New products in retail emerge
April 26, 2011
Last month, I attended the Global Shop retail solutions trade show. Each year I have two missions: one, to seek out new products and systems to aid visual display needs, and two, seek information and hear the talking points the retail industry is discussing. I also sourced and discovered products and... Read more »
Loyalty comes from good customer experiences
April 15, 2011
There’s nothing about pricing and promotions that creates loyalty. All it does is train customers to shop for the lowest price, and customers have become well trained to do so. Loyalty is built one customer at a time through positive and memorable customer experiences. “Customer experience”... Read more »
Avoid the parts and accessories department trap
March 18, 2011
Another season is coming and this year is going to go one of two ways: Really, really well or slightly better than last year. There are two success factors that are out of our control: weather and economy. But there are factors that are in our control, if we choose to pursue success. That includes: participating... Read more »
This growth will come more like a whisper
January 24, 2011
As if we added race gas to our tank, it seems there is a burst of acceleration, and the business bike we have all been cruising along on seems to just be running a little bit stronger. The powersports industry has now seen three growth months and surprisingly, not in the spring but at the end of the... Read more »
Five no-cost ways to make your store more profitable
January 14, 2011
1. Change your Attitude – In 2011, things are heading in a better direction. Changing your outlook, your drive and determinations and the way you look at the business can give you the greatest return at no cost. Maybe except for your pride, but you can’t bank pride… 2. Decide to set a higher... Read more »
Last-minute retail reminders
December 23, 2010
It’s the last days until Christmas. Sales for mainstream retailers have been increasing since November. What categories are up? Electronics and jewelry — in other words, items people want not need! Make every customer that is coming in count. Do your best to make a sale — not just stand there with... Read more »
Share your customer service triumphs
December 2, 2010
The National Retail Federation has announced the top 10 retailers for customer service, as selected by shoppers in the sixth annual NRF Foundation/American Express Customers’ Choice survey. The survey, which asked more than 9,000 shoppers which retailer provides the best customer service, was conducted... Read more »
Be thankful for the powersports community this holiday
November 24, 2010
It is the day before Thanksgiving holiday, there is sentiment I wish to express to the powersports community. I am Thankful for you! I am thankful your continued pursuit in seeking information that will benefit you as a retailer, For sticking with your pursuits of making a living in the powersports... Read more »
Learn from these top-tier promoters
November 9, 2010
What kind of marketing will best appeal to holiday shoppers? Check out the best of the best. According to a national marketing survey, conducted by BIGresearch last December, Wal-Mart overtook Target as the company with shoppers’ favorite holiday commercials. The list of top 10 holiday commercial/ad... Read more »
Holiday sales push needs to start today!
October 26, 2010
According to the National Retail Federation, 40 percent of holiday shoppers plan to start shopping before Halloween. This means powersports store managers and owners should get their staffs together and plan to do a major merchandising shift for all goods sold in your stores. Holiday planning is more... Read more »
