3 Steps Towards Building Stronger Customer Relationships

Customer relationships are essentially the backbone of retail businesses. Without customers, product will remain unsold on your shelves, leading to lower sales and profit margins. Whether your store sells groceries, electronics, pet supplies, sporting goods, antiques or practically anything else, you need to focus on customer relationships. To learn more, check out the following 3-step method towards building stronger customer relationships.

Step #1 – Identify Target Demographic

The first step towards building stronger customer relationships is to identify your store's target demographic. While you may have men and women of all ages shopping at your store, chances are there's a very specific type of demographic that's generating most of your sales. It's up to you, however, to identify this demographic so you can use it to your store's advantage.

If you need some help identifying your target demographic, don't be afraid to gather this type of information through email surveys. You can offer customers a discount in-store coupon in exchange for providing their information. Simply collect your customers' email addresses when they check out, and then follow up by offering a coupon in exchange for their birth date, age, zip code, etc.

Step #2 – Marketing

The second step is to use the previously acquired information to market your store. Know that you know who shops at your store, you can advertise towards that specific demographic. This is incredibly useful in not only building stronger customer relationships, but also branding your store's name. The more people who know your name, the more sales you will receive.

The sky is the limit when it comes to marketing. In most cases, local marketing seems to be the most effective for small retail businesses. You can advertise in classifieds, phone books, billboard signs and through postal mail. The key thing to remember is that you need to focus your marketing efforts on the store's target demographic.

Step #3 – Customer Service

If you want customers to keep coming back to your store, you must go above and beyond the call of duty with your service. Show your customers that you and all of your employees care by greeting them with a big “hello” when they enter and “thanks for coming” when they leave. It only takes a few seconds to greet a customer, but it will leave a lasting impression that sets your store apart from your competitors.

Local Advertising Ideas For Retail Stores and Businesses

One of the key elements to the success of a retail store business is local advertising. You can offer the most competitive prices in town along with exceptional customer service, but it's all for nothing if residents don't know about your store. By spreading the word through local advertisements, you'll naturally have more customers coming into your store; thus, increasing your store's revenue and ultimately profits. For the price, there's no better or more cost-effective way to advertise your retail store.

Radio Ads

When done correctly, radio ads can prove to be a lucrative and rewarding way to drive more customers into your retail store. Call some of the radio stations that broadcast in your area to inquire about advertising. This is essentially how radio stations make their money, so they'll be more than happy to give you a quote. By broadcasting ad advertisement for your retail store over the airwaves, people around your town will hear about it and "hopefully" want to check it out. The key to successfully advertising a retail store or small business on the radio is to target the appropriate demographic. Ideally, you should match your store's demographics with the radio station's demographic. The closer they are to one another, the more benefit you've receive from the radio ad.

Mail Ads

Ever get one of those printed books in your mail that's filled with coupons and advertisements for local businesses? Placing an ad in one of these is a highly effective way to advertise your retail store locally. In most cases, these coupon books are created and managed by the local post office. So if you want to place an ad for your retail store or business in one, you'll need to contact the post office. Generally speaking, the larger ads cost more money. However, they are also more effective since more people will see them.

Contrary to what some people may believe, going around and sticking flyers on mailboxes to promote your retail store or business is illegal; therefore, you should avoid using this tactic. Instead, call up the post office to see what kind of mail advertising options they offer.

Phone Books

Although they aren't used as much as they once were, millions of people still rely on phone books to find the numbers of local businesses. Purchasing ad space here could yield dozens or even hundreds of new customers coming into your store. As with most forms of "print" advertisements, the bigger the ad, the better.

3 Features To Look For In a Cooler of Freezer For a Retail Store

Having the right cooler or freezer is an essential element for retail stores. If you own or manage a store that sells groceries or other goods that must kept at a low temperature, you must have a cooler to properly store them; otherwise, you run the risk of the product going bad or spoiling. With so many different types of coolers and freezer on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Keep reading to learn 3 essential features that all retail store coolers and freezers should possesses.

