Marketing for Stores and Products

Trends Trackers

The recession has forced retailers and mall developers to develop innovative business strategies. Quite a few malls around the country are trying creative leasing ideas—including launching a karate studio and even a library extension at the mall. Even as the mall expands its role to community builder, there are some concepts that have stood the test of time: customers still want a good product at a good price. Equally important, while shopping habits might have changed, consumers are seeking products that fulfill particular niches. Here's a rundown of a few trends in specialty retail.

What trends do you see in specialty retail today?

What trends do you see in specialty retail today?

Does Your Sales Pitch Work?

It takes skill to be a great salesperson. Whenever salespeople make a pitch, they put themselves and their company on the line, taking a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome. Just like actors, even the best, most experienced salesperson can use some coaching and polishing now and then.

What strategies would you recommend for upselling during the holiday season?

When the holiday season is crucial to a retailer's bottom line, you've got to give it your all. Check out these upselling strategies from our panel of industry experts.

How do you sell product from carts and kiosks effectively without being overly aggressive?

Complaints about aggressive sales techniques by cart operators have been an issue at malls across the country. What other sales strategies can be worked to drive sales effectively? We ask our panel of industry experts.

A Recession is a Terrible Thing to Waste

Although it might be hard to watch the news sometimes, it helps to remember that in many ways these days are no different than recessions we've faced before (and likely will again). In fact, as more-experienced retailers know, some shifts in consumer spending during a recession can be incredibly predictable. So much so that adjusting your products, selling techniques and marketing to cater to the consumer's new needs and wants (yes, the consumer still has wants) can be more straightforward than retailers who haven't been through a recession or two might assume.

Contests Create Customers

"Everyone wants to be a winner." This universal ambition applies to your customers, too. So why not accommodate them? Hold a raffle or other contest that rewards shoppers with exciting prizes. The result will be happy customers and busy cash registers.

Store contests are time-honored vehicles for building customer loyalty. But pulling off a successful contest means more than stacking a pile of entry blanks next to a shoe box. You want to design an event that entices and excites as many people as possible—so that they'll give their names and mailing addresses to you, for your mailing list for future promotions. Here's how to run a great contest.

RMU Design Trends: A Pictorial

For Specialty Retail Report's 10th Anniversary issue, we asked several manufacturers of carts, kiosks and other retail merchandising units to take a look back at-and a look forward to-the design trends that impact how specialty retailers do business every day.

Beating the Big Box this Winter

Back in the day, Main Street was lined with storefronts and dotted with vendors on carts. Then came department stores. And now, "big-box" stores, systematically knocking everyone else off the block. Or are they? Can independent retailers survive and thrive in this era of deep-discount giants?

Are You Selling Necessity or Luxury?

Knowing the difference will shape your marketing - which can mean more sales.