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The fair trade movement has been around for decades, but designer darlings like Emma Watson and Stella McCartney as well as eco-consumerism trailblazers Livia Firth and Natalie Portman have lent a celebrity angle that has suddenly made fair trade fashionable.

Gone are the days when fair trade meant unflattering designs or met the needs of a very specific target market. Fair trade has grown up and its offerings now command a respectable space in many women’s closets and jewelry boxes.

Wholesaler and retailer Kate Robertson agrees that while her company, Mayu, is a fair trade social enterprise, the reality is that her customers are attracted to the high design of her Pe-ruvian alpaca scarves and hats first and foremost. “After com-menting on the beauty, quality and uniqueness of the product, about half of my customers follow up that they appreciate the origins and the ‘social responsibility’ nature of our products.”

Dawn Greenberg, owner of retail shop Aurora Fair Trade in Chappaqua, New York, actively seeks out fair trade sources with an edge towards current fashion trends. While she ad-mits she’s constantly scouring websites for new sources and keeps tabs of new Fair Trade Federation (FTF) members, she also attends the New York International Gift Fair to seek out new fair trade designs.

Greenberg finds membership in organizations like the FTF and Green America important, but it’s not a deal breaker for her if a company isn’t a member but she feels meets her cri-teria for doing good work or giving back. “The International Princess Project with their Punjammies comes to mind, as does Marquet who was only recently [became a member of the Fair Trade Federation].” She also buys from Three Stone Steps, a company that works with artisans in Haiti and Cam-bodia but are not members of a fair trade organization. “I try not to get too label-crazy.”

Greenberg opened her store with the intent of staying about 70 percent fair trade and the remaining eco-friendly. Her first weekend open caused her to re-consider after learning her customers love jewelry and accessories from both fair trade and local artists.

She looks for products that will appeal to her customers first, but always with an eye on the artists’ stories. “My preference is always artists who source some of their materials from oth-er countries in a careful way and/or use reclaimed metals,” she says. “My clothing business has grown quickly, again, something I wasn’t prepared for but am loving.” She’s cur-rently sourcing from more than half a dozen fair trade compa-nies but with her customers craving more, she’s constantly on the look out for fashionable and affordable fair trade offerings.

Marissa Perry Saints, founder of Dsenyo, a company that works with women artisans in Malawi to create handbags and accessories, started her business with the goal of creating fair trade products with a strong design element that she felt could be sold in mainstream markets.

“However, with time we have realized that the stories behind our products are powerful and the majority of customers seem to be interested in our fair trade story,” adds Saints. “That being said, we continue to design with Western customers in mind, merging African textiles with contemporary design trends. I think customers wouldn’t get the chance to hear our fair trade story if they weren’t first attracted to the products on an aesthetic level.” Like Robertson, Saints often hears from customers that the quality level of her products are very high and the product design and variety in her line appeals to a broad customer base, whether it’s a fair trade product or not. “This always makes us proud because we have believed from the start that our producers in Malawi are capable of participating as real players in an export market. We also get a lot of positive customer feedback on product design and variety in our line.”

Renice Jones has the benefit of seeing both sides of the retail dynamic as co-founder of Gifts with Humanity and Global Crafts, a retailer and wholesaler of fair trade items respectively.

While initially Global Crafts’ wholesale customer base was primarily fair trade stores that understood and supported fair trade, these days most of their customers are non-fair trade stores who appreciate the look and prices of the pieces as well as the stories. Being a retailer helps her better understand how customers perceive the products as well. “No doubt, people pick up the product because they are interested in it,” she says. “Most of them find after reading the tag that the fact that it’s fair trade is a bonus.”

Megy Karydes is a professional writer and founder of World Shoppe, a fair trade wholesale importing company that works directly with South African and Kenyan artisans. Her company is a proud and active member of the Fair Trade Federation, Green America and a founding member of Chicago Fair Trade. To learn more, visit www.World-Shoppe.com.

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RESOURCES TO CHECK OUT:

Consumers have a choice on what they buy and why they buy. Some prefer USA made. The facts to support this may encourage you to consider American Made products, as well.*

• Just one U.S. manufacturing job supports five other U.S. jobs

• $10 a day spent on U.S. made products would cause wages to rise

• Any amount we spend on U.S. made goods, or made from countries with balanced trade, brings and holds money into the U.S. economy and makes the United States more politically, financially, and militarily secure.

