Posted by retailmakeover on March 02, 2012 0 Comments
The future is temporary:
Retailing in a pop up world
I found this article to be very interesting. Enjoy the read...
By Doug Stephens
Reebok pop-up store New York City
The concept of pop-up retail has been around for more than a decade. Vacant, a company out of Los Angeles, California is credited with pioneering the concept of pop-up shops in North America, after seeing similar concepts in Tokyo. They observed that Japanese consumers would sometimes line up for hours to buy limited edition goods. Once stock was sold out, the store would simply close until new stock arrived. This led Vacant to innovate the current model for pop-up, whereby stores would open for a defined period and then simply close, only to pop up later in a different location.
Until 2007 however, pop-up shops, while intriguing, were regarded largely as a novelty. The retail industry remained dominated by the foundational precept that stores were more permanent things. The goal of most retailers remained long-term, favorable leases in locations with trusted consumer traffic levels. This was how retail was done and how it was won.
Popping Up Out of the Ashes
The economic collapse of 2008 brought new opportunities for pop-up retail. Landlords who were reeling from fallout in the commercial real estate market entertained previously unthinkable, short-term agreements for their space, paving the way for a host of temporary retail installations. From Los Angeles to the mean streets of New York, the economic meltdown spurred a brilliant series of unique and daring pop-up concepts.
Above all else, these concepts seemed to breathe new life into a retail industry that had become fat and lazy, in the days leading up to the financial crisis. Retail had too long depended on excess consumer spending to buoy demand. Only when the bottom fell out of the market was it apparent just how unremarkable most retail had become.
In a sea of sameness, these unique and fleeting pop-ups caught the attention of consumers and made retail interesting again.
From Novelty to Strategy
Today, pop-up has become a legitimate channel strategy. Everyone from Walmart to Hermes has turned to these temporary formats to reach consumers where their full-line stores couldn’t.
Entire cities have embraced the concept of pop-up retail as a means of revitalizing urban neighborhoods. One example, Oakland California’s Pop Up Hood concept, offered 6 months of rent-free space to independent merchants to test out their retail concepts in designated parts of Oakland.
Even entertainment moguls Jay-Z and Kanye West opened a pop-up shop last year in New York City to commemorate the release of Watch the Throne. The store was open for one weekend only.
Technology is also fueling more creative approaches to pop up. Augmented reality applications are transforming inanimate spaces into engaging consumer buying portals – trips through the looking glass. Net-A-Porter’s recent launch of its Karl Lagerfeld line, whereby the outside of the store became a living interaction point for mobile device wielding consumers, is one such recent example.
Net-A-Porter uses augmented reality to wow crowds at their Karl pop-up stores
Commercial Real Estate Redefined
What these and other concepts point to is an historic move away from retail being solely about established patterns of consumer traffic and purchase intent based on familiarity. The new consumer is seeking surprise and excitement from retail and is in many ways returning to its pre-industrial revolution roots and the concept of the travelling market.
For the commercial real estate industry, the writing may be on the temporary wall. The success of pop-up retail signifies the need for less permanent real estate overall. It’s logical to expect more retail chains to move to a mix of flagship (got to be there) locations and opportunistic, temporary installations to create excitement and capture sales. The commercial real estate professional of the future may be relied upon as much for their keen sense of guerilla marketing instinct as they are for their knowledge of the market overall.
Posted by retailmakeover on February 27, 2012 0 Comments
" Shopping, eating and entertainment: malls are the home of all these activities. But some homes are bigger than others. Much bigger actually.
So, if you thought walking across your local mall was tiring, you will be out of breath while exploring one of these 10 biggest shopping malls in the world. It’s interesting to note than nine out of 10 are in Asia (with our West Edmonton Mall being the only exception) and the top two are in China (although, not all the shopping space has been leased out). Pretty reflective of the economy, eh? "
Posted by retailmakeover on February 23, 2012 0 Comments
Creating a Promotional Calendar
“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now” ….. anonymous quote
Have you ever shopped in a store that was dull and boring? You may not even recall the name of the shop because it was simply that uninteresting. As a retailer, you don't want your store to become one of those lackluster shopping experiences. A great way to avoid becoming mundane is by strategically planning promotional events for your retail store.
This isn't the twice-a-year markdown sale your store has when you place all the season's leftover items on a table and smack a "Reduced" sign on the front. No, what I am referring to is a specially orchestrated promotion that can have a significant impact on product demand and sales. By planning exciting events over the year, you're giving customers a reason to return to the store on a regular basis.
What events did you have as part of your February Promotional Calendar?
Here are some ideas:
Valentines' Day
Ground Hog Day
Family Day
Was it's your store's Anniversary
Your Birthday
Are you still clearing winter product
Is there something going on locally that you tagged into
Did you launch a new product
Was there a special interest event, like evening yoga classes
You should have 1 to 3 events happening each month. Start with putting a promotional calendar together then send the message out thru Constant Contact. This process will Increase Awareness = which Increases Traffic = which Increases Sales.
