Consumers Are Afraid of Tariffs, Yet They Keep Buying

Consumers Are Afraid of Tariffs, Yet They Keep Buying

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On July 16, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Consumers are confused about the economy and the impact tariffs will have on their wallets. The deadline for imposing tariffs is approaching rapidly, and consumers are feeling anxious. Many shoppers report that they are scaling back on their spending.
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Launch a Plan Now to Rake Up Hefty Fall Sales

Launch a Plan Now to Rake Up Hefty Fall Sales

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On July 2, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Fall is a busy season for hardware stores. Store owners should develop a comprehensive strategy that considers inventory, visual merchandising, promotions, events, and the overall customer experience. It's essential to get the plans and execution right.
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Reap the Benefits of Selling Gift Cards to Diverse Customers

Reap the Benefits of Selling Gift Cards to Diverse Customers

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On June 16, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Gift Cards are becoming more innovative while focusing on maximizing the customer experience. These popular giftable items are simple to give and redeem. Many successful independent retailers promote physical and digital cards to help their businesses stay competitive and attract new customers.
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Survey Results: Small Business Owners Want Washington to Rethink Policies to Spur Growth

Survey Results: Small Business Owners Want Washington to Rethink Policies to Spur Growth

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On May 27, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Small business owners have definite opinions on what the government can do to help them overcome barriers that deter their ability to compete and grow. Goldman Sachs, in a new national survey, 10,000 Small Business Voices, identifies critical challenges small business owners face in 2025 and beyond.
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Overcome the Barriers that Derail Small Businesses

Overcome the Barriers that Derail Small Businesses

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On May 16, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Small- to medium-sized stores can struggle for a variety of reasons. Some problems are due to organizational operational issues, while others are directly tied to the economy. It’s understandable when owners become overwhelmed by day-to-day responsibilities and lose sight of long-term goals. However, owners must prioritize activities that increase cash flow and stimulate business growth.
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Treating Our Customers Like Family

Treating Our Customers Like Family

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On May 15, 2025
Midwest Fasteners is a family-owned business started by Grandpa (Fred) DeVries. Always a good businessman, he did his homework and learned everything he could about the industry. He understood the types of fasteners retailers needed to stock to keep their customers coming back. Grandpa Fred’s hard work paid off. Fifty-eight years later, Midwest Fasteners operates based on Grandpa Fred’s principles and vision.
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Sell Plumbing Goods and Services the “Smart” Way

Sell Plumbing Goods and Services the “Smart” Way

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On May 1, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
The plumbing industry is undergoing a transformation that utilizes technology to maximize efficiency and conserve resources. While DIY homeowners rely on the plumbing industry to help maintain their homes, plumbing professionals also handle more complex issues like water treatment systems, landscape sprinkler systems, fire sprinkler systems, and waste management systems.
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Helpful Tips to Connect with Consumers on Social Media

Helpful Tips to Connect with Consumers on Social Media

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On May 1, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Social media has a tremendous influence on consumers’ buying habits and where they choose to shop. Although many independent retailers recognize the need to have a social media presence for their business, developing an effective strategy is often a work in progress. Yet small-to-medium-sized businesses that make a concerted effort can use social media platforms and current technology to build a robust online presence and become skilled in digital marketing.
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Making Things Right After Customer Service Goes Wrong

Making Things Right After Customer Service Goes Wrong

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On May 1, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
At some point, every retail establishment will encounter an unhappy customer who may or may not have a valid complaint about a product, service, or salesperson. Rather than avoid the problem, acting quickly to assess the situation and address the customer's concerns is critical. When handled correctly, what is initially a problem can become an opportunity for the retailer to elevate the person’s perception of the business and ultimately build an even better relationship.
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Impulse Buying Taps into the Emotional Needs of Consumers

Impulse Buying Taps into the Emotional Needs of Consumers

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On May 1, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Impulse purchases are quick-turn items that typically have a higher profit margin than items sold in core departments. Placing impulse items at checkout or on a dedicated endcap increases their visibility and the likelihood that customers will make a quick purchase before heading home.
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