aren’t passionate about your store, you won’t take the extra steps to make it a success.
2. Focus on the details: If you only concentrate on the big picture, it can be overwhelming. Maura suggests focusing on the small details one at a time and they will come together to make a successful store.
3. Don’t buy what you like: Just because you like an item doesn’t mean that it will sell well. Maura recommends paying attention to buying trends to determine what to purchase for your store.
4. Work with vendors you trust: Maura turns to her vendors to suggest merchandise that is successful. She only works with vendors she can trust to make good recommendations. Then she follows their recommendations.
5. Only carry high quality merchandise: Make sure your merchandise is high quality because not only does it reflect well on your store, it will keep your customers coming back for more.

With the luck of the Irish, Maura Lawlor turned her passion into a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Do you know a retailer that we should spotlight next month? Do you have tips for success? Let us know!

Nail salons are not the only retail organization that could benefit from using glass display cases to brighten up a room and effectively display merchandise. Almost any retailer could utilize a glass display case.

Display cases serve many purposes, there is a perceived value associated with items that are displayed under glass. On a similar note, display cases protect valuables. Display cases can be used individually or as part of larger display arrangements.

There are many options of glass display cases that a business owner has to chose from depending on your needs.

• Glass counter top display cases often double as a front counter for stores. These cases are perfect for small items or expensive items you want to keep within reach of your sales associates.
• Glass tower display cases add vertical appeal to a room and are available in shapes such as hexagons and squares.
• Jewelry display cases showcase necklaces, rings, bracelets and other jewelry items while securing them from theft.

If you are displaying expensive merchandise it would be a good idea to install a ratchet lock on the sliding doors of your countertop display case. This way a customer will have to ask for assistance to purchase the items. Also, the use of lights in glass displays can be an effective way to feature merchandise.

Nail salons are often individually owned and operated businesses and the industry is booming.  There are more than 500,000 nail technicians in the United States. Because of the low start up costs, readily available training and large demand, business owners are finding the nail salon business extremely rewarding.

According to many nail salon owners, the key to success in this lucrative industry is to create bonds with your clients. If your employees can connect with customers, then customers are more likely to remain loyal to your salon and will become regular customers.

As a result, a customer’s first impression of your salon is essential to how often they come back. So you want to make the best first impression possible. Aside from training your employees to be personable and communicate with clients, a big factor in first impressions is the physical surroundings in a salon.

One thing people look for when selecting a nail salon is the cleanliness of the space. Unfortunately, the industry is plagued by bad press about salons that have not followed proper cleaning protocol. In order to avoid being associated with these stores, make your store sparkle.

Using light colors, such as white or light gray keep customers at ease because lighter colors visually look cleaner and don’t hide dirt. Most nail salons keep decorations simple. This is because it is easier to keep the store clean and clutter free when you employ a minimalist style.

Also, use glass display cases and register counters. These clear cases can be easily cleaned and brighten up your store by showing off different nail polishes and finishes.

Your customers spend all of their time sitting at your salon, whether in the waiting area, in the pedicure chair or while getting a manicure. Keep this in mind when selecting seating for your salon. Stay away from fabrics that can’t be cleaned (accidental nail polish spills and smudges happen very often) but consider spending a little extra on comfortable seating.

Remember, people come into a nail salon to be pampered, so by making sure your chairs, displays and counters are clean and welcoming, your clients are bound to become repeat customers.

Many sales counters are made of groupings of display cases. For jewelry stores, clothing stores, electronics stores and more, display cases are an extremely effective way to store, exhibit and secure merchandise.

Displays are usually put together using many pieces that fit together to make one unit. Basic display case components include:
•    Full Vision Glass Front Display Cases
•    Gondola Units With High Bases and Glass Shelves
•    Glass Front Wall Unit Displays
•    Well Top Register Stands
•    Flat Top Register Stands
•    90 Degree Open Front Shelf Corner Filler
•    Service Counters
•    Jewelry Display Cases

For many new stores, or stores looking to revamp their current counters, we have a few packages of display cases that piece together full vision display cases, corner displays and register stands to create one cohesive unit that will fit in your space effortlessly.

For stores that want a U-shaped station, Store Supply has a package that includes two 70″L Full Vision Display Cases, two Open Shelf Corner Fillers, one Well-Top Register Stand, and one 70″L Service Counter. A smaller option includes two 70″L Full Vision Display Cases, two Open Shelf Corner Fillers, one Well-Top Register Stand, and one 70″L Service Counter.

L-Shaped arrangements include either two 70″L Full Vision Display Cases or one 70″L Full Vision Display Case with one 48″L Service Counter plus an Open Shelf Corner Filler and a Well-Top Register Stand.

All showcases feature tempered glass throughout, easy sliding rear hardboard doors, finished deck and doors, anodized aluminum frame extrusions and matching steel interior standards and brackets.

The counter is the central hub of your store. Behind your counter are all the business tools such as your register, phone, computer and usually, your associates. The front of your checkout counter can drive impulse sales and serves as the customers’ main interaction point.

