As our kids prepare themselves for the school year ahead, independent retailers can prime their businesses for the busy selling season.  Mary Liz Curtin's video, "The Shopkeeper's Calendar," goes over many of the things you should do to ready yourself for the upcoming shopping surge, so while watching this video, get out a pad and create a checklist of things you need to think about to prepare your store and your staff.   A little organization can really ease the strain of frantic holiday preparation.  What tactics do you use to prep for the fall selling season?  Share your ideas on our message boards or in the comments section of this blog. 

Another good way to keep your employees on their toes is with secret shoppers.   I just read an interesting article about them and all the comments at the bottom suggest it is not only a good idea, but necessary.  An undercover shopper can show you if your staff is providing the best customer service they can.   This time of year consumers really get into the shopping experience and love to feel the holiday spirit.  Are you confident your employees are providing it?  You work hard as a store owner to ensure that your business is perfect, but a business is only as good as the people who work with you.   Do you have any experience with secret shoppers? 

Even with the struggling economy, you can drive buyers into your store by swiftly implementing innovative ideas and playing up your strengths as a seller.   As an independent retailer, you are part of the fabric of your society and have the ability to engage consumers on a grassroots level much more than the department stores.

Another article focusing on retailers and the economy states that although you can't control the wane of consumer spending, you can monitor your expenses, particularly by reducing inventory.

It's not the most carefree time for retailers, so this is a great opportunity to exchange advice on attracting customers into your stores and keeping them happy after they arrive.