The most expensive souvenir of my executive career
We stood in a circle. Would-be executives who had been sent to an expensive executive-molding “experience.” Our companies spent tens of thousands of dollars hoping that we would become self-aware. Banks, manufacturers, retailers and pharmaceutical companies sent their...
The Worst Time to Delegate
As a manager, you might think you are doing your job well when you delegate a task to an employee. Surely your staff member feels trusted and empowered when you ask them to take on an important assignment, right? Hang on. When you ask a team member to take...
What a Board of Directors Does for an Independent Retailer
In the business world, independent retailers are often seen as not “really” a business. Vendors and technology solutions focus on the big players. Small retailers who deliver every day know that is not true. That is why retailers building for the long term bring on a...
Creating A Successful Spa or Salon Sales Event
A spa or salon sales event should be fun and profitable. Here is what to do to make your event a success for your customers and your bottom line. Balance the products you sell at the event When hosting a spa or salon sales event, consider a mix of...
Customer Service: First Among Equals
While all 7 Timeless Principles are critical, Customer Service may be the one that is the most fundamental requirement for a retailer's longevity. Previously, I had written that "for retailers who struggle, customer service is almost always below par." Think about the...
The 7 Timeless Principles of Retail
There are the 7 timeless principles of retail. True for e-commerce sites and brick and mortar. True for the company trying to align 18,000 workers in the stores or the manager trying to get Sally to show up for her shift on time…It doesn’t matter if you put the...
Bed Bath & Beyond Remodel 2019
Bed Bath & Beyond is the stack it high merchandiser for household gadgets, home textiles and cookware. Shoppers need towels, a can opener, candles and bathmats. Now stores are getting a major facelift following the 2018 stockholders meeting. That is when CEO Steve...
Why I Wrote (and you should read) My First Book
Writing your first book is a daunting task. Not the hours at the keyboard. Not finding a publisher. What's hard? Something To Say in a Loud World. What is so important in the world that people need to hear another voice? Why add to the racket of the information age?...
12 Steps to Conquer the NRF 2019
If you are going to NRF 2019 trolling technology booths in search of an affordable solution that actually does what it claims to improve retail business can be a challenge. I have lost count of how many times I have spent early January in NYC at the Javits Center at...
Improve Your Curb Appeal Infographic
Following up on the latest blog post, here is a fun infographic that outlines basic ways to improve your curb appeal. Courtesy of Graphic House, Inc