So there are two things to keep in mind when designing your main counter space: the functionality from the back and the ability to sell items from the front.

Counters can be completely translucent, allowing customers to see all the way through them or they can be opaque.

To design an effective counter, think of it as a sales station as opposed to a checkout counter. Counters can be customized using interchangeable pieces such as display cases, register stands, corner displays and more.

The customer side of the counter should be optimized to show off your merchandise. Use countertop displays and corner units to improve impulse buys and show off high end items.

The back end of your counter should be functional and should be extremely organized. Many register stands feature shelving for bags and other items.

Just remember to keep your counter as the focal point of your store. Consider placing racks on either side of the line area to funnel people into line and allow them to browse as they wait.

How does your store use your counter space?

Keeping jewelry organized and well displayed is a key to success in the jewelry sales industry. Especially when carrying jewelry from site to site, you need items that will not only keep your items organized, but that can double as displays.

Tray carrying cases are a jewelry salesperson’s best friend. These portable kits allow for jewelry to be organized onto trays. The trays can be pulled out and used to display items. One idea is to organize trays either by style, color or by price point.

One of our favorite carrying cases is the 12 tray aluminum carrying case. This case not only holds 12 black fabric lined trays but the best part is that it has an extendable handle and rolls like a rolling suitcase. Plus the sturdy aluminum exterior keeps your merchandise safely intact.

Other materials to keep in mind when doing jewelry sales are displays like bar displays and earring displays. Also, make sure you keep plenty of plastic or velvet bags around to bag up your merchandise after it is sold.

Remember, the ability to set up and pack up easily is crucial when doing jewelry events. So with some organization tools such as a tray carrying case, you are sure to have an easier time traveling with your merchandise.

Hailed as the new Mary Kay and Avon, jewelry sales is becoming a booming business for individuals who want to be self employed or for people who want to make some extra money on the side. People are looking to supplement their income to make ends meet, and the average direct salesperson makes about $200 extra a month. The average Silpada rep makes about $285 for every 2 hour party that they plan. Hosting a couple of parties a week can add up to thousands a month.

The jewelry party idea is not only profitable for the sales rep, but this business model can be successfully employed by a small jewelry retailer or an individual starting up a jewelry line. By traveling with your jewelry line to homes or offices for pre-planned events, you will be able to introduce your product to a new audience. You can enhance this experience by also making your products available online on eBay or through a website. Then once people discover your line at a party, they can become repeat customers, or they can host parties of their own.

So how do you become successful in this industry? Here are a few tips that we have, but feel free to add some more tips in the comment section.

1. Work your contacts- The key to making money in this field is having people who are willing to let you into their home or place of business so that you can sell your jewelry to their friends and coworkers.
2. Reward the host- Many people host these type of parties because they get some sort of incentive for hosting the party. So make sure to reward the host with a free item or a cut of the profits that they can use toward merchandise.
3. Make the host look good- The best way to reward the host is to make them look good for hosting your event. Simple ways to do this is to have your items organized and displayed in an attractive manner. Stayed tuned to Friday’s featured product article as we will discuss ways to display jewelry items.
4. Ask new customers to consider hosting a party of their own- As we said before, some of the success in this industry can be attributed to your networking abilities. So if you get an enthusiastic party attendee, make sure you ask them to consider hosting their own party.

Feel free to add your own tips on how to host a successful jewelry party. Also, what other industries have you seen doing this type of retail? We all know about makeup, jewelry, candles, etc, but what other types of parties have you attended?

On Tuesday, we talked about ways to increase foot traffic. And one of our suggestions was to improve the signage at your store. Today, we are going to go into more detail about some effective signs to increase foot traffic.

Well, one of the easiest ways to increase traffic is to increase the number of eyes that look at your store. The simplest way to do this is through signage.

The first sign you should always have is an OPEN sign. While this sounds obvious, some stores forget this crucial sign. LED open signs are our favorite option because people can see that your store is open from a distance. These signs are especially popular for stores in strip malls or near a street.

If you are in an area with high walking traffic such as a mall or town center area, sidewalk signs are extremely helpful. They are also very useful for restaurants. Our favorite is the dry erase board sidewalk sign.  These come in a-frame or spring versions. The dry erase board sign allow you to easily customize the sign without having to purchase a new sign from a printer. They are great for sales, specials, menu items, promotions and special events.

Another type of sign that is perfect for catching attention is the moving message board sign. These signs are easily customizable and their vibrant colors are guaranteed to make shoppers stop and look.

Don’t be afraid to have some fun attracting attention. Pennant strands and promotional rope lights bring some color to your store front. Tube lights and promotional beacon lights will light the way to your store.

And don’t neglect the standbys. Traditional banners and window cling signs are sure to help bring in traffic.

These signs will ultimately increase the number of eyes that look into your store. By bringing attention to your store, you can improve sales and coveted foot traffic.

While many of your customers plan a trip to your store, a high percentage of new customers find a store by “stopping in” while shopping for something else. By increasing the foot traffic into your store, you can raise profits and introduce your brand to a whole new customer base.

