shop/ kitchen fitting, Revamps and refits, New Store, Instore Housekeeping Planogram Implementation Display Management Point of Sale Implementation Product Placement Price Checks Tactical or ad hoc Work Mystery Shopping Leaflet Installation & Replenishment Product Assembly prior to displayt
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Black Mold Pictures - DIY Toxic Black Mold Clean Up Pictures - Mold Identification, Toxic Black Mold. Black Mold Home Inspectors, Toxic Black Mold Attorneys and Lawyers, Real Estate Agents, Home Improvement and Repair Contractors. Bathroom Remodeling. Basement Remodeling. Kitchen Remodeling. Real Estate Agents. Toxic Black Mold Remediati
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Monday, 14 July 2008
Visual Merchandising - The Truth
Visual Merchandising - The Truth
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Philip_H._Mitchell]Philip H. Mitchell
Are you confused by all the buzz about visual merchandising? In retail,
visual merchandising is a term that is often bantered about. I have
written several pages about visual merchandising myself. Today as I
write however, I am blasted by this thought: all merchandising is
visual.
In retail, visual merchandising is a term that is often bantered about. I have written several pages about visual merchandising myself. Today as I write however, I am blasted by this thought: all merchandising is visual. I don't often see people with their eyes closed shopping in stores. I don't see them just "feeling around" the merchandise, stumbling between gondolas, do you? So what's all the fuss about visual merchandising then? How can merchandising not be visual?
Retail visual merchandising is just one part of the retail process. Talking about retail visual merchandising as a source of accentuation however is a good point. It's a good point because it makes us consider this: "how do I make this look better?" And in this context the "this" that we're trying to make look better can be a new item, a featured category, or an anemically performing department. Heck it can even be the entire store-probably should be the entire store. So how do we make it look better? How do we draw attention to it?
The next time you're thinking about your store's retail visual merchandising, refocus. Shake your head a few times and say simply "does it look good?" Does it grab attention? Did I use color, light and communication to make the item, the category, the department, or my store stand out? Do those elements, color, light and communication work together to get my point across in the most effective manner? That's retail visual merchandising. It really is that simple.
Are some people better at it than others? Sure, just like some people are better at any other thing you want to talk about. If you learn that one of your staff has a knack for making things look good, put that person in charge of visual merchandising. Remember that visual merchandising is all about making things look better. Making things look better is simply one facet of creating a better shopping environment. Creating a better shopping environment is simply once facet of retail profitability. Retail profitability is simply one facet of store management. You know, the anklebone's connected to the shinbone, the shin bones connected to the--well you get my point.
Philip H. Mitchell is the author of Discovery-Based Retail. His book has been endorsed by Scott Wright of the North American Retail Hardware Association and Art Brown of the Mid-American Lumberman's' association as well as other industry experts. Philip is also one of the founding partners of a retail consulting company of the same name, Discovery-Based Retail. His company works with retailers, both small and large, helping them enhance their profitability by improving their customer interface. Their company also specializes in improving the production of the entire salesspace and designs floorplans to accomplish this.
Visit his website at http://www.discoverdbr.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_H._Mitchell http://EzineArticles.com/?Visual-Merchandising---The-Truth&id=1224848
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Philip_H._Mitchell]Philip H. Mitchell
Are you confused by all the buzz about visual merchandising? In retail,
visual merchandising is a term that is often bantered about. I have
written several pages about visual merchandising myself. Today as I
write however, I am blasted by this thought: all merchandising is
visual.
In retail, visual merchandising is a term that is often bantered about. I have written several pages about visual merchandising myself. Today as I write however, I am blasted by this thought: all merchandising is visual. I don't often see people with their eyes closed shopping in stores. I don't see them just "feeling around" the merchandise, stumbling between gondolas, do you? So what's all the fuss about visual merchandising then? How can merchandising not be visual?
