Tip of the Week

One of the biggest mistakes a retailer can make is thinking they’re on an island where the general rules of shopper behaviour and other common human needs don’t apply.

Unless they have free wifi at the zoo, all of us reading this are human and that is a fact.  Humans have certain behaviours, certain ways we view a space, and certain ways we interact with that space.  This is due to our instincts and the way our brains work. 

While I'm always open to new points of view and new information, many retailers claim that "customers simply don't operate that way in my store."  Consider what could happen if you gave shoppers an opportunity to follow their instincs and natural methods of shopping...  Would your sales increase?  Are you willing to take a chance on that?

Consider how your store is set up and what you can do to help humans in it behave the way they like to behave, and hopefully purchase lots of merchandise!

Happy selling!

Have you got questions for Melissa? Check us out on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, the flourish website, or send Melissa an email.

Tip of the Week

When purchasing for your store, make sure you have a plan.  This could include a financial plan, merchandising plan, theme plan and so-on.

 

This week we have the Alberta Gift Show in Edmonton and if you don't go in with a thought out course of action, it can be overwhelming.  You could wind up blowing your budget, choosing the wrong product mix, or simply getting caught up in all of the excitement. 

Make a plan before you go to any buying show.  Give yourself a budget based on past sales and buying and consider giving yourself a budget by category as well. 

Another thing to think about before choosing your product is the physical space in your store.  What merchandising are you planning for the next few months?  Are there any specific stories or themes?  What holidays and events are coming up?  What exciting things are on your marketing calendar?

Good luck and happy selling... and buying!

Have you got questions for Melissa? Check us out on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, the flourish website, or send Melissa an email.

5 Inspiring Songs for Entrepreneurs

Last night, while watching the Grammys, I was thinking about how music inspires us, lifts us up while we're down, and comforts us in times of need.  That's when I realized I should do this blog post that I've been considering for a long time!

This is just part one, I'm sure I will think of many more as time goes on.  In the meantime, here are 5 songs I consider to be very inspiring to us business starters!  Plus, one bonus!  Be sure to scroll all the way to the end, I've saved the best for last.

5. Journey - Don't Stop Believing
     This one's a classic!  Sorry, no official video to be found.

 

4. Bon Jovi - It's My Life
    Okay, I realize I look like a total geek right now, but this one really gets ya pumped up!

 

3. Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire
    This one's for all the great, strong women entrepreneurs out there. 

2. Marty Casey & the Lovehammers - Casualty
    This is a great pick-me-up song.  I love it.  Sorry, couldn't find an official video.

Last, but not least...
1. Incubus - Drive
    This is one of my all-time favourites.  This song always keeps me going and picks me up when I need it!  Enjoy!

 

 

Now, here's a bonus one!  It gets a little personal, so it didn't quite make my business cut, but it's definitely a good one and Fun. was recognized quite a bit at the Grammys last night.

 

Fun. - Carry On

 



I hope you enjoy and I'd love to see some of your favourites in the comments section!

Tip of the Week

Here's your Tip of the Week:

Take all the posters, stickers, and homemade signage off of your windows so that customers can see into the store or your displays.

The view through the store window at Elegant Expressions.

 

Sometimes it might seem like those signs and stickers bring people in the door, but are they properly representing your brand?  Do they contribute to the look and feel of your facade?  They can lower a customer's percieved value of your store and the product you sell, so make sure that they're up for a reason if you're going to keep them there!

If you really want to keep your signs and stickers up, consider designating one specific area where they're allowed to go and keeping them to that area.  Then, be sure to remove them when they're old or tattered!

Happy Selling!

Have you got questions for Melissa? Check us out on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, the flourish website, or send Melissa an email.

Tip of the Week

Ready for another tip of the week?  Ready or not, here it comes!

It’s not too early to begin showing off your spring merchandise!  If you have it in stock, get it out where customers can see it.

Spring display by Flourish at Cloud Nine Pajamas

Right now, your main focus may be Valentines Day or sale merchandise, but that doesn't mean you have to hide spring!  Customers will be excited to see something new, fresh, and promising of warmer weather, so get it out of the back room or storage.  It doesn't have to be in the most prominent spot just yet.

Happy selling!

Have you got questions for Melissa? Check us out on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, the flourish website, or send Melissa an email.