Right now, many stores are feeling the pain of the economic downturn. One thing that everyone needs is more customers in their stores. Fewer people are shopping, so you need to attract the attention of the people who are out and about shopping. So how do you increase foot traffic?

Our first suggestion would be to increase the visibility of your store. One way to do this is to feature signs and promotional lighting at the entrance. Sidewalk signs, beacon lights and banners are extremely effective for improving foot traffic.

Another way to get people in your store is through a sale. We have discussed this before, but featuring items outside your store will get people browsing. Put merchandise in a dump bin or on a rolling rack so that it can be easily transported during store hours.

Finally, for the more courageous owner, consider some sort of stunt. Liberty Tax has waving Statue of Liberty costume characters outside their store during tax season. Great Clips often has a dancing shampoo bottle on the sidewalk. While you don’t necessarily need to be that extreme, consider having one of your workers hand out fliers or carry a sign to alert other shoppers about your sale.

By increasing foot traffic into your store, you can then show off your merchandise and entice shoppers to make a purchase. Hopefully they will become frequent shoppers after that first “stop in” to your store.

On Tuesday, we chatted about creating dynamic displays that are also versatile. One of the easiest ways to achieve a fabulous display that can be easily changed when you get new merchandise is with a wire grid unit.

Options are limitless when using a wire grid unit. There are so many accessories, plus the units can be used as free standing displays or as wall displays. They are also perfect display units for store windows, since they are partially see through so people can see your display items and the items in the store as well.

Grids can be set up in a variety of ways; from L shaped, triangle, U shaped, four way to gondola displays, the options are infinite.

And the accessories that can be added to the units really make these type of displays one of the most useful investments for a store owner. Accessories include:

• Baskets
• Faceouts
• Peg Hooks
• Shelf Brackets
• Hangrail Brackets
• Acrylic Bins, Displays and Trays
• Cap and Hat Racks
• Shelving
• Lights
• Brochure Holders and Literature Racks

By mixing and matching accessories, wire grid shelving units can fit any merchandise display needs and can help showcase items in order to increase sales.

A couple of weeks ago, we touched upon store design and displays. One of the topics in that article was how to design attractive walls that entice individuals to shop in your store. Today we are going to discuss that topic in more detail.

Some of the most valuable real estate in your store is on your walls. Wall displays allow you to take advantage of the vertical space in your store that you can’t use as effectively in the center of your store.

The key to a good wall display is variety. There are many different systems that could help you develop dynamic wall displays that are pleasing to the eye and that help drive sales.

Height is a key player in wall displays. Think about popular store types.  Electronics stores always line the walls with up to three rows of flat panel televisions so that they are the first thing you see when you walk in the store. Clothing stores have clothing displays 10 feet in the air. Book stores tend to display their best sellers on racks lining the walls.

So how do you replicate these gravity defying displays in your store? There are many solutions that can work. However, the most cost effective solution is probably a versatile wall display system that can be changed as needed.

There are a couple of options out there for this type of display. The first type is a slatwall panel. These slotted panels come in a variety of finishes and can be easily painted in order to match the décor of any store. Panels are affixed to walls and then can be customized with a variety of accessories to create a dynamic display. Another option is wire grid units that can be placed against the wall.

We recommend using wall panels to break up the monotony. By alternating racks, baskets, shelves and racks against the wall, people are more apt to browse. Use high areas for displays and then feature the item on racks or shelves below the display so people can reach the items without assistance.

Play with colors, items and textures in order to keep it interesting. Don’t be afraid to experiment. By creating dynamic wall displays, you will always keep shoppers interested and their wallets open.

In keeping with our sale’s theme this week, we wanted to highlight dump bins and their role in stores for sales and for regular merchandise displays. Dump bins are very good for holding sales items because of their elevated sides. Plus they are compact and easy to store, allowing you to keep them in your back room in a corner when not in use.

Folding dump tables are probably the most useful for sales. They have deep bins, yet the legs fold under for storage. One of the best parts about these tables is that they can be easily divided so each clothing size is kept separate.

To store everyday merchandise, we recommending looking into wire dump bins for their versatility and flexibility. Great for specials, closeouts, seasonal merchandise and everyday items. Ten eye-catching baskets invite browsing and buying and they are easy to stock and easy to reposition to take advantage of traffic. These types of bins include:

• Double sided merchandiser racks with 10 baskets
• Four Basket Spinner Racks
• Three Tier Wire Dump Bins
• Large Dump Bins with Adjustable Bottom Shelf
• Wire Folding Dump Table
• Wire Dump Basket

So feel free to stock stuffed animals and giant bouncy balls finally have a place. Look into purchasing some of these racks to help break up the monotony of shelving and standard racks in your store.

Sales: the ultimate necessary evil in the retail industry. But sales have value other than liquidating out of season merchandise. Sales can bring in new customers, generate serious profits and enhance the visibility of your store.

The number one way to ensure a successful sale is promotion. Now we aren’t necessarily talking about taking out a full page ad in the local paper. For larger cities, this could be cost prohibitive. But you definitely want to let your current customers and any traffic know that you are offering deals.

