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By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Management

If you own a retail store, you have likely come across the term “Point of Sale System.” Wikipedia describes it as: “A retail point of sale system typically includes a cash register (which in recent times comprises a computer, monitor, cash drawer, receipt printer, customer display and a barcode scanner) and the majority of retail POS systems also include a debit/credit card reader.” According to Entrepreneur.com’s small business encyclopedia, “POS software records each sa... read more.

• April 12, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Management

You’re locking up your expensive merchandise, protecting your store from theft. But of course, you also want things to look good and appealing to customers. When considering store security cases, the first thing you want to think about is the balance between functionality and presentation. If you’re locking up high-end items, presentation is still important. How does the security case fit in with the aesthetics and atmosphere of your store? The next thing you want to think about is utility. How... read more.

• April 05, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Gondola Shelves

It’s all about the flow. Just as the real estate market is famously about “location, location, location,” the ideal store layout is all about where you want your customer to go … and what you want them to see. Think about what’s at eye level vs. what needs extra work to notice. You want your most profitable or in-demand items to be at eye level. Store-wide shelf layout on a broad level, too, can play a role. When you put the hottest items far away from the entrance, you increa... read more.

• March 22, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Fixtures

The smallest of your merchandise likely isn’t top of mind when determining your store shelving needs, but it should be something you consider. The smallest of products need to be displayed just as prominently as larger items, otherwise customers may overlook them completely. And as any store owner knows, small items can be some of the best-selling products! We’re sharing some tips to make your smallest items shine. Baskets are one of the most common ways to display small items because they keep them cont... read more.

• March 11, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Store Management

Setting customer service policies can be one of the most daunting tasks a small business faces when starting up, but it’s one of the most critical. We all know that exceptional customer service is what keeps a customer returning time after time, but how do you provide it without compromising your bottom line? With a documented, thorough customer service policy! It’s likely that you have a ton of other projects on your plate, but taking the time to set up customer service policies can help you in the long... read more.

• March 04, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in Gondola Shelving Accessories

Not enough room to display your merchandise? Not sure how to properly showcase that oddly-shaped item? Or do you find yourself constantly picking up fallen items from your shelving? These are all common merchandise display problems that can easily be fixed with the right gondola accessories. We’re sharing some popular accessories that can be implemented to quickly fix common problems and keep your products displayed just the way you want. Limited Space If your store space is limited, it can be difficu... read more.

• February 26, 2016

By Steve Di Orio, Posted in

As a small business owner, there’s no better way to learn about your business and customers than everyday experience. But every business owner can benefit from the advice and experience of those that have come before them, and that’s where retail blogs can be helpful. Take just a few minutes each day to read an article or two on these blogs and you might be surprised at the industry updates and inspiration they provide. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to check out. SmallBizDaily. This online... read more.

• February 19, 2016

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