1) Best Practices for Retail Success in 2012 (for the owners)
This is a powerful workshop. Barbara Crowhurst leading retail expert delivers key information that retailers need to insure success in 2012. These are the main points that Barbara covers:
The Retailer's Role
Marketing
Training
The Customer Experience
Financial and Inventory Planning
Staying up to date
Staff
Knowing your Niche
Distinctive Product
Duration: 1 hr
2) Effective Sales Training ( for managers and staff ):
Barbara will teach you:
What a retailer and staff's role is in a retail sales environment
How to approach customers
How fear plays a big part in the retail sales culture
Why saying, "Can I help you is outlawed, what to say instead to get to what the customers needs and wants are, how to deal with all buying types and to spot buying signals, how to overcome objections, and how to deal with add on sales.
Posted by retailmakeover on February 09, 2012 0 Comments
Five New Programs
Barbara Crowhurst is North Americas #1 Retail Business Coach. She also writes retail specific articles, Blogs, and books, and is an international speaker. Her comprehensive and detailed approach to retail comes from years of working in the industry. Her career has taken her from working with some the largest corporate retail stores in North America to consulting with tens of thousands of owner-operators.
Barbara's company is leading the way with innovative services such as retail business coaching sessions, one on one coaching and consulting by phone, Skype, or in person. Barbara's comprehensive Retail Makeovers and Retail Store Design have become the industry sensation. Barbara's training seminars are standing room only; her message to retailers, "Effective retail is in the detail".
Posted by retailmakeover on February 01, 2012 0 Comments
Excited to share this with you:
It's a New product line from Shoppetalk which helps increase sales and profitability thru effective retail signage.
We love…. is being launched across North America in January, 2012.
This is a brand NEW line of retail window signage from Shoppetalk. Developed in collaboration with Ronda Pegman from Walltalk.
Why I continue to support product development for Shoppetalk is simple: it's all about helping retailers increase sales and profitability. One of the key marketing tools retailers have are the front of their stores. Retailers must add signage to their window displays and not miss the all important trigger from words that tell customers why they should come in and have a look. This signage and this strategy is directly targeted at attracting new customers to the retailers product mix.
The inspiration for this collection We love…… came from recent working/travel trips I have taken across North America. Retailers love what they do and they are passionate about the products they carry. I hope you will love this idea as much as Ronda and I do.
Here's a tip for Retailers :
Use the saying We love…. with your own product list when you just want to make a statement or combine it with a sales promotion which features your most beloved products.
Enjoy and share the passion of retail through Shoppetalk: the We love…….. collection.
Posted by retailmakeover on January 19, 2012 0 Comments
In the last few days I have been inspired by articles and reviews on the trends in technology and social media. Please spend some time reading this link that identifies 11 of the top ones from 2011 - The 11 Defining Social Media and Technlogy Trends In 2011
More and more our Lifestyle choices will be to carry our computer with us. Tablets are the big growth product in personal computers. Consumers want information when they want it, and where ever they are.
Retailers must respond by having strong website presence, with effective SEOs. Customers new, and existing, should be able to find you, and your product info, easily online .
Please contact Retail Makeover today and have your web presents evaluated by our web design master Steve Crowhurst. Contact Steve today
Posted by retailmakeover on January 18, 2012 0 Comments
Consumer Trends for 2012:
What are the next consumer trends? I am asked this question a lot, especially at this time of the year. So here is a great site, with some fabulous information. Consumer Trends Preview
I think you will love the read and learn about:
Consumer investors
Low cost healthy lifestyles
The globalisation of urban culture
Womanity. What women want…
Spellbinding shopping
Alternatives and autonomy
The important thing? Being recognised at a given moment
Posted by retailmakeover on January 10, 2012 0 Comments
Enroll Today
Stop working IN your business and start working ON your business; 2012 is your year!
RM "U" 2012 Class Schedule Begins...
Barbara Crowhurst North Americas #1 Retail Business Coach and director of programming will deliver all classes - LIVE. Giving you the information you need to improve sales and profitability. Join Barbara as she shares her knowledge and insight on the hottest retail topics of 2012. Set your goals, clean up your inventory and start working on the "Best Practices" that will right size your business in the coming year.
Enroll Today - Stop working IN your business and start working ON it !