The first way to generate traffic to your store is by signs. Luckily, you don’t need to go get a custom printed sign every time something goes on clearance.  General “sale” signs can do the trick. Try sidewalk signs for outside your store, window clings, banners and even promotional lights. These signs will alert driving and walking traffic to take notice.

Another way to drive traffic is to feature sale items on the exterior of your store. Set up a few dump bins with folded clothing so people can browse as they pass. Then have more sales items in various areas of the store so people have to browse through the full priced items as they bargain shop.

A further way to maximize sales profits is to offer good customer discounts. As customers regularly purchase their items, ask if they would like to sign up for email offers. Then, periodically email coupons. The most effective coupons when working with a current customer is the “spend $100, get $15 off” type of coupon (amounts can vary.) Because most often, people end up spending more than the max amount in order to reach that top price.

Not only do sales bring in new customers, they allow you to move merchandise that hasn’t sold yet, clearing out room for your new lines. Often this is pretty cyclical. So think about having a sale a season, so your best customers look forward to it.

Most of all don’t be afraid to experiment with sales techniques and ideas. You will find a method that works perfectly for your store.

We need your help! Chime in and let other people know which techniques work best for your store.

On Tuesday, we discussed the benefits of starting a gift certificate program at your store. But what about the person that purchases merchandise for their loved ones? Oftentimes, people are in a rush and would like to get a gift, packaging and wrap all in one place. So today we are going to discuss the different options in gift packaging.

First you need to decide if you are going to offer gift wrap as an additional or complimentary service. Many stores will offer it for free around the holidays to woo in customers. If you have the space, the resources and the man power, it might not be a bad idea to throw this service in on the house after a certain purchase point.

If you are doing gift wrap for free, the most cost effective solution is to purchase gift boxes in bulk and then have several large rolls of gift wrap on hand. The gift wrap you choose says a lot about your store. So it is better to err on the conservative side in higher end stores. We recommend solid gold or silver paper or even gold or silver striped paper. This style of paper is versatile for weddings, birthdays or shower presents. But don’t be afraid to have a little fun, especially if you are a store that caters to children. Choose paper the compliments your store’s logo and design.

Retail gift wrap comes in half ream rolls, so you will want to invest in a gift wrap dispenser. These stands protect your paper, make it extremely easy to measure and cut, and come in a variety of sizes to hold either one or multiple rolls. Then purchase ribbon and tags as the finishing touch to your packaging.

If you aren’t planning on offering gift wrap, another option is to stock wrapping supplies such as gift bags and tissue paper. Then keep these items near the counter and train your sales staff to ask customers if they would like to add gift wrapping supplies to their order.

Another way to do gift wrap is to having shopping bags that can double as gift bags. Victoria’s Secret has perfected this idea by placing every item in a gift bag with their signature pink tissue paper. Glossy euro totes and frosted shopping bags are both good options if going this route.

Just remember, by offering gift wrapping options at your store, you are helping your customers and keeping profits in your store.

How do you handle gift wrapping in your retail store?

In 2006, the National Retail Federation estimated that consumers would purchase $25 billion in gift cards. Companies like Best Buy and Victoria’s Secret have seen upwards of $40 million each in profits in unused gift cards alone. So why the trend toward gift cards, and how can your store cash in on the potential profits?

Gift cards have recently become an extremely popular item around the holidays, for birthdays and wedding or baby showers. Some couples even now register for very few items hoping to get gift cards so they can pick out their own gifts. Gift cards are seen as a thoughtful purchase because they let your loved one know that you were thinking of them, but it gives them the freedom to choose their own items. Gift certificates to specialty stores, boutiques, spas or other niche stores can speak volumes about how you were truly thinking of that individual when selecting a store.

To get in on the gift card action, you should make it very easy to purchase a gift card/certificate. Place a sign advertising that gift certificates are available. We recommend not only putting one at the counter, but also placing one at the entrance to the store, so that weary buyers know right away that they have an alternative gift idea. Plus, if your store has a website, advertise that gift certificates are available.

We like gift certificates that can be customized to any amount. That way, people aren’t pigeonholed into a certain price. If you have only increments of $25, someone planning to spend $30 will go down to $25 rather than up to $50. That is $5 lost.

Now, plastic gift cards are great, but they are pretty impractical for independent retailers. The costs to start up a plastic gift card program would far outweigh the profits. And paper gift certificates and plastic cards spend exactly the same way, so people tend to not even notice the difference. So for now, stick with paper gift certificates and then if they take off, then consider investing in a card system.

We suggest having 2-part gift certificates. These packages allow you to give one certificate to the customer while you have an exact replica for your records. This way, when a certificate is redeemed, you know how long ago it was purchased, the selling associate, etc. These types of gift certificates help you add checks and balances to your gift certificate program.

The final thing to think about when starting a gift certificate program is an expiration date. It is pretty standard for gift certificates to be valid for either one to two years from the purchase date. Most organizations do not count a gift certificate as revenue until it is redeemed, so after two years, that certificate is automatically figured into profits. That way, you don’t have to keep your records open. Plus, as we mentioned before, many gift certificates go unclaimed, so you need an official date to stop acknowledging that sale.