Retail visual merchandising is just one part of the retail process. Talking about retail visual merchandising as a source of accentuation however is a good point. It's a good point because it makes us consider this: "how do I make this look better?" And in this context the "this" that we're trying to make look better can be a new item, a featured category, or an anemically performing department. Heck it can even be the entire store-probably should be the entire store. So how do we make it look better? How do we draw attention to it?
The next time you're thinking about your store's retail visual merchandising, refocus. Shake your head a few times and say simply "does it look good?" Does it grab attention? Did I use color, light and communication to make the item, the category, the department, or my store stand out? Do those elements, color, light and communication work together to get my point across in the most effective manner? That's retail visual merchandising. It really is that simple.
Are some people better at it than others? Sure, just like some people are better at any other thing you want to talk about. If you learn that one of your staff has a knack for making things look good, put that person in charge of visual merchandising. Remember that visual merchandising is all about making things look better. Making things look better is simply one facet of creating a better shopping environment. Creating a better shopping environment is simply once facet of retail profitability. Retail profitability is simply one facet of store management. You know, the anklebone's connected to the shinbone, the shin bones connected to the--well you get my point.
Philip H. Mitchell is the author of Discovery-Based Retail. His book has been endorsed by Scott Wright of the North American Retail Hardware Association and Art Brown of the Mid-American Lumberman's' association as well as other industry experts. Philip is also one of the founding partners of a retail consulting company of the same name, Discovery-Based Retail. His company works with retailers, both small and large, helping them enhance their profitability by improving their customer interface. Their company also specializes in improving the production of the entire salesspace and designs floorplans to accomplish this.
Visit his website at http://www.discoverdbr.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_H._Mitchell http://EzineArticles.com/?Visual-Merchandising---The-Truth&id=1224848
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Retail Math Formulas
From Shari Waters,
Your Guide to Retailing.
Creative Marketing Ideas
Small business owners can easily get too involved in the day-to-day operations of their retail stores to spend any time brainstorming marketing ideas or promotional events. Some retailers worry that marketing is too expensive, others may find it too time consuming. Without announcing who you are and what you sell, how will anyone know? Here are 50 marketing ideas for retailers.
1. Create a calendar for customers with your shop's name and address on it.
2. Print the products you sell or services offered on the back of your business cards.
3. Always carry business cards with you. Give them freely and ask permission to leave them in places your target market may visit.
4. Join a trade association or organization related to your industry.
5. Have a drawing for a product or a gift certificate. Use the entry forms to collect customers' mailing addresses.
6. Develop a brochure of services your shop offers.
7. Conduct monthly clinics about a product or service you offer or schedule semi-annual seminars on related "how-to" information for your industry.
8. Print a tagline for your business on letterhead, fax cover sheets, e-mails and invoices.
9. Develop a website to showcase your products, services and location. Use a memorable URL and include it on all marketing materials.
10. Include customer testimonials in your printed literature.
11. Promote yourself as an expert by writing articles or tips on topics related to your industry.
12. Submit to the local newspaper, trade journal or other publications.
13. Host an after-hours gathering for your employees and their friends/relatives.
14. Provide free t-shirts with your logo to your staff to wear.
15. Send newsworthy press releases as often as needed.
16. Create an annual award and publicize it.
17. Develop your own TV show on your specialty and present it to your local cable station or public broadcasting station.
18. Create a press kit and keep its contents current.
19. Use an answering machine or voice mail system to catch after-hours phone calls. Include basic information in your outgoing messages such as business hours, location, website, etc.
20. Join a Chamber of Commerce where you can network with area business owners.
21. Hold an open house. Invite prominent city officials and the press.
22. Get a memorable local or toll-free phone number.
23. Place ads in publications your market reads. Be sure to reach the non-English speaking market as well.
24. Distribute specialty products such as pens, mouse pads, or mugs with your store's logo.
25. Advertise in creative locations such as park benches, buses, and popular Web sites.
26. Improve your building signage.
27. Get a booth at a trade show or expo attended by your target market.
28. Give a speech or volunteer for a career day at a high school.
29. Sponsor an Adopt-a-Highway area in your community to keep roads litter-free.
30. Donate your product or service to a charity event or auction.
31. Have a Yellow Pages ad listed under your main industry and in related categories.
32. Volunteer your time to a charity or non-profit organization.
33. Create a loyalty program to reward existing customers.
34. Create an opt-in email or print newsletter for your customers. Fill each edition with specials, tips and other timely information.
