Color Trends for 2015

Trends impact retail sales.  Take a trip to any big box retailer and you will start seeing designs and colors repeat across bedding, dinner plates, to clothing. Psychology of color impacts consumers emotions about a brand and influence buying behavior. Color is a powerful tool that can help you ring up more sales.

  

2015 Colors

Here are the 2015 colors of the year straight from the fashion runway.

• Marsala 
• Aquamarine
• Scuba Blue
• Lucite Green
• Classic Blue
• Toasted Almond
• Strawberry Ice
• Tangerine
• Custard
• Glacier Gray

To learn more about these colors or to view packaging products that incorporate these colors, click here.

Color Science

Unique uses of color and patterns create interest. Use these to your advantage to focus attention on your retail products.  Most of us are over saturated with stimuli especially in the mobile age. Being creative with color will draw the eyes and help pull customer attention away from their glowing rectangles. This increased attention will make customers notice your retail products. More engagement with the products will drive more sales.

How to use Color

Incorporate trending colors through your retail areas and on promotional pieces.  Update your retail bags for the season.  Choose a 2015 colored tote bag as a gift with purchase.  Add labels or ribbon with splashes of these targeted tones to your retail products.  Another fun and inexpensive idea is to line your retail display shelves with tissue paper. This can give it a whole new look for pennies and can be easily changed out as trends come and go.

We would love to see how you are using color to promote your brand and increase sales.  Share thoughts below or snap a pic and post it our Facebook page.  Let your color shine!

Retail Business Trends for 2015

Your business needs to stay relevant.  Sometimes we get caught up in the passion of the business that we forget to keep our operational efforts moving forward.  The new year is a perfect time to evaluate and launch new endeavors. Stay on top of your game with these must have items for your retail business.

Software system

Gone are the days of hand written appointment books and ringing up purchases by price tags.  A retail necessity is a software system that allows computerized tracking of bookings, services, and financial information.  These systems can run all types of reports to help you keep focus on the business verses the books. You will know what is selling and adjust your marketing plans as needed. Reach out to similar businesses for the systems they recommend.  Look to your professional associations. Generally they have a few software partners they work with.  You could score a discount and have access to expertise to overcome potential hurdles for a new system launch.

Digital Marketing

The pace of technology isn’t slowing down. We are all on our mobile devices, tablets, websites, text messages and emails almost all day long – some people occasionally stop to sleep.  Your business needs to communicate where your customers are.  Do you have a mobile friendly website, do you an email marketing schedule, are you texting clients to remind them of appointments? Reach out to students or reach out a community college for support. Another option is partnering with a marketing agency.  You work to create the marketing plan and tactics and they set it in motion.  Have a monthly check in and evaluate results.

Specialization

Your business can’t be everything to everyone.  Offering specialized products or services can be one key to success for smaller retailers.  If you are a day spa, become the expert in facials.  If you are baker, be the cupcake extraordinaire.  Reflect on what your business does best.  Use that special product or service and promote it on all your marketing efforts.

Retail Revamp

Take a hard look at your product lines. Do you have items that aren't moving? If you have items for a significant period of time, its time to mark them down and move them out.  Review all the products that you carrying.  Considered your own private label line.  Speak to your staff, survey customers, and look at your competitors.  Use this info to make educated decisions on your next bit sellers.

 

Fight complacency in your business. Stay on top of trends and business best practices.  It will keep your business growing and your profits rising. 

A New Approach to Retail Sales

How consumers buy is evolving. We all swim in a sea of TV, billboards, websites, email, social medial and beyond. Selling more retail is a goal for many of us in the new year however, it's increasingly difficult because of all the various ways customers can purchase products.  We need to ask the questions how are these channels influencing buying behavior and how we can use them to our benefit.  Take time now to reimage the retail portion of your business to reap the rewards.

Storefront

Clients are consistently visiting your location. Create a captivating window display.  Make it unique and unexpected. Attention spans are short, you need to drive their eyes to your amazing retail products.  Take this theme and weave it through you retail displays and check out areas. Change your theme every four weeks. The goal is for a client see something new every time they visit. You retail areas need to incorporate other proven sales techniques such as sampling, promotions, and your staff encouraging retail sales.

