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Is there a more difficult everyday challenge? As owners of businesses, we've got all of the issues of the times right on our plates. Think about it:
Is there a more difficult every day challenge than maintaining perspective? We don't think so.
Amidst all this, we were struck by a tweet* that was posted mid-afternoon New Years Eve:
Indeed. As 2022 begins, most retailers can say "we ain't what we was." In fact, most retailers are better now! Want proof? Take a look at the Key Retail Benchmarks on The ROI site.** Just look at the trend charts for each benchmark ratio. While there are exceptions, we believe that these latest Benchmark numbers show the most extensive and significant financial improvement since we have been tracking these numbers for you. More important, get perspective for yourself. See your own ratios (there's a free online calculator that makes it easy), and compare to your own last year. And the year before. Very likely you too can say...
Yep, we're better now. Ahh, perspective. Onward to 2022! --- * @MaraGay, New York Times editorial board. Dec 31, 2021, 3:08pm
** Key Retail Benchmarks, Five Year Trend Charts
Let’s take a break from the drama of the business and economic news, and its uncontrollables. It's time to put the fun back into retailing!
Remembering that "Retail IS detail," focus on attracting and appealing to your very best customers.
And we have the (free!) tools to make all this happen. But be ready: surprises and new insights will emerge.
First, check out this article on The ROI site: Rating Your Store From a Shopper's Perspective. See the 25 "retail is detail" items that do matter to shoppers, from Accessibility to Windows (and yes, Bathrooms really do matter.)
According to the calendar, as of March 21, it officially is springtime. No matter what the weather is doing. Well, it's time to bring the calendar to real life! Spring is really a state of mind! The dark winter has passed. Even the rain is warmer in the spring. And new growth is beginning to sprout; leaves are coming out. It's a wonderful, fresh outlook. And that of course means it is a wonderful opportunity for retailers to refresh and reenergize their stores. No matter what merchandise you sell - whether it's tires, apparel, books, housewares, office supplies, whatever - every retailer is in the fashion business. And that means that your customers are wanting what is new and fresh.You know; "in fashion."
We once knew a lady who steadfastly championed the idea that Labor Day should be considered New Year's Eve, and the Tuesday after Labor Day as the start of the New Year. (Yes, she was ahead of her time in many other ways as well.)
Here's her reasoning about the "real" New Year's Eve: as summer fades away and vacations end, the new school year starts up; the baseball season pennant race is on; football games begin.
As all this happens, she explained, most people take on a renewed sense of energy.
The promise of a fresh start is everywhere. Optimism abounds!
photo: Greg Gilbert/Seattle Times
Recently we read of a "bookshop on wheels" launched by a college English instructor. While certainly not the first retail variation on a food truck, this one has gained praise for its authenticity. "What’s most surprising when you walk into Blue Kettle Books for the first time is how cozy and, well, bookstore-ish the tiny space feels."*
Incredible value! 👀
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