35. Send hand-written thank you notes to important customers every chance you get.
36. Use brightly colored envelopes and unique stationary when sending direct mail pieces.
37. Show product demos or related videos on a television on the sales floors during store hours.
38. Book a celebrity guest for an event at your store. Use people in your industry or television news anchors or local authors.
39. Create window displays in locations away from your shop. Airports, hospitals, and large office buildings occasionally have display areas they rent to local businesses.
40. Team up with a non-competing business in your area to offer a package promotion.
41. Pick the slowest day of the week to hold a one-day sale.
42. Create a warm, welcoming waiting area for your customers.
43. Provide extra customer service training for your staff.
44. Sign up for a newsletter or join online discussion groups in your industry.
45. If possible, loan your facilities to other groups for a meeting place.
46. Create a unique lapel pin based on the products you sell to wear at meetings.
47. Choose a regular customer to spotlight as a Customer of the Month. Create a brief write up to submit to the local newspaper about the customer and be sure to give he or she a copy of the article as well as have one framed to hang in the store.
48. Pair up slow moving items with related products and repackage as a special buy.
49. Start a blog. Write about your industry or detail in-store happenings.
50. Offer your customers discounts for each referral they provide.
Marketing is most effective if done in coordination with other exposure. Enhance the above efforts with additional signage, newspaper ads, displays and radio ads. Remember to tailor each event for your target audience. If your message isn't being delivered to the right person, it may be a wasted effort.
Your Guide to Retailing.
Creative Marketing Ideas
Small business owners can easily get too involved in the day-to-day operations of their retail stores to spend any time brainstorming marketing ideas or promotional events. Some retailers worry that marketing is too expensive, others may find it too time consuming. Without announcing who you are and what you sell, how will anyone know? Here are 50 marketing ideas for retailers.
1. Create a calendar for customers with your shop's name and address on it.
2. Print the products you sell or services offered on the back of your business cards.
3. Always carry business cards with you. Give them freely and ask permission to leave them in places your target market may visit.
4. Join a trade association or organization related to your industry.
5. Have a drawing for a product or a gift certificate. Use the entry forms to collect customers' mailing addresses.
6. Develop a brochure of services your shop offers.
7. Conduct monthly clinics about a product or service you offer or schedule semi-annual seminars on related "how-to" information for your industry.
8. Print a tagline for your business on letterhead, fax cover sheets, e-mails and invoices.
9. Develop a website to showcase your products, services and location. Use a memorable URL and include it on all marketing materials.
10. Include customer testimonials in your printed literature.
11. Promote yourself as an expert by writing articles or tips on topics related to your industry.
12. Submit to the local newspaper, trade journal or other publications.
13. Host an after-hours gathering for your employees and their friends/relatives.
14. Provide free t-shirts with your logo to your staff to wear.
15. Send newsworthy press releases as often as needed.
16. Create an annual award and publicize it.
17. Develop your own TV show on your specialty and present it to your local cable station or public broadcasting station.
18. Create a press kit and keep its contents current.
19. Use an answering machine or voice mail system to catch after-hours phone calls. Include basic information in your outgoing messages such as business hours, location, website, etc.