Ecommerce

Don’t think web sales work in the beauty biz? Think again. There are billions of dollars of beauty products purchased online through big box retailers or boutique brands.  Consumers love the convenience of buying online. Add an ecommerce portion on your website.  Offer your retail products and gift cards. Create online-only specials, volume based pricing, discounts for signing up for your newsletter, even allow in-store pick up at their next appointment.    

Social

Use your Facebook and Twitter as a retail selling tool. Create social media-only specials. Clients need to be a follower in order to access the promo. You can drive people to buy instantly on your website or advertise an in-store special. Creativity counts so stand out from the crowd!

Mobile

Our phone dependency is not ending any time soon.  Use this tool to your advantage by creating a mobile friendly website and text message your clients. There are vendors that offer these services at fairly inexpensive prices and offer trial periods. Text special offers, coupon codes, or link to a picture posted on your facebook. Tie all your channels together by sending a text that links to your selling website that features a a picture of the amazing new window display made with your best selling shampoo that is now on sale!

Doing what you have always done will get you the same results. Challenge yourself to reimage your retail selling process.  It’s a New Year, create New Sales!

Tips to Save your Holiday Sales

Black Friday is the official starting point for the holiday selling.  Is your business prepared to maximize your seasonal sales?  If you are having an OMG moment, take a deep breath.  You can still salvage your holiday sales with these tips below. 

Promotional Offers

Target a  few promotions you want to run for the season.  Popular offers are Buy One Get One Free, Free Gift with Purchase, or a dollar or percent off the purchase.  Also successful in the holiday season is the idea of give and get.  If you purchase a $100 gift card, get a $10 gift card for yourself. Determine what works best for your clients and run with it.

Advertise and Promote

Now that you know what you want to promote, you need to create awareness.  Send an email campaign to your clients.  Post your offers on your website and social media efforts.  Create in-store signage in your windows, check-out areas, even at service stations.  Have staff talking up your efforts to create excitement and drive response.

Gift Solutions

Create a gift solution center in your retail area. Set up retail products shelves and a circular table or two.  Add in signage and shelf talkers such as “Gift Solution Center" and "Perfect Presents for the babysitter, teachers, or your neighbors!”. Stock your shelves with group product sets in various price points.  Add products to cello bags, vinyl bags or reusable totes. These ready-to-give gifts are an easy choice for last minute shoppers.  Include stocking stuff items such as small cosmetics, nail polishes, or fashion jewelry. Be sure you have plenty gift cards on hand. This is the #1 retail gift of the season.  Include gift card packaging to create the one-stop-shop gift.  The key to success is presenting your business as the solution for the gift giving challenge.  By offering a variety of gift options that come ready to give, you will drive more sales your way verses the competition. 

You and your team can do this.  Take and evening this week and hammer out the details.  Divide up the work.  There are only 4 weeks left to ring up those seasonal sales.  Make the most of them and start your holiday promotions today!  

The Secrets to Gift Card Selling Success

Did you know that 80% of consumers will purchase gift cards this holiday season?  Your business needs a piece of that pie.  Here are the reasons gift cards are a smart choice and the secrets on creating a successful gift card program!

Why Gift Cards?

• They are the #1 retail item that is purchased during the holidays. 

• It is easy for the gift giver because it is no-brainer purchase and they know their recipient will get the exact gift they want.

• Cards increase your revenue with two-thirds of gift card redeemers spending over the amount of the gift card value. 

• Experience stronger margins with 31% of gift card recipients more likely to buy at full prices when using their gift card. 

• Over 1 billion in gift cards go un-redeemed.  That is pure profit for your business. 

• Santa hangs around a bit longer with many of those gift cards being redeemed in well into January. With them spending more than the card is worth and buying at full retail, you are increasing your revenue and margin.
   

 Tips for Successful Gift Card Programs

• Monitor gift card inventory.  You don’t want to run out of cards during those last minute sales opportunities. 