Gift certificates can be an extremely good way to generate additional revenue. So don’t be scared, start a gift certificate program.

How have gift certificates sales impacted your stores bottom line?

At the heart of any clothing display is the mannequin. These faux-humans can bring an item to life. They are even so iconic that major brands such as Old Navy are now even using the mannequin in the center of a national ad campaign.

But let’s face it; mannequins become a representation of your customers. Your target clientele should walk into your store and be able to imagine themselves in your clothes because they can see themselves as that mannequin. So you need to select a mannequin that reflects your customers and your clothing type.

So what type of mannequin is right for your store? While there isn’t a perfect mannequin type, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing a mannequin.

• What hair style should they have? Standard mannequins either come with molded hair or wigs. Both have their advantages. Molded hair can be kept on the mannequin at all times. But mannequins with wigs have many hairstyle options. You can switch hair to coordinate with an outfit’s color and style.

• Ethnicity: Mannequins come in a variety of skin tones. By matching the ethnicity to your customer base’s main ethnicity, your customers will relate to your items. If nothing else, introduce some diversity in your mannequins to appeal to all ethnicities. If you want to completely avoid the skin tone issue, you can purchase cameo mannequins that are cameo white and generic.

• Do you really need the entire body? Many mannequins don’t even have heads. Some are counter top mannequins and have no legs. Others are made for wall displays and don’t have backs. Determine where your mannequins will be placed to decide whether you need to get the whole body.

• Size does matter: Not everyone is a size two. Not all clothing is made for size twos. So if your customers tend to be plus sized, there are mannequins for them.

• Don’t forget the boys: Men need to see clothes on them also, while there are more female mannequin options, there are definitely different male models also.

• Kids need clothes too: Girls, boys and babies all have their own mannequin types.

Of course, if traditional mannequins aren’t your thing, there are alternatives such as uniquins, ladder mannequins and jersey covered dress forms.

What types of mannequins do you use? How do you dress your mannequins to increase sales?

In any clothing store, the way you display your merchandise can make or break your store. You have to walk a fine line between showing off each garment and having enough racks to hold all of your merchandise. So the answer to this dilemma is variety.

There are three main types of clothing displays, wall displays, floor racks and tables. Each needs to be used in order to create an effective flow to your store and to showcase your merchandise.

One thing to remember is that shopping is a visual experience. People gravitate into a store when they see something interesting. We recommend placing something similar to a three tiered table right at the entrance. Frame this table with a couple of mannequins dressed to the nines. Then stock the table with all the necessary items needed to replicate the mannequin’s outfit. The three tiers will allow you to easily separate clothing items while dynamically displaying color and fabric options.

Once a shopper is drawn into your store, their eyes gravitate toward items they can see. Make sure you have racks and wall displays that offer face out clothing that feed into the center of the store. People can’t see your merchandise when it is shoulders out. Have a variety of rack types and heights so that browsing is easy and interesting.

Alternate rack types, have a few four way racks, then intersperse two way racks, one rail racks and an occasional round rack. Round racks have no display options, so we suggest saving these racks for your clearance items to maximize that space. In between racks, break up the monotony with tables of folded items.

For your wall displays, remember that the average person cannot reach items high on the wall. Have items on face out displays up high with a shelf directly underneath with folded clothing. This will be much easier to access than clothes being behind the high display item. Most people will not ask an associate for assistance getting down an item. Then under than shelf, have a hang rail with a variety of sizes and colors.

One tactic that works fairly well is to group clothing styles or colors. By grouping all of the professional attire in one corner, fancy in another section and casual clothing in a different place, people are more likely to grab multiple separates that will mix and match to create entire ensembles.

So, if sales are lagging, try to rearrange your display racks and create a dominant display at the entrance to your store in order to bolster purchases.

What works best for your store?

Earlier this week, we discussed essential supplies for an online retailer. As we were developing that list, we noticed that the most important element was in fact the box. So, this Friday we are going to break down things to look for when selecting your shipping boxes.

Shipping boxes come in a variety of sizes. They often range from about 4”x4”x4” to extremely large boxes. However, for most consumer retail stores, you won’t need to order boxes much larger than 12”x12”x12” because larger items will come packed one to a box and you won’t need to repack it.

We suggest ordering a variety of box sizes and then seeing what you go through before ordering a large quantity of boxes. The key to saving money is to ship items in the smallest box possible. At the same time, you should try to pack an entire order in one box in order to save on shipping costs.

Why is this? Well first of all, each individual box has a unique shipping/tracking code. So your customers would have to enter in two codes in order to track their packages. Also, there is usually a flat fee associated with shipping a box. Then fees are added onto the box for additional weight. So if you ship two small boxes, you pay the flat fee twice and then the weight fees. If you ship in one slightly larger box, you only pay that flat fee once.

When selecting a box, versatility is key. We suggest using a kraft colored box made of corrugated fiberboard. Unlike standard flat cardboard, corrugated fiberboard has multiple layers including the accordion-like corrugated middle layer. This extra layer of paper allows the box to have some give, which will help cushion your products and make them less susceptible to damage during the shipping process. The kraft color will make your boxes postal ready, so you won’t have to take the extra step to cover them with paper prior to shipping.