Program Line-Up At A Glance:
Best Practices for 2012 - Sunday, January 15th, 7- 8 pm EST - $49
Setting Sales and Buying Goals - Tuesday, January 24th, 7- 8 pm EST - $49
Inventory Control - Sunday , January 29th, 7- 8 pm EST - $49
Setting up a Promotional Calendar - Sunday, February 5th, 7- 8 pm EST - $49
The Curriculum At RM "U" Delivers:
Best Practices for 2012 - Sunday , January 15 th , 7 pm - 8 pm EST - I will focus your attention on what is in your best interests to work on and help you increase sales. I want you to set aside 4 to 8 hours a week to start marketing your business effectively. I will have you working more proactively, making the doors to your store open.
Setting Sales and Buying Goals - Tuesday , January 24th , 7 pm - 8 pm EST - I will identify what results you need to review from last year in order to set real achievable goals for 2012. Yes, you can increase sales and control buying. It's in your hands.
Inventory Control - Sunday , January 29 th , 7- 8 pm EST - This is a big issue for retailers with many misunderstanding the importance of inventory control. There is money in your inventory. if you are over stocked or if your product is no longer working for you this is the course for you.
Setting up a Promotional Calendar - Sunday , February 5th, 7 pm - 8 pm EST - In the years I have been a retail coach I find this is an area that can be challenging for retailers. You should have 2 to 3 promotional events going on each month. Along with what I have to share with you I will send you an e-calendar to help you get organized.
Here is how we get connected:
After you confirm you registration through Pay Pal payment you will be sent outline notes prior to the course start date.
I will send you a link to register with Skype . All sessions will have a live audio and video component all you need is speakers and a video cam on your computer.
Reviewing the Course Costs:
$49 if you pick only one class or
Pick all 4 classes and the cost is $175
Note from Barbara:
I wanted all retailers to be able to join RM "U" this year and boost their sales and profitability. This is why I have set the 2012 Program at a very attractive price, reflecting my understanding of the conditions that retailers face with a price that will fit into your cash flow.
You have my continued commitment to sharing my retail knowledge and expertise. I want to help you pay yourself well, very well this year.
Classes start Sunday so register today; space is limited.
Posted by retailmakeover on January 09, 2012 0 Comments
RM "U" 2012 Class Schedule Begins...
Barbara Crowhurst North Americas #1 Retail Business Coach and director of programming will deliver all classes - LIVE. Giving you the information you need to improve sales and profitability. Join Barbara as she shares her knowledge and insight on the hottest retail topics of 2012. Set your goals, clean up your inventory and start working on the "Best Practices" that will right size your business in the coming year.
Enroll Today - Stop working IN your business and start working ON it !
Program Line-Up At A Glance:
Best Practices for 2012 - Sunday, January 15th, 7- 8 pm EST - $49
Setting Sales and Buying Goals - Tuesday, January 24th, 7- 8 pm EST - $49
Inventory Control - Sunday , January 29th, 7- 8 pm EST - $49
Setting up a Promotional Calendar - Sunday, February 5th, 7- 8 pm EST - $49
The Curriculum At RM "U" Delivers:
Best Practices for 2012 - Sunday , January 15 th , 7 pm - 8 pm EST - I will focus your attention on what is in your best interests to work on and help you increase sales. I want you to set aside 4 to 8 hours a week to start marketing your business effectively. I will have you working more proactively, making the doors to your store open.
Setting Sales and Buying Goals - Tuesday , January 24th , 7 pm - 8 pm EST - I will identify what results you need to review from last year in order to set real achievable goals for 2012. Yes, you can increase sales and control buying. It's in your hands.
Inventory Control - Sunday , January 29 th , 7- 8 pm EST - This is a big issue for retailers with many misunderstanding the importance of inventory control. There is money in your inventory. if you are over stocked or if your product is no longer working for you this is the course for you.
Setting up a Promotional Calendar - Sunday , February 5th, 7 pm - 8 pm EST - In the years I have been a retail coach I find this is an area that can be challenging for retailers. You should have 2 to 3 promotional events going on each month. Along with what I have to share with you I will send you an e-calendar to help you get organized.
Here is how we get connected:
After you confirm you registration through Pay Pal payment you will be sent outline notes prior to the course start date.
I will send you a link to register with Skype . All sessions will have a live audio and video component all you need is speakers and a video cam on your computer.
Reviewing the Course Costs:
$49 if you pick only one class or
Pick all 4 classes and the cost is $175
Note from Barbara:
I wanted all retailers to be able to join RM "U" this year and boost their sales and profitability. This is why I have set the 2012 Program at a very attractive price, reflecting my understanding of the conditions that retailers face with a price that will fit into your cash flow.
You have my continued commitment to sharing my retail knowledge and expertise. I want to help you pay yourself well, very well this year.
Classes start Sunday so register today; space is limited.
You made it! Congratulations on starting your own online store!This is your shop’s frontpage, and it’s the first thing your customers will see when they arrive. You’ll be able to organize and style this page however you like.You can start adding products to your shop...
" Shopping, eating and entertainment: malls are the home of all these activities. But some homes are bigger than others. Much bigger actually.
