Prepare Your Team to Pivot in Unpredictable Times

Prepare Your Team to Pivot in Unpredictable Times

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On March 9, 2026
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
With so many changes happening on the economic front, it’s only natural to ask, what’s next? While you have no control over tariffs, global instability, and how customers spend their money, you can prepare your company for a worst-case scenario. Owning an independent business is a high-stakes game that requires many players to participate and achieve specific goals.
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Applying the 1% Rule: Small Improvements  Can Drive Big Results for the Long Haul

Applying the 1% Rule: Small Improvements Can Drive Big Results for the Long Haul

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On February 23, 2026
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Hardware store owners know that growth sometimes happens at a turtle’s pace rather than at the speed of a rabbit. Dealing with tight margins, rising prices, and temperamental customers requires a common-sense strategy that can boost profitability and position businesses for sustainable growth. By its nature, the 1% rule seems simple to apply
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Leverage Point-of-Sale Data to Deliver Personalized Service

Leverage Point-of-Sale Data to Deliver Personalized Service

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On February 10, 2026
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Independent Retailers often have underutilized resources at their disposal that can help their businesses operate more efficiently. One of the most untapped resources is the store’s point-of-sale system (POS). It is a powerful tool that collects valuable information about each customer’s buying habits and can help personalize the shopping experience
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Keep an eye on Birdwatchers to Discover a Growing Niche Opportunity

Keep an eye on Birdwatchers to Discover a Growing Niche Opportunity

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On January 26, 2026
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Creating a niche that caters to birdwatchers can be a profitable opportunity that attracts a diverse and growing group of customers. Understanding the needs and values of birders will enable you to offer relevant products and create experiences that attract young people, families, and the community.
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Simple Ways to Start the New Year on the Right Track

Simple Ways to Start the New Year on the Right Track

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On December 30, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
People often make resolutions they seldom keep. When life gets busy, everything they hoped to accomplish is soon forgotten. However, businesses rely on a more concrete approach to solve problems and effect change. Forward-thinking store owners understand the importance of developing a game plan for the team to follow.
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Doing Something Special Makes Customers Feel Appreciated

Doing Something Special Makes Customers Feel Appreciated

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On December 15, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Customers like to know that the stores they support appreciate their business. While the holidays are swiftly approaching, the New Year is also an ideal opportunity to celebrate the special relationship you have built with customers.
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Motivating Your Staff Grows the Store’s List of Happy Customers

Motivating Your Staff Grows the Store’s List of Happy Customers

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On November 20, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
So, what does it take to make customers consistently happy with your service? Nordstroms and Apple have figured out how to deliver white-glove experiences by meeting the needs of people, rather than simply selling products. The companies also understand that caring about people extends to their employees, who are the key to building a loyal customer base and achieving long-term success.
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Get Customers Excited About Shopping on Small Business Saturday

Get Customers Excited About Shopping on Small Business Saturday

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On October 29, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Time to get ready! This year, holiday shoppers will make a renewed effort to "shop small" and support local businesses. Small Business Saturday will be held on November 29, the day after Black Friday. It’s an opportunity for your independent business to attract new customers and benefit from the special promotions developed to support this popular shopping day.
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Practical Ways to Connect with Shoppers and Generate Holiday Sales

Practical Ways to Connect with Shoppers and Generate Holiday Sales

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On October 16, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Store owners typically have such busy schedules that promoting the business and planning events get put on the back burner. However, it's essential to take the time to come up with ideas to keep shoppers engaged with your store, especially during the holidays. Consumers have many options for where to shop for similar products, so it’s critical to stand out from competitors. Generating robust sales in November and December
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Training Employees to Defend Against Cyber Threats

Training Employees to Defend Against Cyber Threats

  • Posted by Wanda Lenoir
  • On September 29, 2025
  • Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir
Teaching employees to recognize cyber threats and holding each person accountable for following the proper procedures will improve data security. Businesses operate in a digital world, and owners must be aware of the roadblocks that could become barriers to their success.
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