SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

This year Small Business Saturday is November 26, 2016.

I'm sure you all are planning special events for that weekend.

Last year a consumer survey showed that 95 million people  shopped
in small businesses on Small business Saturday.

Contact your Reps and find out what specials are being offered for that event.

Let your customers know what specials and events you have planned for that weekend
in a newsletter and on social media.

Talk to other small businesses in your area about working together to make a strong
neighborhood event on SBS.

Google small business Saturday 2016 and find several websites with information you can use
in setting up your SBS events.

Have a great Small Business Saturday and Fall season 2016.

Sandy

A New Season is Here

Back to school is here and that always signals a new merchandising season is upon us,
Here's some tips that can help you have a more successful Fall season this year.

1. With the change of seasons, we see retailers changing their merchandising mix to reflect
the new seasonal selections. Be sure you're displaying all of your new merchandise now.
Be sure your store displays reflect the new Fall season.

2. Look at your store from a customers viewpoint. Does your store make a customer
want to come in and shop. If not, make some changes.

3. Be sure you've moved out old and slow selling merchandise. You'll need the room
for new and more seasonal merchandise. If you still have markdown merchandise, you might want to just donate it to a charity to get rid of it.

4. Christmas selling season is just around the corner and you want to establish your store as
the headquarters for Scrapbooking and Paper Crafting gifts in your area. Be sure you have
Christmas gift merchandise on order now. Work with your Rep on this now if you haven't already done that. Also look at merchandise you already own to see what would work as a Christmas gift selection. Be sure to include some high ticket items as gift suggestions.

5. Diversify your assortments to include merchandise that is not traditional Scrapbook items.
A good example of this is card making supplies. Card making has been a growing trend
for a number of years, Be sure you're including this in your store.

Good selling this Fall season.

Sandy

Good Morning Paper Crafting Retailers

I checked the CHA website just now and still don't see any info
regarding a Fall 2016 Show.

I have to assume there will not be a Fall CHA Show in 2016.

You really need to plan on attending some event in Fall 2016 to
keep abreast of new products and vendors in the Paper Crafting industry.
And to take advantage of specials that vendors will be offering.

Here's some options.

Plan on attending the Collins Group Fall 2016 event.
It's being held September 8-12,2016 in Orlando.
Contact Jenni.thecollinsgroup@gmail.com.
Or talk to your Collins Group Rep for details.

If you can't make  the Collins event, be sure to set an appointment with
your Collins Group Rep for right after their show. Most vendors will carry their specials
over for a few days after the show.

Make plans now for attending the CHA Mega Show 2017.
It's being held in Phoenix, Arizona
January 19-23, 2017
With the Trade Show starting January 21,2017.
Check it out at chamegashow.org

You need to stay on top of your industry and attending
Trade Shows is the best way to do that.

More on this next month

Sandy

The Collins Group Fall event

Hi Paper Crafting Retailers.

Last month I mentioned that I didn't see a Fall 2016 CHA Show scheduled.
I have to assume there won't be a Fall CHA event in 2016.

I do want to remind you that The Collins Group will be holding their Fall event .

The event will be held in Orlando, Florida
September 8-12, 2016
Orlando Marriot Airport Hotel.

Many of you already are regulars at this event.

If you're not familiar with the Collins Group Shows you can contact them for more information.

Jennie Sprinz
phone  719-528-1391
Jenni.thecollinsgroup@gmail.com

The show will feature classes with leading scrapbooking and paper crafting professionals
as well as a trade show where you'll see many new products for Fall 2016.

Sandy

CHA News of interest

I just looked over upcoming CHA events and there is some news you may find interesting.

I don't see any July or Fall Show listed for 2016.

The next CHA event listed is the

CHA Mega Show 2017

The Show is moving to Phoenix  in January 2017.

January 19-23,2017
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, Arizona

I know that's a long way off, but I urge every independent scrapbook retailer
to plan on attending that show next January.

I also found some interesting information on the CHA Blog
Just Google CHA
Click on CHA Blog and find lot's of information you can use.

They have posted some "throwback seminars " from the January 2016 CHA Show that you may find of interest.

More info on this subject in the near future.

Sandy
770-973-3503

Reviewing your First Quarter results.

Now that the first quarter is over, it's time to review your
First Quarter results

You should have already planned your weekly, monthly and quarterly sales, stock levels and business expenses for 2016. You now need to compare your actual results to your plan for the First Quarter.

First compare your actual sales results to your planned sales.
Let's assume you're running ahead of plan. That's great. You're right on track for a successful year.
You may need to adjust your planned stock levels up to support the additional sales.

If your sales are  trending down, however, be sure to adjust your stock levels and purchases accordingly.

Look at your actual stock levels compared to plan and be sure they are compatible with your
planned turnover rate.

And look at where you might be able to save on some expenses.

You don't want to be too drastic in making any cuts. You have to maintain acceptable stock levels to insure customer interest. And, by all means, maintain good customer service.

I can be of help to you in this planning process. A big part of my affordable program for
independent retailers deals with planning sales, stock levels and expenses.
Please take a look at my website
www.sandywoodford.com
Click on the "For The Retailer tab and get more information.

AND DON"T FORGET
National Scrapbook Day is May 7.
Be sure you have all your plans made

Sandy
770-973-3503

National Scrapbooking Day is Saturday, May 7, 2016

I suggest every Independent Scrapbook Retailer start making plans now for that weekend, if you haven't  started already.

Google "National Scrapbooking Day2016 and get some ideas from other Independent Scrapbook owners on what they are doing that you might want to incorporate in your event.

Many Scrapbook vendors offer specials for National Scrapbook Day.

If you haven't already, you have time to contact your Sales Reps about special offerings from their vendors for National Scrapbooking Day.

And start promoting your weekend event NOW. Use your newsletter, social media and in store signage to build traffic in your store for this important event for Independent Scrapbook Retailers.

Good luck on your event for National Scrapbooking Day.

Sandy

Sandy Woodford Inc.
770-973-3503
sandman@mindspring.com