Then don’t forget to keep some bubble wrap and stretch film on hand to wrap packages and fill the empty space in those boxes in order to ensure that those packages make it safely to their final destination.

What type of boxes do you typically use? Do you have to repack your items, or can most of them be shipping in their original packaging?

As the Internet continues to grow, many companies are either beginning as online only ventures, some are adding their merchandise online or some are closing their brick and mortar locations all together to become online store fronts.

As an online store, your supplies will differ from a brick and mortar location. First of all, you will not have to purchase things like displays or counters. But there are some supplies you will need to always keep stocked.

Because all online transactions end up being shipped, you need to ensure you have supplies that will keep your shipping costs low while protecting your merchandise. Here are the items necessary for putting a package together.

• Boxes: Keep a variety of box sizes on hand so that you can ship orders in the smallest box without having to ship orders in multiple boxes. Larger orders should go in a bigger box to save on supply and shipping costs.
• Bubble Shipping Bags: For small items or easily folded items, a bubble shipping bag is ideal because they cushion your merchandise and take up very little space.
• Packaging Products: Have both bubble wrap and stretch film in stock in order to protect valuables and fill dead space. Plus, plastic products are more environmentally friendly than their Styrofoam counterparts.
• Kraft Paper: In order to reuse boxes, use Kraft paper to rewrap boxes with writing on them for shipping.
• Carton Sealing Products: Invest in a carton sealing kit that comes with a carton sealing tape gun and multiple roles of clear packing tape.

But shipping products aren’t the only things you will need in order for your new retail operation to be successful. Don’t forget organizational supplies such as shelving, tagging products, clothing racks and steamers.

Any other essential items that you needed when you started your online retail operation?

In keeping with our theme this week of the economy, we wanted to feature price tagging guns and accessories. Price tagging guns can help increase sales, decrease loss and help with inventory control.  There are many different types of pricing guns available. You need to select the model that suits your needs.

The two most prevalent pricing guns are the labelers that print a sticker that is placed on an item and tagging guns that attach tags with plastic fasteners.

Labeling guns often come in one line and two line versions. One line versions speed up pricing, encourage self-selection and discourage price-switching. These labelers print up to eight characters in one line. Two line labelers print two lines with up to 7 characters per line for clear, sharp labels. Labeling guns are often used for boxes, books, kitchen items and other solid items that need a price tag adhered to it.

Tagging guns connect a paper tag to an item with a plastic fastener. This type of tagging guns is ideal for clothes and other soft items such as pillows and stuffed animals. As a unique touch, fasteners come in many shapes and colors include hot pink and orange plastic fasteners. One thing to keep in mind, some materials will snag or tear using a standard tagging gun. As a result, there are fine tagging guns made especially for this purpose.

What type of pricing gun do you use?

At Store Supply Warehouse, we get many stores asking us for tips on how to survive the recession. That is one of the reasons we created the Store Supply Blog and Forum for Independent Retailers, because we wanted to give retailers a place to go to get ideas on how to stay afloat during these hard times.

This Tuesday, we are going to celebrate a segment of the industry that is not only staying afloat, but thriving; the discount/resale industry.

Discount retailers such as dollar stores, thrift shops and discount chains are seeing increased demand as consumers turn away from brand names and bargain shop. Many dollar store chains have seen unprecedented revenue growth. Recent earnings statements declared that Family Dollar’s revenue is up 8% and Dollar Tree is up 4%.

Additionally, charity-based stores such as Goodwill are calling for donations. Because more people are shopping at discount stores such as Goodwill, increased demand is keeping the shelves from being stocked to capacity and more donations are needed in order to meet that demand.

Retail supply distributors such as Store Supply Warehouse often can predict the retail markets’ success by the amount of supplies ordered in each industry segment. Recently, we have seen a spike in orders from the discount retail industry. In addition to standard supplies such as bags, hangers and tags, discount retailers are ordering shelving, racks and displays to accommodate added merchandise needed to meet consumer demand.

Prior to our current economic status, many consumers may have avoided dollar and discount retail chains, and especially thrift stores and consignment shops. But things have changed.  There is no certainty in these hard economic times for consumers and retailers alike, but if buying patterns of Store Supply Warehouse customers are any indication of what the future may hold, then dollar store retailers and discounters may have the best chance of weathering the storm.

So we just want to congratulate the discount/resale store industry for their ability to adapt and meet demand during this economy downturn. As the economy recovers, we hope that consumers remember the discount stores that helped their families make ends meet.

Are you a discount store owner/manager? How has business been recently for your organization? Any tips to pass along to non-discount store owners?

Earlier this week, we discussed some tips on how to green your store. One tip was to switch to eco friendly bags. For this week’s Friday Featured Tip, we are going to take a closer look at eco friendly bags and how they can help your store.