20. Join a Chamber of Commerce where you can network with area business owners.
21. Hold an open house. Invite prominent city officials and the press.
22. Get a memorable local or toll-free phone number.
23. Place ads in publications your market reads. Be sure to reach the non-English speaking market as well.
24. Distribute specialty products such as pens, mouse pads, or mugs with your store's logo.
25. Advertise in creative locations such as park benches, buses, and popular Web sites.
26. Improve your building signage.
27. Get a booth at a trade show or expo attended by your target market.
28. Give a speech or volunteer for a career day at a high school.
29. Sponsor an Adopt-a-Highway area in your community to keep roads litter-free.
30. Donate your product or service to a charity event or auction.
31. Have a Yellow Pages ad listed under your main industry and in related categories.
32. Volunteer your time to a charity or non-profit organization.
33. Create a loyalty program to reward existing customers.
34. Create an opt-in email or print newsletter for your customers. Fill each edition with specials, tips and other timely information.
35. Send hand-written thank you notes to important customers every chance you get.
36. Use brightly colored envelopes and unique stationary when sending direct mail pieces.
37. Show product demos or related videos on a television on the sales floors during store hours.
38. Book a celebrity guest for an event at your store. Use people in your industry or television news anchors or local authors.
39. Create window displays in locations away from your shop. Airports, hospitals, and large office buildings occasionally have display areas they rent to local businesses.
40. Team up with a non-competing business in your area to offer a package promotion.
41. Pick the slowest day of the week to hold a one-day sale.
42. Create a warm, welcoming waiting area for your customers.
43. Provide extra customer service training for your staff.
44. Sign up for a newsletter or join online discussion groups in your industry.
45. If possible, loan your facilities to other groups for a meeting place.
46. Create a unique lapel pin based on the products you sell to wear at meetings.
47. Choose a regular customer to spotlight as a Customer of the Month. Create a brief write up to submit to the local newspaper about the customer and be sure to give he or she a copy of the article as well as have one framed to hang in the store.
48. Pair up slow moving items with related products and repackage as a special buy.
49. Start a blog. Write about your industry or detail in-store happenings.
50. Offer your customers discounts for each referral they provide.
Marketing is most effective if done in coordination with other exposure. Enhance the above efforts with additional signage, newspaper ads, displays and radio ads. Remember to tailor each event for your target audience. If your message isn't being delivered to the right person, it may be a wasted effort.
Bar fitting, Bar Counter, Shop fittings, Shop fitting, Bar fitters
Why Choose a Custom Counter Design
Why Choose a Custom Counter Design?
By Mr. William
Counters are an integral part of many businesses no matter whether you own a nightclub, a coffee shop or anything in-between. They are possibly the most used part of any bar design and certainly have to put up with a lot of abuse. Hot pans, liquids and food stuff can all take their toll on a counter top and therefore it is imperative that quality materials are used.
Now there are many companies who are able to supply counters and cabinets but what about if your needs are specific. Maybe your premises are an unusual shape or you are unsure about the whole shop fitting process. This is where the services of a good custom countertop supplier are a must.
A good shop fitting company will be able to take your ideas and develop them into something that truly matches your exact needs and desires. At the same time they should be able to guide you through a project from the beginning right through to completion. This way you are only dealing with one company therefore minimising any problems that could arise.
Another thing to consider is product choice. It is always better if there is a wide selection of designs to choose from, allowing you to find one that's perfect for your situation. A good shop fitting company should have an extensive product range to cover your varying needs.
Since custom counters and cabinets can come in many different shapes, sizes and have lots of applications, choosing the right one is dependant on your business. For instance, if you own a nightclub, your needs are totally different to someone who owns a coffee shop. That being said, a good shop fitter will be able to create and adapt any of their counters to suit any project or bar design.
The ability to adapt and develop your chosen design can often be paramount and therefore choosing a custom counter design gives you the flexibility needed to make your project shine. One custom counter provider is Counter Fit who not only have the wide selection of products needed to cater for many situations but can be with you every step of the way from the design phase to the actual shop fitting. They are on hand seven days a week and are contactable via email twenty four hours a day.
Why not see how Counter Fit can help you get your hands on a new custom counter design by visiting the website at http://www.counter-fit.co.uk
William is a well informed author who writes articles and reviews for Counterfit limited, which offers wide range of modern, traditional and contemporary modular bar fittings, shop fittings, bar fitting, counter tops and bespoke counter designs to suit your premises.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mr._William
http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Choose-a-Custom-Counter-Design?&id=1220865
Product Positioning and Merchandising in the Retailer Outlet
Positioning and Merchandising in the outlet are a part of a process of presenting the product to the consumers. Good positioning is the key of the success in selling the product. It is important to understand that not all locations within outlet are good for the specific product.