• Become the gifting resource by supplying the coordinating gift card packaging with holders, boxes, or elegant purse bags. Click here for a wide selection of gift card packaging options.
• Create an in-store merchandising area by your check out and retail display areas.  Have signage showcasing your cards as the perfect gift solution. 

• Sell your gift cards on your website and promote via your various social media channels. 

• Offer gift with purchase.  If a client purchases a specific dollar amount, throw in a free gift of trial samples or a spa robe. Offer tiered gifting levels providing larger gifts at higher price point gift card sales.   

• Get your staff involved in promoting gift cards with their clients.  Make sure all staff is train on how to sell and load value to cards.    

Don't let these seasonal sales pass you by.  Be prepared with a rock solid gift card program and ring up a very happy holiday! 

*Stats provided from National Retail Federation Gift Spending Survey Dec 2013.

Be a Holiday Prepper

The leaves are changing and pumpkin-flavored everything has hit the market.  Fall has arrived. As we start pulling out our sweaters it is time to think – holiday! It might feel early but now is the time to prepare for your best holiday sales ever!  

Check your List Twice
Review your client contact list.  Verify you have correct info for mailing addresses and emails. This is easily completed by your staff at check out by confirming their data in your system. Accurate info will ensure your marketing efforts reach your clients.

Select The Perfect Gift Ideas
Determine the retail product lines you are carrying for the season. Review your sales from fourth quarter last year. See what worked and what didn't work. Plan your inventory accordingly factoring for some growth. Think about adding holiday-inspired products or limited edition items.  Don’t forget to plan your packaging.  Order holiday bags personalized with your logo. This provides a professional look and advertises your business.  Gift cards are your #1 retail item of the season so stock up.  Make gift giving easy. Be prepared with coordinating packaging such as card holders and boxes.  Creating an easy one step gift solution rings up more sales.

Shout it from the Rooftops
Plan your promotions, emails, website updates, ads, mailings, and social media announcements.  Create a calendar of who is doing what when.  Doing this now avoids the stress of throwing the details together during the hustle bustle of the season.  As the holiday approaches, tastefully decorate your location. Create a gift solution center in your retail area.  Stock it with your retail lines, group product sets, and gift cards. Create price points for various gift giving needs. Your staff should promote your gift solutions as they work with clients. Launch your ad campaigns and mailings through out the season. Get the word out that you are a gift solution destination.

Planning early is the best way to ensure a successful holiday season.  Tackle your holiday prep now and reap the rewards!

Top 5 Customer Loyalty Tips

They say obtaining new customers is always more expensive then keeping the ones you already have.  Invest in building the loyalty of your current customers.

1.  Communication

Keep in touch with your customers.  You need to send communications to be top of mind. Send emails, use direct mail, put in a phone call, or post on your digital channels. This doesn’t always need to be advertising or promotions. Share good news about charity events or provide useful tips. Become a resource that your customers come to for your great info, your fun personality, or unique offers.

2.  Incentives

Create a reason for customers to come back with a frequent buyer program. Typical programs offer a free service, free gift, or generous discount after a certain number of visits or purchases. You can even create VIP levels based on annual spend and reward each level with special prices or frequent discounts. The bigger savings at the higher spend levels. Determine what program is meaningful for your clients and then reference tip #1 and communicate your program!

3.  Anticipate Needs

The key to great service is trying to meet a need before they even know they need it.  Look at your business through your customer’s eyes.  Run through a typical client interaction with your business. From the time the client enters the location until they leave, strive to create an effortless yet memorable experience. Create that perfect experience every time.

4.  Staff Training

Educated staff drive that seamless experience. Invest in continuing education, product training, and customer service policies. Your staff will easily address customer questions or concerns by knowing their craft, products and procedures inside and out. Empower employees to do what it takes to make customers happy.

5.  Reframe

No matter what you do, not all customers will be happy campers.  Allowing customers to vent while you respectfully listen is a good first step. Words such as, “I’m so sorry you feel that way” or “Thank you for sharing this” can go a long way to defusing the situation. Generally customers want to feel heard and respected.  Reframing any negative into a positive learning experience is a good approach.

Customer loyalty secures your business and builds your brand.  Take the time to grow your loyalty efforts and reap the rewards!