1. Color, my approach to store design is simple use paint to change the mood. Your store should be neutralized with wall colors like Benjamin Moore: Delaware Putty, White Sand or even Bronze Beige. Pick 1 area in your store that you can color block - one of my favorite colors for the Xmas season is Rouge by Benjamin Moore. Try this one -  all it takes is a quart of paint.
 
2.    Special note about  merchandising - only products that sell well should be on your floor at this time. You should have reports in hand that show you what sold and what didn't from last year. I hope your products reflect what your customers want and will buy. Make sure you are  bringing products out from the stock room daily.

3.    Staff training must continue weekly - focus on selling, product knowledge, store procedures and customer service. I know it's busy but a weekly check-in with your staff is a must. Never stop training; never stop getting feedback from your staff on how things are going.

4.    Daily work plans for every staff member are a must - your goal setting doesn't change when things get busy. It can be even more crucial at this time. I believe if it's in writing it keeps the work that needs to be done in the forefront of your staff's mind.

This week, the National Grid announced that it has begun a program for small businesses that "can save them up to 70 percent of the costs of installing energy-efficient equipment" (bizjournals.com).  In order to qualify, the small business must use no more than 100 kilowatt hours of electricity per year.  The National Grid services Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island.

The majority of the savings is found in replacing lights, while savings are also found in the replacement of motors in coolers and refrigerators.  Companies are able to finance their share of the project for up to two years interest-free, or they can save an additional 15% by paying one large lump sum.  According to bizjournals.com, the average payback is 11 months. 

There are $60 million available for this program.  For more information, click here.

Mark Duffield said a wise man told him long ago, "Don't make a sale. Make a friend." So when Duffield and business partner Jennifer Hill bought Blackstone's of Beacon Hill in April 2006, they put that maxim into practice.

When I spoke with Duffield and Hill, it was a long time before we ever got around to talking about merchandise, buying, marketing and promotions. Instead, they wanted to talk about their customers-- locals and tourists alike--who hang out and share stories with the owners. Their store is the first stop for one repeat customer traveling from England.

"There are a million 'small-world' stories," Hill said. Recent visitors from Ohio turned out to be neighbors of her parents.

Blackstone's was one of four 2009 recipients of the Pride of New England Awards given by the Boston Gift Show. The award recognizes New England retailers for outstanding customer service, creative merchandising, community involvement and demonstration of New England pride.

High Profile, Carpet Focused Designer Day Panel Captivates Attendees

Barbara Crowhurst
Retail Makeover Industry Expert

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