| Create events with ‘lifetime value’ |
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| Written by Kathleen Samuelson | |
| Wednesday, 07 October 2015 10:58 AM America/New_York | |
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How signings and more can help your store reach long-term goals
What if you threw a party and no one came? The very thought of nobody showing up for a specially planned event or appearance can make any retailer cringe. |
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Vacation Bible School has been a staple in children’s ministry for more than a century. Launched in 1894 in Hopedale, Illinois, what is now known as “VBS” has brought many children to Christ and ministered to their families—and it all started because a teacher wanted more time with his students.
People used to run to their doctor, pharmacy or fad-diet guru to help them heal their bodies and lose weight. But in this age of on-demand, up-to-the-minute health research and an all-out hunt to expose “the man” behind the “Big Food” and “Big Pharm” curtain, many no longer believe that the state of their health lies in the hands of “trusted” authorities. Instead, they are becoming their own health advocates.
Christian retailers specializing in church sales find that their business is very different than a normal retail operation. The clients’ purchase triggers, needs and service requirements are unique—so too are the actual purchasers. Millennials, Gen Xers and boomers alike are making purchases, but their shopping styles are different.
Experience is often touted as the best teacher. But even experienced trade show attendees can benefit from strategic planning in order to get the most value from going to a show.
With 2016 right around the corner, consumers are looking to purchase new journals and calendars for the coming year. Christian retailers know the value of being prepared for this important season, so here is a quick guide to help you make sure your store is appropriately stocked with the right products and right styles at just the right time.
A promise, by definition, is a reason to expect something. Promise is such an interesting word to pair with gifts, as generally gifts are most fun to receive when they are unexpected. However, it is completely fair to expect gifts to be an important part of your daily cash-register totals when stocking wisely for your guests. It is our job as wholesalers and retailers to have just the right gift ready for purchase at just the right time, for that heartwarming moment that fulfills both giver and receiver.
Messages burning inside our hearts have a way of getting out. We share our passions in the oversaturated world of opinions known as Facebook, then hear the arguments, the overanalysis, the insults. Hiding behind computer screens from distant IP addresses, social media users share their opinions, but, perhaps, don’t really connect.
Fair trade started in the 1940s when a small group of North American and European organizations reached out to poor communities and artisans to help them sell their handcrafted products to more developed markets. Today, it has evolved into a global effort and has touched poverty-stricken countries all over the world that have produced everything from cocoa, coffee, tea and spices to leather products, scarves and jewelry. Fair Trade is about respecting an individual’s right to work in a safe environment and receive a fair wage for a good day’s work.
Middle-grade readers are an under-reached market for many Christian retail stores. When truly engaged, these 8- to 12-year-old students—particularly girls—can consume entire series of books in a short amount of time.
Foot traffic has steadily declined for the last few years at brick-and-mortar retail stores of all shapes and sizes. During the 2014 holiday shopping season, traffic dropped more than 8 percent, according to RetailNext, a decline that continued the trend downward each year since 2010. But the good news is consumer spending is now on the rise, and some physical retailers are reporting stronger sales than ever. The key to getting new customers to find your store may lie in your willingness to create your own “retail reinvention.”
As the economy slowly recovers, the number of independent bookstores are on the rise. The American Booksellers Association (ABA) membership grew from 1,664-member companies last spring to 1,712 this year, ABA recently reported to The Associated Press. This continues the slow-but-steady increase each year since 2009, as booksellers aim to grow sales by combining innovative store ideas with good, old-fashioned service.
Creating a successful children’s department takes more than just placing some books on a shelf and praying customers show up. Success takes thoughtful planning, dedication and a dash of creativity.
