Business Tips February 2012

I just returned from the CHA Winter 2012 Show.

I was happy to see many of you at the UNIFORMED booth with your Collins Group Rep.
I've been working with the UNIFORMED line since last Fall and I urge all of you to carry the line in your store. You'll be happy with the sales you get. Talk to your Collins Group Rep about it
soon.

The CHA Show was about the same as the past few Shows. I'd say attendance was about what it was last January. The Vendors with good introductions were busy and started the year on a good note. Vendors who are playing it too conservative were not too busy and will probably struggle this year.

The same will be true of your business in 2012.
If you are too conservative you will have a hard time attracting customers, especially new customers. I suggest you be realistically aggressive in your business this year. By realistically aggressive I mean be aggressive in sales promotion without going overboard. Think your promotional plans through and don't overspend .

A lot of store owners have decided not to attend the CHA Shows because of cost or other reasons. I don't agree with this because I feel you need to attend at least one of the trade shows to get a real handle on what's going on in the Craft industry and what trends you need to be aware of. But if you didn't attend the show, be sure you have an appointment scheduled with your Rep to see the new introductions.

And be sure to ask if a lines show special is still in effect. Many vendors extend their show specials .

And be sure to take another look at merchandise in your store that needs to be marked down and moved out. Your going to need that space for the new CHA merchandise you've ordered or will be ordering.

We've all learned that special appearances by Scrapbook professionals will be a big draw for your store. Try and schedule at least one major event every month . And have something special going on in your store every week .

Finally, I suggest that every Scrapbook store owner look for other categories of merchandise to add to their store. Categories like Rubber Stamps, Card Making etc. If you've already started doing this great. Expand on what you've started. If you haven't started yet make that a special project to work on .

Look for my Business Tips at the beginning of every month.
I'd like to hear some suggestions from you for topics for business tips this year.
The best way to send me your suggestions is by email at sandman@mindspring.com
Please let me hear from you.

Have a great 2012.

Sandy