Undoubtedly we all heard the news last week that Smith & Hawken was closing.  My friend has worked for them for a few years and called me as soon as it was announced, as she was one of the first to know.  Although sad, because we are losing a company that has great product, has employed many people across the US and we hate that any business is going under, I have now heard from an insider's perspective that they really aren't the type of company any of you should want to emulate.  The way they treat their employees is below par, and that is simply not tolerable.

I spent Monday of last week at the Fancy Food Show, and I am delighted to report that it was very busy.  At times, it was actually difficult to walk down the aisles and many of the manufacturers that we wanted to speak with, were knee deep in attendees, so that we either had to miss them altogether or make our way back to their booths several times.

For me personally, it was a trip down memory lane.  I haven't been to the Fancy Food Show since I was a little girl, and my father ran the show!  Yes, a long time ago.

I'd like to help spread the word for the The National Retail Federation, who is conducting a survey for small and midsize merchants regarding PCI compliance.  The study is to assess awareness related to data security and the status of PCI compliance within the small business community.  We truly believe the results could help our retailers and welcome your input.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THIS 5 MINUTE SURVEY

All participants will receive a copy of the study.  Thank you for your assistance!

Store evaluation inevitably comes with numerous questions.  One of the first questions when making changes is to ask oneself 'how will what I am doing get customers through my door?' This question refers to the displays, the merchandising, the price points, the uniqueness of product, and of course to the customer service.  Everything you do will affect how consumers interact with your store.

I went to Designer Day at 7 West 34^th Street yesterday.  Bobbie Gottlieb, CEO of Two's Company, http://www.twoscompany.com/ spoke to an audience made up of retailers and industry representatives.

She inspired all with her story, starting from the birth of Two's Company and taking us through to how this company has become a force within the gift and home industry...

I spent the last few days at the National Stationery Show, walking the aisles, speaking to manufacturers and finding some great new products.  Personally, I am happy that I am not a buyer, because I am sure that I would find it difficult to choose which merchandise to buy for my store with all the great products I discovered!

Overall, I was really delighted to find the mood upbeat.  Those that I spoke with had POSITIVE things to say, in light of, and with acknowledgement that times are difficult...

As a retailer, there are many opportunities to connect with your customers; conversation is the obvious, but it is necessary to go beyond that.   You can provide an occasion to interact with merchandise through demonstration.  This allows the product to tell its own story and encourage purchases.   Moreover, you can create unique displays that explain how the product is used, how it will fit in your customers' homes, and how it can be cross merchandised with other products.   Showing someone how a product is used is an unbelievable motivator to buy.

I recently went on a fabulous family vacation.  We took the kids down to Disney World for a week.  And when I say fabulous, I do not use that word lightly.  I truly dreaded the thought of going to Disney, which meant spending my vacation being persuaded to go on scary rides surrounded by thousands of people (as opposed to skiing or, better yet, lying on a relatively secluded beach reading a book). 

What is your brand?  Do you know?  If so, do you and your staff stay true to it and promote it?  It is important to take stock of what products customers look for and buy in your store because those items speak to the brand you are promoting.  Ensure that your displays, your store colors, and the way you merchandise are all selling your brand.  The behavior of your store employees is equally important.  Happy sales people, who love and know the product they sell, promote confidence in your brand.

The Village of Oak Park, IL, is all about helping Main Street America thrive.  They have put together an incredible initiative to support the small businesses within their 12-district community, much like a "buy local" campaign.  The program includes seminars throughout the year, and promotes events such as "Shop the Village" and the "Dog Wedding Event" which entice local shoppers with offers like gift certificate giveaways.  The Oak Park initiative also advocates using the Gift and Home Channe