This is a blog for retailers who are looking to thrive! Melissa Walker is a retail expert located in Edmonton, AB and has a drive to see local retail flourish in the marketplace. She is the owner and operator of Flourish Design & Merchandising. Check it out at www.flourishdesign.ca
Well, here in Edmonton, Canada, the snow is finally starting to melt (again) and we may begin to get our hopes up about spring (maybe). While nothing is blooming outside, spring is in full swing indoors and I thought I'd provide a little bit of spring inspiration to get your displays blooming!
These photographs are from a variety of years past, so you'll se several different qualities and while some have seen the likes of Instagram, others have not. I just wanted to pull out some of my favourites for you to enjoy!
Well, here at Flourish, we've been busy bringing spring to Edmonton (indoors, not out, we're not miracle workers). Since we've been so busy, we've let the tip of the week slide, so this week you get two tips!
When setting
up a trade show or craft booth, a little planning can go a long way.Take the time to lay it out first, before set
up day.
You don't need to be a pro at drafting in order to create a quick and easy trade show booth floor plan. You can use simple graph paper or a table with squares in excel in order to create a simplified floor plan.
Aisles
should always have enough room to allow people to pass comfortably.The last thing you want is for a customer to
feel crowded or claustrophobic.
Try to ensure at least three feet of space in aisle areas. Customers need room for strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, bags, packages, and to pass one another! If you can spare even more than three feet, go for it! If you absolutely must, two and half feet is the absolute bare minimum.
What happens if you don't follow this rule? Well, you'll not only see frustrated and even angry customers, but also likely lose sales.
One
of the biggest mistakes a retailer can make is thinking they’re on an island where
the general rules of shopper behaviour and other common human needs don’t
apply.
Unless they have free wifi at the zoo, all of us reading this are human and that is a fact. Humans have certain behaviours, certain ways we view a space, and certain ways we interact with that space. This is due to our instincts and the way our brains work.
While I'm always open to new points of view and new information, many retailers claim that "customers simply don't operate that way in my store." Consider what could happen if you gave shoppers an opportunity to follow their instincs and natural methods of shopping... Would your sales increase? Are you willing to take a chance on that?
Consider how your store is set up and what you can do to help humans in it behave the way they like to behave, and hopefully purchase lots of merchandise!
When
purchasing for your store, make sure you have a plan.This could include a financial plan,
merchandising plan, theme plan and so-on.
This week we have the Alberta Gift Show in Edmonton and if you don't go in with a thought out course of action, it can be overwhelming. You could wind up blowing your budget, choosing the wrong product mix, or simply getting caught up in all of the excitement. Make a plan before you go to any buying show. Give yourself a budget based on past sales and buying and consider giving yourself a budget by category as well. Another thing to think about before choosing your product is the physical space in your store. What merchandising are you planning for the next few months? Are there any specific stories or themes? What holidays and events are coming up? What exciting things are on your marketing calendar? Good luck and happy selling... and buying! Have you got questions for Melissa? Check us
out on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, the flourish website, or send Melissa an email.
Last night, while watching the Grammys, I was thinking about how music inspires us, lifts us up while we're down, and comforts us in times of need. That's when I realized I should do this blog post that I've been considering for a long time!
This is just part one, I'm sure I will think of many more as time goes on. In the meantime, here are 5 songs I consider to be very inspiring to us business starters! Plus, one bonus! Be sure to scroll all the way to the end, I've saved the best for last.
5. Journey - Don't Stop Believing This one's a classic! Sorry, no official video to be found.
4. Bon Jovi - It's My Life Okay, I realize I look like a total geek right now, but this one really gets ya pumped up!
3. Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire This one's for all the great, strong women entrepreneurs out there.
2. Marty Casey & the Lovehammers - Casualty This is a great pick-me-up song. I love it. Sorry, couldn't find an official video.
Last, but not least... 1. Incubus - Drive This is one of my all-time favourites. This song always keeps me going and picks me up when I need it! Enjoy!
Now, here's a bonus one! It gets a little personal, so it didn't quite make my business cut, but it's definitely a good one and Fun. was recognized quite a bit at the Grammys last night.
Fun. - Carry On
I hope you enjoy and I'd love to see some of your favourites in the comments section!
Take all the posters, stickers, and homemade signage off of
your windows so that customers can see into the store or your displays.
The view through the store window at Elegant Expressions.
Sometimes it might seem like those signs and stickers bring people in the door, but are they properly representing your brand? Do they contribute to the look and feel of your facade? They can lower a customer's percieved value of your store and the product you sell, so make sure that they're up for a reason if you're going to keep them there!
If you really want to keep your signs and stickers up, consider designating one specific area where they're allowed to go and keeping them to that area. Then, be sure to remove them when they're old or tattered!
Right now, your main focus may be Valentines Day or sale merchandise, but that doesn't mean you have to hide spring! Customers will be excited to see something new, fresh, and promising of warmer weather, so get it out of the back room or storage. It doesn't have to be in the most prominent spot just yet. Happy selling! Have you got questions for Melissa?
Check us out on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, the flourish website, or send Melissa an email.
