Yesterday, I had a heart to heart with retailers about late invoices, asking them to take a deep breath and call you. Today, it’s our turn to visit. Want to make sure there isn’t a disconnect on your end of the line.
Before you jump to the conclusion my heart rests solely with retailers, please hear me out. Like you, I have had late paying customers. I understand the impact that can have on one’s life. The bills still need to be paid, after all.
But I also understand the level of humility that comes with picking up the phone to make that call. Most retailers are, by nature, Type A-—over-achievers, head strong, determined…and proud. Admitting a shortcoming of any kind is like peeling their skin off. Admitting financial difficulty feels like the ultimate failure…even though it’s not. [click here to continue…]
Retailers, there’s something we need to talk about. Doesn’t matter if you’re big or small…independent or franchise…storefront, internet, or home studio (yes, you).… If you’re late on even one invoice right now, we need to have a chat.
Now, before every nerve in your body tenses and every muscle jumps into “fight or flight” mode, please hear me out. I’m not going to yell at you. I’m not going to lecture you. And I’m not going to pretend that in my previous life as a retailer I was never late on an invoice. It happens to everyone. [click here to continue…]
At first glance, this post is going to look like it’s geared solely to stationers. Gift and home accessory retailers, stick with me here…this applies to you too, albeit in a slightly different way.
The world knows my opinion regarding home studios (definition: individuals who purchase the same wholesale lines offered through retail stores then sell them out of their house)-—the bane of every brick and mortar’s existence. This isn’t the only “under the radar” competition you need to consider, though. How up to speed are you regarding Etsy? [click here to continue…]
As you recall from Sunday’s post, Twitter has quickly become a pipeline to what’s happening in the industry. It’s there that I’ve made valuable connections, learned of new product releases, been asked for business advice, met a couple of clients, and learned of new exhibitors planning upcoming shows. And all in 140 words or less per tweet.
Given Twitter’s vibrancy (ie, non-stop adrenaline and caffeine fueled frenetic pace), finding a way to harness all this golden information is important.
After all, when it comes to information, getting it and getting run over by it are two entirely different things. [click here to continue…]
I get asked (a lot) how in the world I have time to keep up with Twitter. Well, I don’t…at least not in the way you think. Unlike the caricature most folks have in their minds of what Twittering entails (non-stop chattering on the computer with total strangers or whipping off endless text messages about the dog’s new trick), my use of the social medium is singular: it’s an information pipeline.
Throw in a simple-to-use, free software program that makes staying on top of things easy and all I have to do is sit back and let all that industry buzz goodness come streaming my way. No heavy lifting, babysitting, or hassle factor.
But oh, you’d be amazed at what I’ve learned there.
Here’s how you can get yourself into the loop: [click here to continue…]
Those of you who carry Lenox or Department 56 can breath a bit easier. A private equity group led by Clarion Capital Partners LLC purchased the company out of bankruptcy court this week, after the courts opened bidding for a second time.
Unlike the original deal with KPS Partners, the Clarion package includes the Deptartment 56, Dansk, and Gorham brands. The deal should close within the next month, with past Waterford CEO, Peter Cameron, at the helm.
Thank goodness. Those little amazons in the Dickens Village were getting nervous.
According to a fax sent to retailers by William Arthur this afternoon, twenty-three full time positions are being eliminated in the print division-—ie, the entire third shift. The plan is to try rescheduling them into first and second shifts if possible.
The company will also be reducing customer service hours.
How will this impact turn around times? Customer service hold time? We’ll see…odds are, it won’t take long to find out.
William Arthur dealers have known for a couple of months the vendor they relied on to support them was joining the ranks of those who compete against them. Obviously, this did not win over fans in the storefront crowd.
Three different sources have now confirmed that representatives of the William Arthur web division were browsing through booths at the New York International Gift Fair, apparently in search of product to fill the company’s upcoming online store. [click here to continue…]