Retailers go through a lot of bags. Plus, they go through different sizes of bags. Many times, these bags end up in the trash. Occasionally they are recycled. Groceries stores have historically tried to reduce this waste by offering bag drops at the store’s entrance for easy recycling. But this is not feasible for many independent retail stores.

Our suggestion is to try and use a more eco friendly product to begin with to ensure that your store is reducing the amount of trash that it produces. Store Supply Warehouse offers a variety of eco friendly bags.

One variety is the eco friendly frosted plastic shopping bag. These durable bags are made with 25% post consumer and post industrial products. And they are 100% recyclable. The bags are ideal for packing a shopper’s purchase or adding colorful tissue for simple, yet elegant gift bags. Each frosty bag is made of high density plastic for durability and features loop handles. Not only are they great for gifts, but because they are so durable, they can be reused more often than typical bags.

The other main variety is eco friendly kraft paper bags.  These bags are made from 100% post consumer material. These bags are also extremely versatile and can be re purposed as gift bags. They are tear resistant and can be used multiple times.

So give the earth a second chance and go green with any of these environmentally-friendly bags.

What other products does your store use to help it “go green?”

As consumers increasingly turn toward green products and lifestyles, they also want their retailers to adopt green business practices. A poll recently conducted by the Global Strategy Group shows that 87% of consumers are more likely to buy products from an environmentally friendly retailer.

Now, not everyone can afford a complete revamp of their store and business practices in order to make their building and business meet green standards. In fact, by reusing resources that you already have, you are in fact being green by not wasting materials.
However, there are certain smaller things that you can do in order to help cut down on your environmental impact. In fact, many of these practices can slowly be adopted.

First, start recycling. From boxes, to packaging, to receipt paper, many retail organizations have a lot of unavoidable waste. Make recycling at least paper a standard practice in your store. Look up your local recycling center and find out if they will pick up your paper. In some areas, local schools collect newspapers and other paper to make extra money.

Another way to help green your company is to replace your light bulbs. Make sure you are replacing your old bulbs with florescent bulbs as the old ones burn out. Florescent and LED bulbs use less electricity and last longer, reducing energy and waste.

When cleaning, invest in a couple of cloth towels instead of always using paper towels. At the end of the week, take them home and throw them into one of your usual loads to reduce the amount of paper that is being thrown away.

Even your bags can go green. Switch to eco friendly bags. These types of bags are more durable and reusable so that your customers can turn them into gift bags, lunch bags or more. Plus, they are made of 25-100% post consumer materials and are 100% recyclable. Or, sell canvas bags that your customers can reuse.

No matter the change large or small, by incorporating green practices into your retail store, your customers will appreciate it and it will decrease your store’s environmental footprint.

What are some other tips you have for greening your store? How has greening your location helped increase sales and decrease costs?

Earlier this week, we discussed how to choose the right hanger for your store. Now that you have selected a hanger type, it is time to start accessorizing! Hanger accessories are essential for adding functionality and organization to your display racks. Here are some essential hanger accessories for any independent retailer.

Clips

• Piggy Back Clips for 2-Piece Garments: Keep suits, twin sets and coordinates together using a piggy back clip. These clips slide over both hanger tops keeping separates as a bundle.
• Hanger Clips: These clear plastic clips have a hanger top, but a clip on the bottom making them perfect for use on racks, hang rails or counter stands for smaller items.
• Display Hanger Strips: Clear coordinate display hanger strips keep two-piece garments and coordinates together for convenient apparel displays. Strong, flexible clear plastic connector slips over a hanger hook and second hanger just slips into another hole below.

Hanging Devices

• Foam Non-Slips: This self adhesive product can be added to the arms of a hanger to keep items from slipping. Just peel off the backing and apply.
• Hanger Covers: Garments stay neatly on hangers to help prevent spoilage and wrinkling with foam hanger covers. Each foam cover simply slips over hook and pulls over hanger ends.

Sizing Accessories

• Slip-On Mini-Markers: Make your selling floor more productive and end shopper’s confusion by keeping garments neatly sized with Slip-On Mini-Marker hanger markers. These size dividers snap onto hangers to clearly identify clothing sizes.
• Size Dividers: These dividers come in either round or oblong sizes. They fit round or dimensional hang rails to help organize clothing by size.

All of these hanger accessories will ultimately help you protect your merchandise by keeping them clean and organized. Additionally, they will help your customer easily locate the perfect garment.

Do you have a favorite hanger accessory? How have size dividers and hanging devices help you organize your store?

Selecting a hanger seems like an easy decision. But with all the different options for size, type, material, etc, it is easy to get hung up on the details. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a hanger type for your retail location.

