Business Tips November 2011

Holiday Selling

You want to be sure you take advantage of the Gift Selling opportunities during November and December.

You need to start right now to plant the idea in your customers mind that your store is the place to buy Gifts for the scrapbooker.

First , give your store a new Holiday look by putting up some Holiday decorations .
Then create a Gift section in an up front location.

You probably have ordered some Gift items to sell for the Holidays, but don't stop there.
You have products currently in your stock that can be used as Gifts. Look around your store and
move these items to your Gift section.

Some suggestions are Die Cut machines and accessories, Scrapbook Kits, Scrapbook albums,
Rolling Scrapbook Carts and other higher ticket items.

And don't forget to offer Gift Certificates.

Feature a section of paper in Holiday designs and be sure to keep that well stocked after the Holidays. You know that customers will be looking for Holiday design papers once they've gotten their Holiday pictures back.

And be sure to have a big "Black Friday" sale the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Check with your Rep on what vendors are offering " Black Friday " specials. Many do have sales.
And look around the store for any slow selling or older merchandise to include in a Black Friday sale. You'll need that space and "open to buy dollars" for all the new merchandise you'll be ordering at CHA in 2012.

Finally

I want to mention my Consulting business for independent Scrapbook retailers.

It's important to start now to plan your business for next year.
To operate a profitable retail business you need to plan your sales, plan your stock levels, plan your purchases, plan your expenses and do other planning to be sure you're operating your business in an effective and profitable manner.

I can help you with that.

Please visit my website
http://www.sandywoodford.com/

Click on the "For The Retailer" tab and get more information on my consulting services for the independent retailer.

But it's important to start soon to plan for next year. You want your planning complete well before the CHA Show 2012 to have an effective buying plan for CHA 2012 , so working in late December or early January 2012 is essential.

Call me at 770-973-3503 or email me at sandman@mindspring.com
to talk about how I can be of help to you and your business.

Here's wishing you a happy and prosperous Holiday Season

Sandy