Feature #1 - Adjustable Shelves

No matter what brand of cooler or freezer you choose, it needs to be built with adjustable shelves; otherwise, you'll have reduced space for storing product. Before purchasing a cooler or freezer for your retain store, take a minute to make sure it has adjustable shelves. As long as the shelves can be moved up and down, you should be able to maximize your storage space. Adjustable shelves will also make cleaning is a fast and painless process, as you can pull them completely out to give your new cooler or a freezer a thorough cleaning.

Feature #2 - Lights

A high-end cooler or freezer should have built-in lights to provide illumination when the door opens. This is a simple feature that will allow customers the ability to see exactly what's inside. You'll find that some of the retail coolers and freezers on the market come with LED lights while others have basic incandescent bulbs. Ideally, you should choose a model with LED bulbs since they last longer, use less energy, and emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs. If a cooler or freezer doesn't come with built-in lights, you'll want to check and make sure you can add them later.

Feature #3 - Thermometers

A third feature that you should look for in a cooler or freezer is a thermometer. Instead of "guessing" how cold the atmosphere is inside the cooler or freezer, you can check the thermometer for a more accurate reading. It's a simple and effective way to better judge the temperature, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments. Of course, you can always add another thermometer to your cooler if you want more reading options, but this usually isn't necessary.

Ensuring your cooler or freezer possesses these 3 features will allow you to get more bang for your buck.

Grand Opening Ideas and Tips For a Retail Store

When done correctly, grand openings can prove to be highly effective for increasing a retail store's exposure along with driving more direct sales. Once residents around the area know your store is open, they will naturally be more inclined to visit. This is why it's essential that all serious retail stores have an official grand opening; otherwise, it's a guessing game as to whether or not your store is open. If you are a retail store owner, check out our ideas and tips for throwing a grand opening celebration listed below.

Make It Fun

One of the biggest mistakes retail store owners make when performing a grand opening is not spending enough time, energy and resources to make it fun. If your store looks the same as it does every other day, then what's the point of having a grand opening? People want to enter a fun and vibrant store during its grand opening. You can use this to your advantage by sprucing up both the interior and exterior of your store. Try placing bundles of balloons around your store to really set the atmosphere in "fun" way. In addition, you can hang some streamers and banners inside the store to provide an extra touch to the atmosphere.

Offer Sales

If you really want to take advantage of the large crowds of new customers coming into your store during its grand opening, you should offer special sales and promotions. Whether your store sells apparel, jewelry, handbags, electronics, groceries or practically anything else, you can set a good impression by offering customers highly competitive prices on your products. This will result in more direct sales, and it will also keep customers coming back in the future, which is where the real benefit comes from. Even if you are only making minimal profit margins on the sale items, it will likely still be worth it in the long run.

Spread The Word

You can't expect to have a successful retail grand opening if you don't spread the word about it. Once you have a date chosen for your store's grand opening, start spreading the word through any means possible. You can send out emails, newspaper advertisements, local radio and television commercials, bus stop signs, etc. Be creative and don't be afraid to think outside of the box. Remember, the more work you put into advertising, the more successful your store's grand opening will be.

Retail Wine Store Shelving Tips and Ideas

Are you thinking about owning a retail wine store in the near future? When it's done right, this can be a highly lucrative business venture that lasts for decades. You have to remember that people have been drinking wine for thousands of years, and it's doubtful this trend will end anytime soon. Opening up a wine store will allow you network and connect with customers on a more personal basis, recommending specific wines based on their preference and taste. If this is something you are interested in doing, keep reading for some essential tips and ideas for a retail wine store.

Gondolas

Hands down, one of the most versatile and effective forms of retail wine store shelving are gondolas. These are used in just about every major grocery store chain, and for good reason: they are easily adjustable, maneuverable, easy to clean, durable, and they even look nice as well. With so many different benefits offered by gondolas, it's no wonder it's the top choice by retail store owners.