* All facts provided by BuyingAmericaBack.org

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RETAIL MINDED | OCT / NOV / DEC 201236

E-COMMERCE LEADS THE WAY TO GROWTH . . . DOMESTICALLY AND GLOBALLY

By Luanne Mayorga

Do you realize that having a presence on the Internet can lead to international sales for your business? Is growing revenue through online sales one of your goals? According to the U.S. Commerce Department, e-commerce sales jumped 16 percent in 2011, totaling $194.3 billion. Some experts anticipate that Internet sales will reach approximately $280 billion in the next few years, with specialty apparel sales having about a 20 percent share of the market. Worldwide, e-commerce sales are projected to hit $690 billion in 2012 and $1.4 trillion by 2015. There are approximately 1.6 billion consumers online throughout the world and that statistic will

keep growing significantly as developing countries continue to adopt new technology. One of the major benefits to having a strong website is that it levels the playing field between large and small businesses. Consumers should not have any idea how large your business is strictly by visiting the website. Think of it this way, how does a consumer search for information? They generally describe the product they are looking for, so if you do a good job with organic search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing, your website could rank relatively high despite your business being small.

Gain 5 Tips To Maximize Your Online Sales!

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Another benefit to a strong website is that consumers can view your products without making a trip to the store. Statistics show that consumers research products online first, but that many ultimately visit a store to actually make the purchase. With people being so tight on time and fuel costs continually fluctuating, anything you can do to help ease the constraints of the consumers will be beneficial to your store. Think of it as a virtual storefront that allows your company to have visibility year-round and every hour of the day. E-commerce is also a way to capitalize on sales for a niche market. However, not everything you sell in your store should be put online. Look at your Web analytics and gain insight from where visitors are from. That can help determine what would be appropriate to sell online. For instance, if you gain a lot of local hits, then perhaps you can have special promotions on your website that encourage them to come into your store. If you have a lot of regional, national or international traction, then determine if it is for specialty products that you could use to expand your offerings. However, there might be some items that would be prohibited to ship internationally or just too costly due to freight charges.

If you have a niche market, the bottom line is you need to know your market and where the consumers are. Strengthening your Internet presence and e-commerce ability is a huge step to build attraction to your site and increase your sales. As you can see, this is a huge topic and there is not a remedy that will fit every retail situation out there. The positive news

is that a lot of e-commerce and website related activities are low to moderate costs. It is also an area that is continually evolving, meaning that you do not have to have everything in place before you launch. It can easily be done incrementally and strategically. When you look at the bottom line, it generally makes sense for retailers to expand these areas of operations. Realistically look at the fast pace of technology and consumer’s reliability of it. Then do a self-examination to see at what stage you are in implementing this technology into

your business. If you fall too far behind, it might be a deadly mistake for your business, especially if your target market embraces the newest technological advances as they come into the marketplace. The only question left to ask is: What are your online goals? Ultimately, your answer will lead you to your next steps.

Contributed by Luanne Mayorga, a fashion design and entrepreneur instructor specializing in bridal and eveningwear, international trade, electronic commerce, consumer behavior, and marketing. She is the owner of Kells Lasting Legacy and can be emailed at Luanne@Kellslastinglegacy.com.

Being online gives you international exposure. Anyone can end up on your site, so be sure to identify where you ship to and any restraints you may have.

Review your Web analytics routinely to support your customers. You can learn a lot by where they are clicking to your site from.

Make shopping easy and secure for customers. You want them to enjoy shopping online just as they would in a store, yet they need to trust their contact information is safe.

YOUR ONLINE STORE MAY BE SMALL BUT CAN APPEAR BIG

Online Sales Means Online Returns: Tips Here

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ost people think of the holidays as a special time of the year. Families get a chance to spend more time together, a few vacation days are usually on tap and some people are even lucky enough to look forward to a seasonal bonus. When you put it all together, the holidays are a great opportunity for many people to forget about the daily grind and focus on the finer things in life.