1. Choose Your Racks and Fixtures or Match Your Existing Decor. In order to make the most of your clothing displays, you must select racks and fixtures to accentuate the merchandise. The hanger you choose should match the criteria given by the store’s design elements such as the location of the cash register, slatwalls, racks, spacing issues and most importantly, the decorating. Lush carpeting and dark wood would not complement a clear break resistant hanger. A hanger is an extension of your décor. It could be the only thing in your store that a client touches and examines besides the merchandise. Therefore, it is important to put your best foot forward when it comes to hangers. When browsing our hanger selection, be sure to ask yourself if the hanger you are considering projects the proper image your store is trying to convey. That will narrow down your choices to a select few and make deciding much easier.
2. Evaluate Your Merchandise. The style of a hanger has a direct impact on the perceived inherent value of the item it holds. Depending on the type of apparel you sell, your choice of an appropriate hanger may be very easy. For suits or dresses, wooden hangers would be the best choice. Pants need hangers with clips while silky or fine fabrics need hangers with non-slip pads or cut-outs in the hanger to hold the item in place. Carefully consider the type of hanger that will make the most of your displays while drawing the customer’s eye to the clothing. Crowded racks of clothing on the wrong hangers can quickly create a mess and cause your store to appear disorganized and unprofessional. Hanger accessories can enhance any hanger by organizing racks, securing items on hangers, or helping customers find an item. For example, piggy back connectors for plastic hangers maximize space by forming shirt and pant combinations. Customers appreciate any extra steps that make their shopping experience more enjoyable or efficient.
3. Select a Hanger. What kind of hanger does your store need to make the most of its décor, clothing displays and merchandise? Each hanger style adds a different flavor to your store. Higher end stores may be interested in wood hangers or contoured plastic hangers. Coated non-slip hangers are handy for hanging fine fabrics or wide necked shirts. Versatile economy hangers, clear break resistant hangers and plastic hangers are fitting for many different types of stores and can even be sent home with the customer. Don’t forget your hanger accessories such as piggy back connectors, self-adhesive foam non-slips, foam hanger covers, size dividers and more.

What type of hangers do you use for your store? What advice do you have for someone choosing a new hanger type?

Shelving is a very important investment for any retailer. Choosing the right shelving can effectively display your merchandise and drive sales. Choosing the wrong shelving can make browsing difficult, hurting sales.

Gondola Shelving is one of the most common shelving displays in the industry. Unfortunately, this type of shelving can tend to be a little pricey. These shelves are heavy duty, and hold up to 500 pounds of merchandise, but some retailers don’t need all that muscle.

Luckily, there is an alternative for store owners who want the flexibility of Gondola Shelving but don’t need as much heavy lifting: the new economy line of gondola shelving from Store Supply Warehouse.

These units have a weight limit of 150 pounds, making them ideal for gift shops, specialty stores, museum shops and more!
The economy gondolas are made of high quality steel and are easily adjustable to fit any type of merchandise or space. The shelves hook into one inch slotted uprights in the aisle or wall gondola units. The shelves adjust to two positions: flat or a 15 degree slope. Units are available for aisles and walls and can be customized to any space with end caps, optional shelves and add-on units. Additional upper shelving is available in 12”, 14” or 16” depths. Starter wall unit pricing starts at $114.75.

For more information, visit http://www.storesupply.com/c-745-gondola-shelves.aspx

What type of shelving do you use in your store? Do you have any merchandise display tips for new store owners? What new shelving products would you like to see in Store Supply’s catalogs?

Opening a store is a very exciting prospect, and a lot of work. When opening a store, you want to make sure you have all the essentials. Plus, in today’s economy, you want to make sure you are spending your money efficiently.

Think about the design of your store. What type of décor do you want? Research shelving, display units, fixtures and accessories to decide on a complete look for your store. Select pieces that will coordinate with your logo, merchandise and retail space.

There are certain store supplies that almost any retailer needs, these include:

• Merchandise Bags
• Cash Registers
• Receipt Paper
• Boxes and other packaging
• Pricing guns and tags
• Surveillance Equipment

Different types of stores will obviously need different supplies. For example, a clothing retailer needs to purchase the following items:

• Clothing Racks
• Hangers
• Mannequins
• Display Cases
• Size tags

Then, don’t forget about commonly overlooked items such as:

• Vacuum cleaners
• Steamers
• Cleaning Supplies
• Steel cash drop box

We’d like to hear from you! What were the essential supplies you needed when starting out your retail business? Do you have any advice for the first time retailer?

Welcome to the Store Supply Blog! Sponsored by Store Supply Warehouse, this blog and forum is intended to serve as a valuable resource for the retail industry. We want to cover topics and answer questions that will ultimately help independent retailers be successful.

As an independent retailer, you are the expert in what works and what doesn’t. So please chime in on blog entries, ask questions and submit answers to other retailers’ questions. By pooling our resources, we can help everyone gain success in this struggling economy.

Store Supply Warehouse was founded in 1994 as a wholesaler of store fixtures and supplies to small, independent retailers. We stock and sell more than 1,600 retail fixtures and store supplies, including display cases, racks and shelving, shopping bags, hangers, pricing and tagging guns and mannequins. All products are in-stock in all three warehouses, located in Reno, Nevada, St. Louis, Missouri and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Store Supply’s products are available for purchase through the 80-page catalog, which is updated and distributed three times a year, or online at www.storesupply.com and all orders placed before 3 p.m. receive guaranteed same day shipping. Our main office is located at 9801 Page Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63132. Contact Store Supply directly at 800-823-8887 or by email at contactus@storesupply.com.