Right now all businesses are going through some tough economic times. It is as if we are all driving in a rain storm so it becomes important to keep our focus on the road and keep moving ahead. Here are a few tips to you, as the retailer, to help you get where you are going:
1. Restock what’s selling. If decorative Metal Wall Suns are selling well for you, then, most definitely, restock them. But instead of buying 12 of the same item, buy 6 and save some of your buying budget for the next most important thing—try some new products.
2. Try something new. Visit our website, click on the “New” category. See what new items have just arrived. Add a couple new and related items with each order. If you are currently doing well with turtles—then add a couple different style pelicans or seagulls. Even in you try 2 or 3 pieces of each new item, we can always work with you to get you the lower price on new products.
3. Know what’s the trends are. We will be glad to pass along what we are seeing on a national or regional scale. Right now, butterflies seem to be the “in” thing all over the country. Make sure you have merchandise that’s in fashion. After all, the fashions and the trends are really set by the customers. It’s what they want—what they are buying. Don’t you want to have that!
4. Display it well. If the product looks good in the store, then the customer knows it will look great in their home. Have proper lighting. Create vignettes using theme, color, texture, and height. Make that customer want to take the product off the shelf and give it as a cherished gift. It’s called romancing the product. If you are selling New Age merchandise, then offer interesting bits of information on display cards about Lord Ganesh or Queen Nefertitti. Call us and we will be happy to give you background information on the items we sell. Product that is well displayed and has meaning translates to a better price for you.
5. Sell value. People want value. They want quality at a fair price. Be sure that what you are offering your customers is real value. Those businesses offering real value are the ones that will weather this economic storm.
6. Give service. Make sure you take care of your customers. Greet them, make them feel special, treat them with respect. Every customer should want to come back to you. What’s more, they should want to refer their friends. Not only will you weather the storm, you’ll have the rainbow at the end.