But hiding in the shadows of all that holiday joy is a dark and sinister character that can leave the uninformed with a wicked holiday hangover. Starting with Halloween in late October, moving into Thanksgiving in November and then stretching into Christmas and New Year’s, the holidays

can represent an overwhelming financial responsibility. And under the weight of slow economic growth and lingering levels of high unemployment, consumers are increasingly turning to their credit cards to foot the bill.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with using credit to buy goods and services, the real distinction comes down to how credit is being used. During the holidays, there is a very big difference between naughty and nice when it’s time to pull out that credit card and shop like a bull. So in order to help everyone stay on the right side of Credit Claus, here is a list of items to help distinguish between naughty and nice when playing with credit this holiday season.

WILL YOU BE NAUGHTY OR NICE TO YOUR CREDIT CARDS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

5 Tips To Boost Your Credit

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Michael Vodicka is the President and Founder of the Vodicka Group, Inc., a boutique investment consulting firm that specializes in working with individual investors, many of whom are small business owners. Vodicka is a regular contributor to Retail Minded, and provides financial insight on RetailMinded.com and in every issue of RM Magazine. Contact Vodicka at mike@vodickagroup.com.

Using credit over the holidays is a way for many people to better manage untimely expenses. It also enables consumers to avoid carrying gobs of cash and qualifies many participants for kickbacks or rebates on certain purchases. Just remember to be nice to your credit card and your credit score will do the same to you.

The holidays are usually filled with enticing incentives to open new credit cards in order to score special savings. But even though those short-term savings can seem like a nice boost, the reality is that opening up a bunch of new credit cards is bad for your credit. On a longer-term basis, that lower credit score could have a profound effect on your cost of borrowing for high-dollar purchases like a home or car. So don’t allow yourself to be lured in by short-term discounts that come at the expense of long-term expenses.

Credit utilization is one of the most important factors when calculating a credit score; it makes up 30% of your credit score, only slightly behind payment history, which makes up 35% of your score. This means your credit score has a strong incentive to see you avoid maxing your credit out and worrying about the implications later. And keep in mind that maxing cards out can easily lead to accidently breaching your credit limit, another ding to your credit score and an unnecessary fine.

Numerous studies have shown that shopping with a credit card frequently leads consumers to spend more money than they would have spent if they were using cash. That says a lot about the detachment most people feel from the reality of credit spending; that you actually have to pay. This underscores the importance of creating a budget and sticking with it. It can be as easy as figuring out exactly how much money you want to spend on each gift and then executing your plan as you stroll through the aisles of your favorite stores.

Just because you use your credit card to shop doesn’t mean you have to become a one-trick pony. Saving a few hundred bucks and then using that cash to buy your gifts is a great way to reinforce that when you buy things, you really do actually have to pay for them. Parting ways with hard-earned cash is a great way to enforce discipline in your spending habits.

Lingering debt not only weighs on your credit score, it also means you end up paying a premium for everything you purchased because of accrued interest. Taking a few months to pay down holiday purchases is fairly normal; just don’t let that debt linger on your credit card for too long because credit cards are a fairly expensive means of borrowing compared to the current ultra-low rates in the mortgage industry.

This is another one that falls under the category of staying disciplined. With all kinds of amazing deals hitting the floor over the holidays, it can be incredibly tempting to pick up a few “inexpensive” items for yourself. But those little purchases add up, so be careful not to be lured into becoming your own personal Santa Claus.

5 Tips To Boost Your Credit

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In your store and at home, pockets of disorganization can steal your time, sap your energy, cost you money and drive you nuts! We called on organization and productivity expert Lisa Zaslow, founder of Gotham Organizers in New York City, to combat the chaos. “Use your creative imagination to address your organization issues,” Zaslow advises. “Apply the same skills you use in selecting, merchandising and displaying products, and you’ll quickly dispel disorder.”

Here, Zaslow gets you started with simple solutions for your most common problem areas.

by Lisa Zaskow

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Contributed by Lisa Zaslow, Founder of Gotham Organizer. For more organizing tips from Zaslow, visit www.GothamOrganizers.com and connect at www.Facebook.com/GothamOrganizers and www.twitter.com/GothamOrganizer.

“SPOON” YOUR PAPER. Take a tip from your kitchen silverware drawer, where each utensil has its own compartment. Use boxes, trays and shelves to create dedicated homes for receipts, credit card slips, register tape, shopping bags, tissue, ribbon, etc. This works great for both your desk and cash wrap area.

