Some Tips on Basics

In these challenging times, and there is no doubt that the times are challenging, a business person can do one of two things.

They can pull in their horns, do nothing to encourage business and wait and see what happens. Of course that is a recipe for failure.

Or the business person can stay proactive about their business. They can do the things they know will work to encourage customers to shop with them. They will stay on top of the industry and the market and continue to provide their customers with the best customer service, the products the customer wants and the events that will keep their business a fun place to shop.

It’s widely held that the CHA Winter Show is a MUST ATTEND show for the serious Scrapbook Retailer.

This is the Show that will set the tone for the entire year.

I urge all independent Scrapbooking retailers  to start making their plans to attend this show.

The Show is January 11-15 2013 in Anaheim. California.

Go to the CHA website  www.craftandhobby.org  for details

Of course the smart Retailer uses good judgment in being proactive in their business.. They have to use tried an true business principles , especially in challenging times. The Retailer must stay thoughtful and use planning tools that have always worked.

Now is not the time to experiment.  Now is the time to do those things that have worked in the past and you know will work in the future.

There’s no doubt that the independent Scrapbook stores have had a challenging few years recently.

But I’m optimistic about the future for the independent Scrapbook Store operators.

I still believe that scrapbooking at the consumer level is still very strong. I believe that people are still scrapbooking as much as ever, maybe more.

The key to success in any retailing  business is first to pay close attention to the basics of good retailing.  We’ve talked about this before. The basics of good retailing are the same for your store as they are for the Michael's, Hobby Lobby’s, Macy's and all retailers.

And to be successful your business has to be well grounded in the basics.

Some of these basics are

1..Providing an inviting environment in your store that your customers will find a pleasure to shop in.

2.. Providing your customers with the very best in customer service. This, I believe, is the real key to the success of the independent retailer.

3..Maintaining adequate stock levels of the products and lines your customer wants to buy everyday. Being sure that the basics of your business are never out of stock. 

4.. Plan your business. We’ve talked about this a lot. You need to have realistic sales and stock plans and monitor them regularly. It does no good to make a plan if you don’t follow your plan. You need systems in place to track your daily, weekly, monthly and year to date sales. And to compare these to your sales plan.

You need systems in place to track your stock levels. You need to know how your stock level compares to your plan. You do this by logging your receipts daily and updating your stock on hand to reflect these new arrivals.

5..It’s also  important  that you keep up with what’s happening in the Scrapbook industry. The best way to do this is to attend the Major trade Shows, like the upcoming CHA Winter Show , CHA Summer Show and The Collins Group Show . 

6.Your Rep is a  key link to the industry too.  Your Rep is your ally, and you should consider your Rep as a partner in your business. Be sure to utilize this important resource.

I hope the above 6 points are helpful. It’s nothing new, but still critical to success.

The above points are basic  but essential to operating a successful retail store .

Sandy