Blog

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Management

It’s a competitive landscape for small business owners. Between fighting amongst the ranks of the big box retailers and holding your own against similar operations, staying afloat can be challenging. It’s important to understand and game plan for hurdles you know you are likely to face. Avoiding common pitfalls that you know can lead to trouble, such as taking out too big of a loan or not understanding your market, can help ensure your success down the road. Here are a few common mistakes store... read more.

• February 05, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Holidays

Just when you think the holidays are over, Valentine’s Day comes sneaking around the corner. But don’t stow away those Christmas display shelves just yet! If you have red painted shelves leftover from the holidays, recycle them into your Valentine’s Day displays. Here are a few ways to enhance your store for Valentine’s Day this year. Festive Store Shelving: As we mentioned above, painted shelves that correspond with holiday colors are a great way to bring a festive feel into your store. Add red, whi... read more.

• January 29, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Gondola Shelving & Accessories

Gondola accessories round out the store shelving your business needs. If you are running out of shelf space, having difficulty showcasing your merchandise, or want to freshen things up with new displays, adding on some accessories can help check all of those boxes. Here are three options that can be beneficial to many retail establishments. Upright Extenders Upright extenders are really beneficial for two reasons: they are great for when you start to run out of shelf space and also offer an opportunity to s... read more.

• January 22, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Management

Once you’ve put hours into your business plan, come up with the financial backing, found a location and purchased all of your merchandise, you are finally ready to launch your new store. Congratulations! This is a major accomplishment and it’s not always easy to turn a dream or idea into a reality. After already making such an investment into your store, both financially and time-wise, you want to make sure the launch is as successful as possible. You only get one first impression, so make it count. ... read more.

• January 15, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Management

New year new retail displays? If your displays have gotten stale and you’re ready for a change, switching up your store shelving can help. After the holidays is the perfect time to update your store layout. This is typically the time of year when many retailers have some down time, and instead of having employees refolding the same pile of shirts again, have them help you freshen up those displays. First, clear out any leftover holiday signage or displays. You’d be surprised what you find lingering aroun... read more.

• January 08, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Management

For many store owners, after the holidays brings a dreaded month of returns. In 2014, 11% of returns were from holiday sales, according to the Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry report sponsored the National Retail Federation (NRF). Returns are also up more than 26% during the holidays. But what are you supposed to do when the merchandise that is being returned is something you no longer carry? Many holiday shoppers start picking up their gifts well in advance, and by the time the holidays come around... read more.

• January 01, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Management

When preparing for the holidays, retail store owners typically order extra inventory. Since items are in such high demand this time of year, it’s important to be able to meet the needs of customers to ensure they don’t go elsewhere. But once the holidays have passed, where do you put the extras? It’s important to have a backstock organization plan to keep good track of your inventory. Utilize Warehouse Shelving Warehouse shelving and other storage systems allow for ample space for extra inventory. Thi... read more.

• December 25, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Management

When opening a small business there are many regulations and laws that you need to adhere to. These rules don’t just apply to big businesses, and your small retail store will need to keep these in mind as well. The U.S. Small Business Administration has compiled the basic laws that you’ll need to be aware of, from advertising and marketing law to workplace safety & health law and everything in-between. Advertising & Marketing We all know how important having a marketing plan is to making your... read more.

• December 18, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Holidays

Most retail stores wind up ordering way more merchandise than usual during the whirlwind holiday season. With shoppers purchasing gifts in addition to holiday outfits and accessories for themselves, much more of your product is flying out the door than usual. This is an extremely busy time of year for retailers, and keeping track of your stock is crucial to ensuring your customers have access to everything you have to offer as well as staying on top of theft. Here are a few ways to keep your warehouse shelv... read more.

• December 11, 2015

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Holidays

Promotional appearances by beloved characters, whether that be a Disney princess, the Easter Bunny, or more appropriately for the holiday season, Santa Claus, can be a great way to get attention to your store. Any kid walking by with their parents will drag mom and dad into your store for a closer look at Santa. Does this up your odds of them making a purchase? Is it worth the extra funds to hire these characters? According to Thumbtack.com, a site that delivers customized quotes so you can compare pricing,... read more.

• December 04, 2015