OUT OF SIGHT – NOT OUT OF MIND! Your backroom inventory is the lifeblood of your business, and disorganization here can cost you money. Organize your inventory so you can easily see what you have on hand and drive decisions about what to put on display, what you need to re-order, and what isn’t moving and should be marked down.

BE A TEAM PLAYER. Use bulletin boards to display community information, store news and product updates. Display notices so they are easy to read, leaving breathing space between them. Another tip? Don’t tack pages on top of each other. Use pockets to hold cards and fliers with more information that people can take to read later. And remember, this isn’t the place to put your entire employee manual or other store personnel updates.

THE LAVATORY IS NOT FOR INVENTORY. Resist the urge to store boxes or anything else in the bathroom. Keep the space pristine by assigning someone the task of inspecting the restroom every day to ensure that it’s neat and stocked with soap, toilet paper and towels. Your goal should be to create a restroom that is calming, clean and clutter-free for your customers.

MIND YOUR PILES. Whether it’s the console by the front door or the top of your dresser, everyone has places where clutter piles up. Analyze your clutter and contain it appropriately. Small boxes and bowls will corral keys and other items; a magazine file or letter tray is great for neatly stashing papers until you have time to address them.

MERCHANDISE YOUR CLOSETS.Treat the insides of your closets like your store’s selling floor. Make closets pretty and functional by getting matching hangers, grouping similar things together, and using attractive hooks and boxes to contain items. You’ll be surprised at how much more you’ll enjoy your space and feel organized.

INVEST IN A WORK SPACE THAT WORKS. This doesn’t necessarily mean spending money. It simply means taking the time to make your home office practical. It’s likely you will be doing essential household management from this space, such as paying bills, and may even bring home work to do here, as well. Make it functional and make it beautiful – whatever beautiful may mean to you.

AVOID MAKING THE GARAGE A DUMPING GROUND. The garage is made to store your car, not your junk. The garage can be a rough environment, so make sure anything that’s stored here is in containers that are waterproof, weatherproof, and critter-proof. This is the place for rugged sports equipment, not precious family photos.

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It’s not often that we meet a married couple running their own store. And when we do, we always wonder just how that works. [Lisa] Working and living together does present an interesting challenge, but one we find well worth the effort. Above all, we maintain respect for each other’s talents and perspectives, even when they differ. We agreed up-front to split responsibilities where it made the most sense, then we let the other person do their part. [Tracy] Letting go of control makes decisions clearer and reduces stress and worry. If there’s a serious difference of

opinion, the most passionate argument usually wins the case; however, we’re pretty darn compatible, so we really don’t have many conflicts.

Sounds like you have a great rhythm to managing

the business and your relationship. That’s fantastic – though not always the case with other working duos. Why do you think working together has been successful for you? [Tracy] We like spending time together and we both enjoy working. That helps a lot! We truly love all aspects of No Roses, admire each other’s part in it and learn much from one another every day. [Lisa] Also, we’re both able to step into each other’s shoes from time to time. It’s a daily dose of empathy for each other’s “sweet spots.”

We like that! That said, is there ever a time that you just want to have your own space or own job, without each other involved? [Lisa] I prefer being near Tracy, but if I’m working at my bench or designing an advertising banner, I concentrate better by myself. I then float it by him later for feedback.[Tracy] There are times for every artist or designer or small business owner when a bit of solitude is needed. We manage that in our individual workshops. My woodworking space is separate from Lisa’s jewelry studio. Good thing on a practical level as well... flying sawdust doesn’t mix well with pools of molten silver or gold!

Great point! Sometimes logistics really do influence environments. So tell us... What are your tips on how to keep your relationship thriving beyond

Meet Tracy Hall and Lisa Sirlin Hall, married co-owners of No Roses Gallery in Sherman Oaks, California. Together for five years and married for two, this married duo has found the dance for success when it comes to working and living together full time.

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store walls? 24 hours a day can be daunting for some married couples. [Tracy] Everyone says to “leave the office at the office.” That’s a great idea, but if you can’t or aren’t so inclined - like us - try to make the most of your off-time. Focus on you as a couple FIRST and foremost and the business will do just fine.[Lisa] I always tell Tracy that if it came to a choice between him and No Roses Gallery, I’d shut the doors and follow him anywhere. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem likely to happen, but my number one priority is us - as a couple and as individuals.

