Share Your Display Ideas

Instead of an article this week, I'd like to get your input.

I want to create a space where Retail Tips readers can share ideas, challenges and success stories. It will also be a space where you can get some feedback on your store projects.

I'm working on how I can implement this on my website. It will take some time to get it set up. In the meantime, you can help shape what this space will look like.

How can you help?
 

There are two ways you can get involved:

1) Let me know what you think

2) Post your photos on my Facebook wall

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1) Let me know what you think

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Tell me if you like the idea of having a space to share about your store, post photos of displays and get feedback and suggestions.

If you don't like it, what would be better?

What would you like to have in an online community of retailers?

What kind of merchandising and display help do you need?

How do you send me your thoughts?

1) Send me an email at: mmcintosh@inspire.ca

2) Comment on this blog post below.

3) Post your thoughts on my Facebook Wall here:

http://on.fb.me/inspire-fa​cebookpage

(You have to 'Like' the page to post comments)

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2) Post your display photos on my Facebook wall

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Post photos of your store displays or product presentation

on the Inspire Retail Solutions wall. 

 I'll comment on each photo with:

1) One thing I love about your display

2) One suggestion to help your display be even more effective 

 
How will you benefit?

You get:

• to share your store with others
• to see ideas from other retailers
• feedback on your displays and merchandising
•  AND a chance to win a free copy of the ebook the Pinwheel Principle: How to Increase Sales Without Slashing Prices (http://www.inspire.ca/products.htm)

All submissions will be entered into a random draw. The winner will receive access to download the Pinwheel Principle ebook. 

Deadline to submit your photo for the draw: July 31, 2011 

NOTE: Photo must be of a store you own, manage or are employed at. You must have permission to share the photo. 

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How do you post pictures? 

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1) Like the page

First, you have to 'Like' the Melanie McIntosh - Inspire Retail Solutions page. That means click the 'Like' button at the top of the page.

But, what if I don't want to 'Like' the page?

That's OK. You can just email the photo to photo@inspire.ca. Send a description, your name and your store name with the photo. I'll post in on my Facebook page for you. ;)

2) Click the photo button at the top of the wall

http://on.fb.me/inspire-facebookpage

The Wall will look something like this: 

 

See where it says 'Photo'? Click on that link on the Facebook page.

Upload your photo. Use the text box to type in a description about the photo.

3) Click the 'Share button

You're done! I look forward to seeing your displays!

Here's the link again to share your pics:

http://on.fb.me/inspire-fa​cebookpage

(And yes - I'm still working on that article about how to merchandise to help your customers dream! It'll be posted next week.)


Recommended Product: Why Customers Aren't Buying (And How To Fix It): The Pinwheel Principle

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(Fill in your details in the subscribe form)  Don’t forget: Share the article via twitter, facebook, email, blog or your newsletter

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How to Help Shoppers' Dreams Come True

At first, no one paid much attention.
The sisters ogling the netbook computers were seven and ten years old. No one thought of two little girls as customers.

Even though they had been coming to the store for four years with their dad. And every time they visited, they stopped to look at the tiny laptops displayed near the door.

Every visit, they dreamed about having their own computer.
The laptops were so small.
Just the right size for a kid.
But the laptops were just something the girls talked about.
And dreamed about.
For years.

But, this time the girls' visit to the store was different
They'd learned to understand the prices. They could read the signs.
They realized if they put their money together, they could almost afford to buy themselves a laptop.

The girls found a sales clerk to help them. He asked them their price range, and recommended a laptop to suit them. He told them to come back on Boxing Day to get the best deal.

The girls were ecstatic
They went home and scrutinized their bank statements.
They saved their birthday money.
They emptied out their piggy banks, and counted out their coins.
They asked for a ride to the bank to withdraw money.

Finally, the big day arrived
Boxing Day.
The two sisters got their dad to take them back to the store.
They found their sales clerk.
And their laptop.
They paid for it.
And took home their very own computer.

How do you think they felt at that moment?
And where do you think they'll shop when they buy their next computer?

You might have shoppers, like these two little girls
Shoppers that love the your products, but don't have the money to buy them. Yet. Shoppers who aspire to a lifestyle that at first they can't afford.

The girls were aspirational shoppers
Aspirational shoppers could be anyone.
They could be young.
They could be starting out in their careers.
They may have young families.
They may be changing jobs.

They are shoppers who browse, but don't buy.
They come back, time & again.
Maybe for years.

Until they save up the money for something special.
Or earn a little more.

Then they return to the store where they were treated well.
Where they browsed, and dreamed.
Where they imagined themselves with a new lifestyle.

What are you doing to court aspirational customers?
Are you frustrated because they're 'just browsing'?
Or are you helping them dream?


Recommended Product: Why Customers Aren't Buying (And How To Fix It): The Pinwheel Principle

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Next Step: Subscribe to the Retail Tips email newsletter 
(Fill in your details in the subscribe form) 
Don’t forget: Share the article via twitter, facebook, email, blog or your newsletter

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