If you intend on using gondola shelving in your retail wine store, it's important to measure out the areas where you intend on using them beforehand. Gondolas come all different sizes to fit the needs of any retail store Whether your store is small, large or somewhere in between, chances are there's a gondola out there to fit it. However, the only way you are going to be able to choose the right size is by measuring out your store ahead of time.

One of the great things about gondolas is their versatility. By using them inside your retail wine store, you can adjust the shelves so they fit perfectly over your wine product. Doing so naturally maximizes your store's real estate while allowing for a more enjoyable customer experience.

Do I Need a Cooler or Freezer?

Some retail wine store owners overlook the use of a cooler or freezer in their store. Typically, most types of wine are strictly stored at room temperature on basic shelving units. Some store owners may go one step further by installing special dehumidifiers to help balance out the atmosphere. Although wine shouldn't be stored in a cooler or freezer, there are other beverages that prefer these "chilly" conditions. If you sell pre-made mixed margaritas, daiquiris, mixers or other drinks, you'll need to check and see if they require refrigeration. If so, purchase a cooler or freezer for your store to prevent them from spoiling.

Increasing Your Store's Profit Through Special Promotions

One of the easiest and most effective ways to increase a retail store's profit is by offering discounts and special promotions. Whether your store sells electronics, liquor, antiques, clothing, groceries or convenience items, chances are it will benefit from the use of special promotions. The fact is that customers want to feel like they are getting a good deal on their purchase. By placing a bug "special sale" sign on your product, you will give customers this feeling. To learn more about how you can increase your store's profits through special promotions, keep reading.

Follow The Holidays

If you've been in the retail business for any length of time, you've probably noticed that holidays are the best time of year in terms of sales. While the Christmas season draws the most sales, you'll still see higher numbers during other holidays as well. You can use this to your advantage by offering your customers special sales and promotions during the holidays.

Let's face it, trying to keep up with all of the different holidays throughout the year can be challenging, especially when you are busy focusing on the more important aspects of your business. However, allowing these holidays to slide by without using them to leverage promotions is a mistake that far too many business owners make. If you haven't done so already, pick up a calender so you can see exactly when the upcoming holidays take place.

Get Rid of Old Product

If your store has product that simply doesn't seem to sell easily, you can encourage customers to purchase it by offering a special promotion. Simply mark down the price on any stubborn products in your store and chances are customers will snatch it up. This can be extremely helpful for moving out-of-season clothes and accessories that customers aren't willing to pay full price for. Of course, you may not be able to use this method to get rid of groceries that are past their expiration date. In this case, you'll have to toss them out and count them as shrink.

Choosing a "Sale" Price

So, how do you choose a sale price for your products? There's a fine line between giving your customers a good deal and losing money on a transaction. To ensure your business remains profitable, you need to avoid pricing your products too low. Instead, work on finding a happy medium that allows you to profit from a transaction while giving your customers a good deal. Always be aware of your profit margins when offering sales and special promotions.

What To Look For When Purchasing a Retail Store Cooler

If you own or are planning to open a retail store in the near future that sells refrigerated food products, you are inevitably going to need a cooler. Purchasing one is a smart investment that's sure to pay off in the long run with more customers and ultimately more sales. With so many different types of coolers and freezers available on the market, choosing one can prove to be a challenge. If you are having trouble selecting the right one for your retail store, keep reading for a simple guide on what to look for when purchasing a retail store cooler.

Doors

Arguably, one of the most important things you should consider when purchasing a cooler for your retail store is the number of doors it contains. A unit with 3 doors will allow multiple customers to pickup products simultaneously, while a single-door model will force them to wait. With that said, however, there are some potential disadvantages to using a model with a large number of doors, such as the increased amount of space it requires. Ask yourself how much refrigerated product you intend on offering your retail store and then choose a cooler with the right number of doors to meet your needs.

In addition to the number of doors, you should also consider how they are designed to open. Sliding doors are a popular choice because they don't require any additional space. You can stick them in a tight corner or area in the store without worrying about the doors getting in your customers' way. On the other hand, doors that swing open will require a bit more clearance in front to remain functional and operational.