That’s fantastic. You guys are definitely role models

for other working duos. Any last bit of advice to share?[Lisa] First person to throw a punch wins. I’m kidding! Actually, humor is the best manager of our minor disagreements. We recommend more listening than talking and to remember that (ego aside) the health of the business is the real beneficiary of your tag-team decisions. [Tracy] An occasional dance around the floor doesn’t hurt either.[Lisa] So true.

Sounds like you have your dance figured out. Thanks Lisa and Tracy!

RETAIL MINDED | OCT / NOV / DEC 201244

Do the words “holiday dinner” have you reaching for a Xanax and a strong cocktail? Does the idea of holiday shopping evoke images of a cattle herd and an empty wallet? Is everything tighter – time, your pants, deadlines, cash flow?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above, you are not alone. The holiday season is supposed to be about family, gratitude and selfless giving, but the modern day spin has made it a time of complete insanity.

When there seems to be less time and a higher level of stress, people neglect their own body’s needs, emotionally, spiritually and physically. The holidays can trigger a person dealing with anything emotional. But the key is recognizing that we attract what we expect out of a situation.

Close your eyes, take a deep breath and we’ll help you find your own holiday miracle.

If you believe the holidays will be a nightmare, they will be. It has been shown that negative thoughts are more weighted than positive ones, so it’s extremely important to shift your perspective. Here are some tips to bolster your emotional muscles.

1. SET AN INTENTION. In your ideal world, what does your holiday season look like? Is it full of laughter, good food, and wonderful people? Write it out like you already have it and you’ll find you can attract it. “This years’ holiday season is amazing. The cooking went smoothly, I bought all of my gifts early and for great prices, everyone got along perfectly, etc.”

2. RELEASE RESENTMENT. Sometimes the holidays force uncomfortable social interaction, but harboring old anger is an excuse for the body to get sick. Ask yourself what this individual has taught you. Maybe it is to be a stronger

person, or maybe it is to have clearer boundaries. Find something positive and thank them in your heart and release the need to hold onto the lesson. Maybe write something like, “I thank Janie for teaching me to speak my truth. I now claim all lessons learned and I release this situation. Only good comes to me now.” Now take a deep breath, check in with your body and see how much lighter you feel.

3. EXPRESS GRATITUDE. Studies have shown that people who regularly acknowledge what they have in their life find it easier to attract more good into their life. What are you grateful for this holiday season? You can start by being grateful for life.

4. DO FLOWER REMEDIES. Flower remedies are homeopathies that can help to balance emotional stressors in a natural manner. They can be a wonderful tool for managing stress. There are many companies that offer them (a more famous one is Bach). Some health food stores carry them or you can purchase them online.

by Nicole Glassman

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Proper nutrition can help to balance blood sugar, lower cortisol and keep the immune system working properly. When we are in a rush, we grab foods that tend to be full of sugar, salt or processed ingredients. Eating at a hurried pace can cause you to eat more and digest less and the food choices that are available during the holidays can lower your immune system and further increase your cravings. When you eat an excess of sugar, you actually deprive the cells of oxygen, which is needed to prevent disease and for optimal metabolic function. Here are seven ways to make good choices:

1. SKIP JUICE AND SODA. This one is a no-brainer. Soda is full of chemicals, and in most cases, sugar and loads of calories. Some studies have even shown that it can affect bone health. Most people who drink it either feel they need the caffeine or a blood sugar boost, but both issues can be dealt with in a healthier manner. Opt for seltzer water with just a splash of cranberry if you need some extra flavor and make sure you drink at least 8 8-oz glasses of water per day. Oftentimes fatigue can be a result of dehydration.

2. HAVE PROTEIN WITH EACH MEAL. This really is key. Eat more balanced meals during the day and you will arrive at holiday parties satisfied and more in control. Protein helps to keep sugar levels balanced so you can think clearly, sleep better and crave less. Opt for organic eggs, beans, fish, turkey, chicken, sprouts, seeds and nuts. Keep protein portable for 12 hours when possible, using an insulated bag. Throw in two hard-boiled eggs or a few ounces of protein and organic mozzarella or nuts.

3. PACK SNACKS. If you are on the go, keep a small bag of raw almonds on hand or blend a smoothie the night before with a good quality protein powder mixed with almond milk and berries and keep it with you. A fun tip? You can also create your own healthy, low sugar protein bar at www.youbars.com.

