Blog

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Business Management, Retail, Store Management

If you own a retail store that is not part of a major chain, you are likely on a much different budget than the big box stores. While your budget for marketing is probably much lower, getting your name out there is extremely important. So how do you maintain your customers, get new business and remain profitable with a more limited marketing budget? Here are a few ways to keep your store top of mind without breaking the bank on advertising. Get online. Even if you only plan to sell your merchandise from ret... read more.

• June 05, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Pet Stores

Pet store ownership can be a very lucrative business endeavor. According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent more than $50 billion on their cats, dogs, and other companion animals in 2012. They also report that the number of owned dogs in this year was 83.3 million and cats were at 95.6 million. People love their pets, and they love to pamper them. Whether it’s spending a fortune on a plush new dog bed, grooming services, or the highest quality pet food, people are willing to cou... read more.

• May 29, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Fixtures

It makes sense: the more space you have to display products the more merchandise you can sell. Hopefully, this will result in more income for your business. Gondola accessories are a great way to build on the store fixtures you already have, without having to rearrange your space or purchase new and expensive larger units. You can simply add steel front lips, open end baskets, or other accessories to your existing retail shelving to get more space for your items. The Double Candy Riser gives you more displa... read more.

• May 22, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Business Management

What Does it Mean to be a Green Business? If you are a new business owner or considering starting one you have probably heard a lot about businesses that are going green. Not only is this becoming more popular for companies, but people are making a big push to make their homes green, and green schools are even popping up. So what does it mean exactly? Green businesses are also known as sustainable businesses. They have a very limited negative impact on the environment and society and strive to improve the q... read more.

• May 08, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Product Storage, Store Management

If you have warehouse space there is a good chance you could be using it better. To take advantage of this space you need to utilize it in the best possible way to get the most value and optimal efficiency. If after organizing you find yourself with much more space, you can fill your warehouse shelving with more product to move and sell even more merchandise. Here are a few ways to make the most of your warehouse space. Assess your stock. Is every duplicate product packaged with one another? Do you have sma... read more.

• May 01, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Management

While there is a big focus on ecommerce and online shopping, brick and mortar stores are still very popular and frequently visited. Smallbiztrends.com reports that 93% of overall retail purchases made in the U.S. are still in actual stores. There is a lot of convenience when it comes to perusing the store shelves in person and being able to see, touch and try on the merchandise. Ordering online runs the risk of something not being the right size, the color appearing completely different online than in perso... read more.

• April 24, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Pharmacy, Retail

As an independent pharmacy owner it can be difficult to make your pharmacy stand out from the bigger retailers. But the extra effort you put in is what will keep customers coming to your business, even if it is not as convenient as a pharmacy that is located on every corner. Here are a few tips for keeping customers coming back to your pharmacy, and becoming a beloved neighborhood establishment. Internal Tips Be Innovative: Set yourself apart from the rest by always coming up with new and better ideas for y... read more.

• April 17, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Liquor Stores

With so much competition in the liquor market it can be tough to separate your store from other establishments. Big box retailers and popular grocery store chains likely offer many of the same products, and customers are able to pick up these items during their weekly shopping trips. As a liquor store owner, you will need to ensure your store stands out from the rest. Here are 5 tips to get you there. Killer displays. Fill your liquor store fixtures with the latest products, like a brand new flavor of vodka... read more.

• April 10, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Retail

You have the desire, the drive and the ideas – but are you ready to start a business? Opening a business is a tough process, and staying afloat once you have is even harder. Before starting your business there are a few essential questions you must ask yourself, and be sure you have solid answers for all of them. First and foremost, WHY. Why do I want to start this business? Is it because you have a brand new product that no one else has and you see a real demand for? Is it just because you are tired of... read more.

• April 03, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Retail

Spring is the perfect time to get into a new marketing groove. Spring cleaning, warm weather, spring holidays and sports – the opportunities are endless. Not only are the marketing topics ripe for the taking, but people are finally ready to leave their homes and visit the stores! Instead of just the quick, mandatory trips to the grocery store, people are ready to start leisurely shopping around again. So take advantage of this time of year to revamp your retail displays and boost your marketing effort... read more.

• March 27, 2015