Shelves

Of course, you can't shop for a cooler or freezer for your retail store without taking into consideration the number of shelves it contains. Common sense should tell you that the more shelves it container, the more product you'll be able to store. While this is partially true, it doesn't always work out exactly like this. The fact is that some products are taller than others; therefore, they will require more overhead clearance to fit inside a cooler. Thankfully, coolers and freezers are built with adjustable shelves that give you the freedom to raise or lower based on the product being stored. If a product in your cooler is tall, just raise the shelf above it to the desired height. Doing so will allow the product to fit inside the cooler without bumping into the overhead shelf.

In-Store Advertising Accessories For Retail Businesses

Any experienced retail store owner will tell you advertising is one of the keys to success. You can offer the best products at the lowest prices, but the fact is that no one is going to buy it unless you spread the message. But how are you supposed to accomplish this? There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different options available when it comes to marketing and advertising. Here, though, I'm going to share a couple of unique in-store advertising accessories for retail businesses.

If you aren't doing so already, you should invest some of your time and energy into creating in-store advertising for your retail businesses. A lot of newcomers to the industry focus strictly on basic "out-of-store" advertising method like flyers, magazines, commercials, etc. Although this is perfectly fine, you also need to encourage customers to make purchases while they are shopping in your store, and this is done through in-store advertising.

Alligator-Clip Sign Holder

See the image of a sign holder up at the top right corner of this post? That's known as an alligator-clip sign holder, and it's a vital advertising tool that every retail store owner should use. Unlike most other holders, it's designed to allows signs and adverts to dangle down. While it's difficult to see from the image alone, alligator-clip sign holders come in multiple height sizes, including 12, 24 and 48 inches. This gives you, the store owner, more freedom when setting up your adverts and marketing material. Personally, I think the taller alligator-clip holders are more effective simply because they are more visible and easy to see.

Acrylic Sign Holder

Of course, we really can't talk about in-store advertising accessories without mentioning acrylic sign holders. These are designed to hold signs and advertising material in place to reduce damage. You can use acrylic sign holders directly on gondola shelving, or you can place them on cash registers, checkout stands, shelving units, or practically anywhere else in your store. Just remember to follow the basic rules of advertising by placing promotional material next to the corresponding product.

These are just a few ideas for in-store advertising accessories to consider using in your retail store business. The truth is that the options are endless when it comes to marketing and advertising. You can use basic alligator-clip sign holders, acrylic sign holders, banner displays, coupon booklets, and much more. See what's working in your industry and then try to replicate it inside your retail store.

Why You Should Purchase From AA Store Fixtures

Do you currently own or are thinking about owning a retail store in the near future? No matter what type of retail store you decide to open, chances are it will require countless hours of planning beforehand. The good news, however, is that AAStoreFixtures.com can make the monumental task of setting up and opening a retail store easier and less time-consuming. If you are wondering why, keep reading to learn some of the benefits to choosing AAStoreFixtures.com.

Used and Reconditioned Gondola Shelving

One of the biggest expenses owners have when opening a retail store is purchasing shelving and fixtures. Whether you operate a convenience store, supermarket, electronics repair shop or practically any other store, you are going to need shelving to display your products. It's a simple fixture that can easily burn a hole in your budget if you aren't careful.

So, how are you supposed to purchase it without burning a hole in your bank account? AAStoreFixtures.com offers reconditioned gondola shelving at a fraction of its original price. This allows you to fill your store with the proper gondola shelving while saving money at the same time. It's a win-win situation that store owners shouldn't overlook. It's important to note that while reconditioned gondola shelving units are used, they've been closely inspected for damage and major signs of wear. Only those that meet high-quality standards are resold in the form of reconditioned models.

Trusted Name

Did you know that AAStoreFixtures.com has been in the business of retail store fixtures for over half a century? This has allowed AAStoreFixtures.com to improve in all aspects of their business from products to customer service. Perhaps this is why AAStoreFixtures.com is the leading retail store fixture company in the world. Their level of experience in unparalleled in the industry, and it's apparent in each and every customer order they receive.