4. EAT BEFORE YOU GO TO A HOLIDAY PARTY. Never arrive hungry. Have a small meal or a good quality snack before you go and you won’t be tempted to go crazy.

5. LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. Alcohol can reduce your serotonin, cause depression and increase sugar cravings and calorie consumption. Do not drink on

an empty stomach and avoid the mixed drinks and beer whenever possible. A dry red or white wine tends to be the best choice... and although tempting to drink a lot during the holidays, try to limit yourself to no more than two glasses.

6. TAKE SEA SALT BATHS WITH LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL. This can provide the body with essential anti-stress minerals and help to lower cortisol, which is an adrenal stress hormone.

7. DO YOGA AND EXERCISE. Even 20 minutes of yoga or cardio can make a huge difference in lowering your stress levels and increasing your immune system. Tell yourself you only have to exercise for 15-20 minutes and you’ll be surprised at how long you can last.

The holidays are a time to gives thanks for the abundance in your life. It is about believing in miracles, having faith and being present and grateful. Oftentimes we tend to focus on what isn’t there rather than what is.

Appreciate your health and the people that support you year-round, and remember to breathe in some of that holiday magic.

Contributed by Nicole Glassman, Founder and owner of Mindful Health, a holistic health company dedicated to providing natural remedies for the mind, body and soul. Follow Mindful Health at Facebook.com/Mindful-Health and @MindfulHealth on Twitter.

by Nicole Glassman

RETAIL MINDED | OCT / NOV / DEC 201246

LIFESTYLE

Get Affordable & Green Gift Wrapping Tips Here!

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Gift your customers with beautifully wrapped presents for each gift

purchase they make this holiday season with tips and tricks from

gift wrapping artist Diana Jean Lemos, who came in first runner-

up in the 2011 Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest.

Use just enough paper needed. To know how long your gift wrapping paper should be, wrap the paper around the box and add some extra paper for folding the edge (see No. 2 below). To know how wide your paper should be, allow enough paper to cover just past the edge of the box (if the box is rectangular) and enough paper to cover almost the entire height of the box (if the box is cube).

Make sure there are no exposed edges of cut paper. Fold the edge of the cut paper to give it a clean look. If you don’t have enough paper and folding the edge of the cut paper will make your paper even smaller for your present, that’s okay. You can always hide this exposed edge by tying a ribbon over the exposed edge around your present and adding a bow or ornament for a nice finish. The key is not to expose those edges.

Visual Merchandising Expert Amy Meadows of Windows Matter shares her two cents. “Stuck in a rut? Check out Pinterest for instructions, ideas, tutorials and more. Traditional holiday wrap? Skip it and provide a more unique seasonal accent with special gift tags, bows and other embellishments on non-patterned paper.”

Give your gift wrapping a clean look. Use double-sided tape and make sure you have tight corners. Run your fingers around the wrapped box to give it a nice, crisp edge.

Re-use gift wrapping papers. If an old gift wrapping paper is crumpled or folded, crumple or fold it even more. Doing so will give the paper texture, which can add to your design.

If the present is not in a box, make your own shape. Wrap it like a candy, a wine bottle, an envelope pouch, etc. If your gift wrapping paper is not cooperating with you, you can always use cellophane.

Lemos also recommends making your gift wrapping about the recipient. Imagine your audience – the receiver of the gift – and their impression of the gift when they first see it. Are they wowed? They should be! This excitement will be sure to create a buzz about where it’s from, which ultimately leads the discussion to your store. Now that’s worth taking the time to wrap like a pro!

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Retail Minded and MOO have come together to create a dynamic retail inspired collection of business cards, loyalty cards, gift cards, sale stickers and much, much more! MOO may be an online business, but they are all about getting things into people’s hands that make people look twice... which is exactly what you want for your business! Get luxury, stylish designs from MOO to help your business stand out - or upload your own images, logo, designs and more! Discover for yourself all that MOO has to offer your small business needs!

Business cards are perfect in size to use as loyalty cards! Simply create your store’s per-sonalized “reward” for customer loyalty and this savvy design will do the rest.

Want to order a mixed assortment of business cards with a mixed assortment of images on them? MOO lets you do just this, allowing you to truly personalize your business.

Gift cards and sale announcements have nev-er been so easy to make. Insert your details, and you are ready to go.

