Spotlight on Business

Happy,Old,Santa,Claus,Wearing,Costume,Holding,Gift,Box,Using

Wrap Up Sales by Delivering a Memorable Customer Experience

September 29, 2024

Competition from big-box retailers can be aggressive during the holidays. While it's essential to have a solid overview of the competitive landscape, success for Independents depends on identifying what your business does better than competitors and leveraging those strengths with consumers. Whether your brand is Walmart or Ace, consumers have certain expectations upon entering the store.

Close,Up,Of,Businesswoman,Working,With,Smart,Phone,And,Laptop

Social Media Strategy: Identify the Goals You Want to Achieve

September 19, 2024

Social media has a tremendous influence on consumers’ buying habits and where they choose to shop. Although many independent retailers recognize the need for a social media presence for their business, developing an effective strategy is often a process.

Young,Sad,Unhappy,Disappointed,Employee,Business,Woman,Corporate,Lawyer,Wear

Engagement Declines as Younger Employees Seek Fulfilling Jobs with Purpose

September 5, 2024

Younger employees are at a crossroads. Many feel that their companies are not fully invested in meeting their essential needs, so their level of engagement has declined significantly. Data collected by Gallup indicates that the level of engagement among all employees stagnated at the end of 2023 after reaching a high point in 2020.

Group,Of,Diverse,Professionals,Celebrating,With,A,Handshake,At,A

Six Easy Ways to Sharpen Your Networking Skills

July 29, 2024

Independent retailers often seek out new people and reconnect with old acquaintances when attending markets and conventions. Since store owners have a few days to get everything done, they must manage time wisely and only speak with select groups of people. These individuals can offer the expertise

Start Planning Early for a Profitable Holiday Season

July 11, 2024

Preparing for a profitable 4th quarter and holiday season requires careful planning and adequately managing inventory levels. Independent retailers must look at their businesses holistically and determine the best approach to generating in-store and online sales.

Customer,Experience,Concept.,Client,Woman,With,Question,Mark,Icon,On

Listen Up! The Power and Benefits of Customer Feedback

June 27, 2024

What customers say about your business determines its long-term success. Whether the feedback is given to you directly, on social media, or by word-of-mouth, consumers are influenced by other people’s opinions. There’s no shortage of feedback on products and services—some good, some bad. Customer feedback is an opportunity to improve when needed or commend your team for a job well done.

E-commerce,Concept.,African-american,Couple,Using,Laptop,And,Credit,Card,,Buying

3 Reasons Digital Marketing is Good for Business

June 14, 2024

One mistake many small and medium-sized businesses repeat year after year is failing to make digital marketing a high priority. It is a missed opportunity that can be costly in the long run. The average person spends three hours a day on the internet searching for information, shopping, and communicating with other people

Aged,Woman,Chooses,Bulbs,In,Hardware,Store

Women Shoppers Say Men Are Treated Better in Hardware Stores

June 14, 2024

Women are no strangers to shopping in hardware stores, yet a recent survey indicates they don’t necessarily enjoy the experience. In the past, home improvement operations were male domains. However, women now play an instrumental role in completing DIY projects and hiring contractors

Multiracial,Diverse,Coworkers,Using,Tablet,Device,On,Creative,Office,-

Gaining the Loyalty of Gen Z Shoppers

June 14, 2024

Gen Z consumers are socially conscious and are key in shaping the nation’s perspectives on sustainability, mental health, and racial equity. Representing 20 percent of the U.S. population, children and young adults born between 1997 and 2012 command $360 billion in buying power.

Wow,Unbelievable!,Success,Win,Winner,Victory,Facial,Expressing,Hipster,Concept.

Capture Shopper’s Attention to Heat-up Summer Sells

June 10, 2024

Summer is the peak season for vacations, rest, and relaxation. Sales tend to dip when fewer people are working on projects and shopping at hardware stores. So, how can store owners keep the sales momentum going between Spring and Fall? Start by getting creative and holding promotions that won’t break the bank.