Low Prices

After shopping around at AAStoreFixtures.com, you'll likely notice just how much lower their prices are compared to other competitors. They realize the importance in offering low prices to their customers, which is one of the reasons why so many retail owners choose them. Unless you want to waste hundreds or even thousands of dollars on overpriced fixtures, stick with AAStoreFixtures.com during your next fixture purchase.

The truth is that these are just a few of the many reasons why you should purchase from AA Store Fixtures. Whether you need gondola island, end caps or walk-in freezers, they have you covered. So, check them out today and see why they are the number one provider of retail store fixtures.

Taking a Closer Look at Lozier Gondola Shelving

One of the many purchasing decisions you'll have to make when setting up a retail store is choosing a type of gondola shelving. Whether it's a supermarket, convenience store, drug stores, pet shops, electronics department, sporting goods or anything else, all retail establishments need shelving to operate. Here we'll take a closer look into Lozier name brand gondola shelving and reveal some of the benefits to using it.

Lozier is a trusted brand name in the gondola shelving industry. They've been producing gondola shelving units for well over half a century (founded in 1956), and since that time they've garnered quite a following by retail store owners and businesses. In fact, there are many stores who choose to use only Lozier name brand gondolas. But what makes them stand out from competitors in the shelving industry?

The secret to Lozier's success lies in their durable, high-quality gondola shelving units that are priced lower than you expect. Let's face it, launching and managing a retail store isn't a cheap task. The lease and utilities alone can be enough to draw some businesses underwater. When you factor in product costs, marketing, payroll, taxes and insurance, you can easily burn through your company's budget. This is why it's important to always be conscious of what you are buying and how much you are spending; otherwise, you could end up driving your retail business underwater.

Another benefit associated with Lozier gondola shelving is their ease of use. As the name suggests, Lozier "island" gondolas are designed to stand freely in the middle of the store, offering space for products on both sides. This is essentially how aisles are created in a retail store. The various pieces of a gondola island snap into one another until the desired length is reached. You can use Lozier island gondolas for short, medium or long areas to achieve maximum product display.

Naturally, Lozier gondola shelving units are already prices lower than other forms of retail shelving. However, you can save even more money by opting for used models rather than new. There are some store owners stuck in the mentality that used fixtures are a poor choice because they've already been used in other stores. Although, the truth is that used gondola shelving units offer a substantial savings when compared to new models. You can expect to pay a fraction of the price for a used Lozier gondola rather than a new model.

Tips on Using Coolers and Freezers In a Retail Store

Coolers and freezers and an integral part of many retail businesses. If your store offers products that must be kept at cooler-than-room temperatures, you are going to need one of these accessories. Unfortunately, many newcomers to the retail industry are lost when it comes to coolers and freezers. To ensure you get the most benefit from these accessories, keep reading and we'll walk you through some essential tips on how to get the most from coolers and freezers in a retail store.

Buying Used vs New

One of the decisions you'll have to make is whether you want to purchase new or used coolers for your retail store. At first glance, most people would probably assume new coolers are the best option, but this isn't necessarily true. While new models are certainly nice, they are also more expensive than used ones. If you aren't careful, buying half a dozen used coolers and freezers for your retail store can easily burn a hole in your wallet. Instead, you should consider purchasing used coolers to save money. The fact is that most people won't even be able to tell the difference between a new and used cooler, so take advantage of this while saving money in the process.

Keep Them Grouped Together

When you are choosing a layout for your retail store, try to keep the coolers and freezer grouped together. Placing them on different sides of the store creates a problematic scenario in terms of power logistics. You have to remember that large coolers such as these require a great deal of power to run; therefore, you'll likely have to do some electrical groundwork before they are operational. Thankfully, a professional electrician should be able to handle the job for you, but you'll still need to have a proper layout and plan of attack for your retail store.

