Was it just me, or did every independent stationer in America see this one coming?
Those of you who have been quietly asking me “What’s the deal with Swoozies?” the past week have been getting lukewarm responses and a little tap dancing, given a tidbit of confidential news I’ve been keeping under my hat. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, well…. It’s true. The Blue Tulip acquisition turned out to be the nail in the Swoozies coffin, pulling the already shaky chain under water. [click here to continue…]
From a recent Accenture Consumer survey:
“Do you consciously pay more for a luxury item
at a brand store than a discount store?”
Yes – 59%
No – 41%
Granted, it’s close, and they’re talking about brand stores (ex: Coach), but…the key word here is “consciously.” Consumers seeking luxury goods are willing to bypass discount outlets in favor of quality, even though they know it will cost a bit more. For upscale retailers, that’s good news, regardless of whether they’re a national brand or an independent, locally owned boutique.
Bottom line? If you have the goods, and can back it up with top notch service and an equally matched environment, your customers are willing to skip T.J. Maxx and head your way. Just need to be sure (a) they know you’re there, and (b) you’re worth the trip.
Source: Accenture Consumer Luxury survey of adults 18 or older who purchased luxury items during the 2009 holiday season
Disclaimer: I’m an Apple junkie. Have been since my first computer (a beloved Apple IIc in the early 80s); probably always will be. Which is why my heart’s torn this morning, between Uncle Steve’s latest invention and booksellers everywhere. [click here to continue…]
Yup. It’s time. The relative peace and quiet (aka: break from the airports) over the holidays has passed, with the show season and speaking engagements in high gear. I’m headed to the Big Apple for a record-speed-race through the New York International Gift Fair, then jet straight to Louisville, Kentucky, where I’ll be addressing members of the ANLA (American Nursery and Landscape Association). With luck, I’ll squeeze a show report in there along the way, anxious to see how attitudes and show specials play, now that we’re getting down to the end of the winter circuit.
To vendors and reps making their way to New York, heads up. There are a few patterns coming into play that you’ll want to be ready for…and open to, if you get my drift: [click here to continue…]
Here it comes…the second wave of rules instituted as part of the Credit Card Act of 2009. Beginning in February, card issuers will be held to a plethora of new standards…which means a plethora of new charges and changes are quickly hitting consumers now, in anticipation of lost revenue.
While I don’t pretend to be an expert when it comes to figuring out all the ins and outs of issuing banks, Jean Chatzky (Financial Editor, NBC) is. Here are a few of her tips to keep in mind as credit card statements begin landing in your mailbox: [click here to continue…]
An interesting ad ran on the radio today. It’s for a national chain that sells diamonds-—one of the zillion or so that are pushing engagement rings during the holiday season. [click here to continue…]
One of the most often asked questions during media interviews about The 3/50 Project is “Does it work?”…which is second only to “Do consumers ‘get it’?”
Yup. To both.
But hey, don’t just take my word for it. [click here to continue…]
Independent retailers know that what you find in a big box isn’t always what it appears to be. Might seem the same from the outside, but how many consumers realize you really can’t judge a book (or gift or electronics item) by its cover? [click here to continue…]