Usual "good" positions within the outlet are:
- Near the entrance ( or in front of entrance in some cases )
- In front sides of the racks, not behind
- Before competitor
- In areas where consumers spend most of their time while shopping ( Hot Spots )
- In the eye level of consumer ( not too high or not too low )
- Next to the cashier
After getting the "good" position, the next thing that we should take care about is the "Size". The Size means space that our products occupy on the rack in term of sales versus the competition. The space dedicated to our product should be equal or bigger than is the share of sales of our product in the market. This is "Space to Sales" rule. This rule is simple and it helps to retailer but also the supplier with the significant market share.
In some cases customers ( owners of the outlet ) are not respecting this rule, for some reason. Example, they are giving too much space to slow moving product, maybe because high stock accumulated due to low sales. The problem is that this product will not sell more proportional to extra space given, at same time some other fast moving products will not have a chance to sell at full potential. The solution for this problem is the right order in the first place. This means that we have problem with space given to our product since our customer is overstocked with slow-mover product, we can try to educate our customer to place right order for all product, proportional to their sales and potential and to dedicate right space range in the shelves according the sell-out of each brand, product or category.
Finally, when we have a good position and space for our product, it is time for the Merchandising of the products. There are several definitions of Merchandising like:
"Merchandising is effective arranging of the product in the place of sales, with purpose of accelerating the sales."
"Merchandising is process of exposing the product in the danger of being bought." :-)
Effective arranging of the product means applying the group of rules to the products on the shelf:
- Corporative block ( all products of your company are arranged in the block, which give you the impact through synergy and visibility
- Space to sales to your SKUs
- Brand order, by the sales in the traffic flow ( Top selling Brand is leading your block )
- Pack vertically aligned, the different pack size on the different shelf level
- Price tags placed, with visible price ( with included VAT, discount etc. ) and product code
- FEFO Rule ( First Expires First Out ). For the products with life limit, which is usual for the FMCG product, you should always place the product with shorter life remained in front of the others.
- Promotional signs
- Keep the product clean and undamaged
Who does Merchandising? Primarily this is the role of the Salesmen responsible for specific outlet, meaning that the same person is selling the product, but also merchandising the product. In some cases, special dedicated person - Merchandiser is hired to do only Merchandising. This is quite common for supplying companies that have big share and sell-out, so they can employ Merchandiser in large size outlets Supermarket/Hypermarkets only to do shelving and arranging the products. This is justified for huge sell-out outlets. Otherwise, employees of this Super/Hypermarkets cannot do this job good enough, because other obligations.
Merchandising is different for distinguished businesses and product types. E.g. Merchandising and positioning of TV sets is done in different way than positioning of Fast Move Consumer Goods (FMCG ) like food, beverages, ...
The benefits of good positioning are increased sales volume, increased number of "unplanned" (impulse ) purchases, increasing the corporate image. All this brings additional profit for the supplying company, but also for the retailer who is dealing these products. This profit can be used as a Profit Story as a negotiation tool for better position.
At same time the consumer have it's own benefits out of good Positioning and Merchandising: ease of shopping, favorite brands at the reach of hand and less effort invested in looking for specific product within outlet.
Based on previously said, we can conclude that good and effective positioning is beneficial for everybody involved in transaction of product; the Supplier, the Retailer and the Customer.
Laurus Nobilis has 11 years of experience in FMCG business. He has been working in differend functions, primarily in Sales Department and Supply Chain. In 2007 he has started the http://www.biz-development.com web site dedicated to development of managerial skills and knowledges necessary for running the business.