Monitor The Temperatures

Once your coolers and freezers are up and running, you'll need to periodically check the temperatures to ensure it's cold enough for the product. Allowing the temperatures to raise above normal levels could essentially end up destroying your product; and this could cost you hundreds of even thousands of dollars. The bottom line is that you need to periodically check the temperature and humidity levels inside the cooler and make adjustments as needed.

Hopefully, these tips will help you get the most use and benefit out of your retail store coolers and freezers.

Creative Marketing and Advertising Ideas For Retail Businesses

There's no denying the fact that marketing and advertising are critical to the success of any retail business. Whether you are selling jewelry, electronics, cosmetics, apparel or simply operating a convenience store, you need to spread the word so potential customers will know you exist. Many newcomers to the retail industry fail to realize the importance of marketing and their business goes on under as a result. Here we'll take a look at some creative marketing and advertising ideas that work for any retail business.

Contest Giveaway

Contest giveaways are the perfect way to gain customers while spreading the word about your retail store. Not only will you get more immediate customers, but you'll also get more return customers as well. After all, everyone likes free stuff, so you'll naturally gain more customers. The trick to throwing a giveaway contest is to capture your customers' email addresses while they are checking out. Let them know that your store is throwing a giveaway contest and ask them for their email address if they would like to participate. Once the contest is over, you can still send out advertisements to those email addresses.

Sponsorships

It's a common assumption that sponsorships are a waste of money for retail store owners. The truth, however, is that they can be a powerful marketing tool when used correctly. For instance, a shoe or athletic store could benefit from sponsoring a marathon runner or athlete. During the race, the runner will likely be required to wear the store's logo; thus, spectators and everyone else around the runner would take notice of the store's logo. Sponsoring individuals and teams does cost money upfront, but it can be well worth the investment when done correctly. Try to think of events where your target demographic would likely be, and then you can search for sponsorships around it.

Flyers and Mail Adverts

Another simple and effective way to spread the word about your retail store is through flyers and mail adverts. Even if you have little-to-no creative design experience, you can still hire a company to professionally create them for you. Don't be afraid to take a trip up to your local post office and ask them what kind of advertising options they have available. Going around and placing flyers on mailboxes is typically illegal, but you can however pay the post office to legally do it for you. This is one of the best forms of advertising for local retail stores and businesses, so be sure to check it out.

Common Pitfalls of Starting a Retail Store

Running a successful and profitable retail store is no easy task. Unless you are willing to put forth the effort and constantly make the necessary adjustments, you simply won't make it in this cutthroat industry. Inexperienced newcomers are especially at risk for failure, as they don't understand the principles of what's required in the world of retail sales. To help you get started on the right foot, keep reading and we'll take a look at some of the most common pitfalls of launching a retail store.

Too Much "Shrink"

In the retail industry, shrink is defined as product that's either stolen, expired or otherwise destroyed. Whether you run a liquor store, grocery store or even a convenience store, you must keep your shrink to a minimum. However, this doesn't mean you can turn a blind eye to the fact that your shrink is high. Always keep it tallied make a note each time something falls under this category. Doing so will allow you to better plan for the future by making adjustments and improvement to your business model. So, how are you supposed to lower your store's shrink? The best approach is to educate your employees on the correct practices for handling product. As long you've documented past shrink items, you can then go back and see what was causing the problem.

Too Much Competition

Our capitalist society with an open and free market encourages competition; however, trying to force your retail store into an area with too much competition is a poor decision that will likely lead to your downfall. Before choosing a location and signing a lease, take the time to scout out the surrounding competition. There's nothing wrong with a competing store or two, but they should be spaced out far enough from your store so they don't leach your business. Always keep the competition in mind when you are deciding on a place for your retail store. This alone will place you miles ahead of the rest when it comes to location.

Poor Marketing and Advertising

It should come as no surprise that marketing and advertising are the backbone of most retail stores. Unfortunately, this is also an area where many retail stores fall short. The bottom line is that you can't expect to have a successful retail store if you aren't willing to invest in marketing. Stick with marketing and advertising outlets with a proven track record for your industry. If you need help finding such outlets, see what your competitors are doing.