Don’t let your vendors get all the attention. Have your own store hangtags, allowing your product to really stand out as “yours”.

Plus, get 20% for being “retail minded” when you visit moo.com/retailminded

SUBSCRIBE, SHOP & LEARN AT RETAILMINDED.COM 49

2013 is around the corner!Join us in 2013 as we bring you more news, more

education & more support... the indie way!

Meet our 2013 Advisory Board!

The indie’s “yellow” pages!The Retail Minded Resource Guide debuts in January 2013!Find Great Management & Operational Resources For Your Store!

Independent Retailer ConferenceMay 20, 2013More details at RetailMinded.com!Join us in NYC!

RETAIL MINDED | OCT / NOV / DEC 201250

STAY OPEN LONGERCome in an hour early or stay an hour late. Especially during the holidays, customers appreciate these extra hours to shop. Big boxes are doing it, so indies should, too. Plus, it should help your sales!

SERVE BEVERAGESCustomers who are offered a beverage tend stay as long as they have a beverage. Hot cider and wine both do the trick quickly and easily. It’s festive, it’s fun and it’s not that expensive to do on occasion.

HOST A POP-UP SHOPPartner with a local artist and give them some store space to sell their unique products. They should invite their customers, introducing a new crowd to your store – and increasing your bottom line.

HIRE EXTRA HELPHave enough people on the floor so those who need gift suggestions, wrapping or other services are always tended to. Avoid creating an environment where customers feel like they aren’t being helped.

HAVE ITEMS THAT ARE ALREADY GIFT WRAPPED Identify your best selling items and have them wrapped and ready. Soaps, candies and lotions make great gifts that customers don’t have to give a lot of thought to.

MAKE VIPS FEEL IMPORTANT Make your most important customers feel awesome. Set aside a few hours just for them – creating a brag-worthy VIP shopping experience. As best you can, spoil them. They will love this extra TLC and in return, shop!

OFFER FREE GIFT WRAPPINGSeems obvious, but many retailers still don’t do this – or do it well. A beautifully wrapped gift will make customers think of you first when they need gifts in rush. This may just mean a bag with a beautiful bow.

PACK YOUR CASH WRAP WITH QUICK, EASY STOCKING STUFFERSOffer a great selection of $10 and under gifts at your register and watch them fly out. Have variety in these impulse buys that cater to novelty, necessities, fashion or just because. They’ll add up fast... and so will your sales!

PLAY HOLIDAY MUSIC THAT ROCKS Nothing makes customers get in the mood like holiday music. Rather than play what every big box store and radio station is, find some unique holiday tunes that will be memorable and enjoyable for your customers. Another thought? Sell a CD of the music you are playing.

SPREAD SOME HOLIDAY CHEER How you act in your store trickles over into how your customers act and experience your store. Feel the love and excitement of the holidays so your customers will too... even if you are tired, burnt out and beat!

Planning a holiday party for your store doesn’t have to be hard. Mackenzi Farquer, owner of store SITE in Astoria, New York, shares her tips for throwing brag-worthy parties that keep customers happy, entertained and most importantly, shopping.

Wishing you a happy & prosperous holiday season from Retail Minded!

The simplest way to makesmarter business decisions.

BAGGU® Bags (www.baggubag.com) sells high quality yet simple bags, pouches and laptop cases online. They recently opened a Summer Store at 242 Wythe, No. 4, in Williamsburg.

When the Summer Store began getting lots of foot traffic, BAGGU knew they needed a POS system that provides robust reporting like the ShopKeep POS ClearInsight™ Reports. BAGGU had outgrown the simple credit card swiper they had been using.

According to Joe, the store manager:According to Joe, the store manager:

“We were using a credit card swiper on an iPhone. Now that we have solid retail foot traffic and need to really analyze our business, we needed something much more robust and we switched to ShopKeep POS. We now have amazing insight about our retail store traffic and sales.”

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Easy to use iPad Point of SaleTake cash or cards

Print and email receipts

Manage your inventory

ClearInsight™ Reports that put you in controlof your business

Real-time sales reports from anywhere, even on Real-time sales reports from anywhere, even on your smartphone

Cloud-based reliability so you never lose your data

Knowledgeable support; always prompt, always free

Try it FREE for 2 months, only when you sign up at

or call our friendly team at 800-820-9814 and mention this ad

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$49/mofor 1 register