Laurus Nobilis has 11 years of experience in FMCG business. He has been working in differend functions, primarily in Sales Department and Supply Chain. In 2007 he has started the http://www.biz-development.com web site dedicated to development of managerial skills and knowledges necessary for running the business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurus_Nobilis
Usual "good" positions within the outlet are:
- Near the entrance ( or in front of entrance in some cases )
- In front sides of the racks, not behind
- Before competitor
- In areas where consumers spend most of their time while shopping ( Hot Spots )
- In the eye level of consumer ( not too high or not too low )
- Next to the cashier
After getting the "good" position, the next thing that we should take care about is the "Size". The Size means space that our products occupy on the rack in term of sales versus the competition. The space dedicated to our product should be equal or bigger than is the share of sales of our product in the market. This is "Space to Sales" rule. This rule is simple and it helps to retailer but also the supplier with the significant market share.
In some cases customers ( owners of the outlet ) are not respecting this rule, for some reason. Example, they are giving too much space to slow moving product, maybe because high stock accumulated due to low sales. The problem is that this product will not sell more proportional to extra space given, at same time some other fast moving products will not have a chance to sell at full potential. The solution for this problem is the right order in the first place. This means that we have problem with space given to our product since our customer is overstocked with slow-mover product, we can try to educate our customer to place right order for all product, proportional to their sales and potential and to dedicate right space range in the shelves according the sell-out of each brand, product or category.
Finally, when we have a good position and space for our product, it is time for the Merchandising of the products. There are several definitions of Merchandising like:
"Merchandising is effective arranging of the product in the place of sales, with purpose of accelerating the sales."
"Merchandising is process of exposing the product in the danger of being bought." :-)
Effective arranging of the product means applying the group of rules to the products on the shelf:
- Corporative block ( all products of your company are arranged in the block, which give you the impact through synergy and visibility
- Space to sales to your SKUs
- Brand order, by the sales in the traffic flow ( Top selling Brand is leading your block )
- Pack vertically aligned, the different pack size on the different shelf level
- Price tags placed, with visible price ( with included VAT, discount etc. ) and product code
- FEFO Rule ( First Expires First Out ). For the products with life limit, which is usual for the FMCG product, you should always place the product with shorter life remained in front of the others.
- Promotional signs
- Keep the product clean and undamaged
Who does Merchandising? Primarily this is the role of the Salesmen responsible for specific outlet, meaning that the same person is selling the product, but also merchandising the product. In some cases, special dedicated person - Merchandiser is hired to do only Merchandising. This is quite common for supplying companies that have big share and sell-out, so they can employ Merchandiser in large size outlets Supermarket/Hypermarkets only to do shelving and arranging the products. This is justified for huge sell-out outlets. Otherwise, employees of this Super/Hypermarkets cannot do this job good enough, because other obligations.
Merchandising is different for distinguished businesses and product types. E.g. Merchandising and positioning of TV sets is done in different way than positioning of Fast Move Consumer Goods (FMCG ) like food, beverages, ...
The benefits of good positioning are increased sales volume, increased number of "unplanned" (impulse ) purchases, increasing the corporate image. All this brings additional profit for the supplying company, but also for the retailer who is dealing these products. This profit can be used as a Profit Story as a negotiation tool for better position.
At same time the consumer have it's own benefits out of good Positioning and Merchandising: ease of shopping, favorite brands at the reach of hand and less effort invested in looking for specific product within outlet.
Based on previously said, we can conclude that good and effective positioning is beneficial for everybody involved in transaction of product; the Supplier, the Retailer and the Customer.
Laurus Nobilis has 11 years of experience in FMCG business. He has been working in differend functions, primarily in Sales Department and Supply Chain. In 2007 he has started the http://www.biz-development.com web site dedicated to development of managerial skills and knowledges necessary for running the business.
Laurus Nobilis has 11 years of experience in FMCG business. He has been working in differend functions, primarily in Sales Department and Supply Chain. In 2007 he has started the http://www.biz-development.com web site dedicated to development of managerial skills and knowledges necessary for running the business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurus_Nobilis
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