Management

Empowering Employees

Creating leaders to gain sales The dynamics of employees are very interesting, to say the least. Since most stores have a variety of ages, personalities, sexes and experience among their employees, how you manage them... more »

Sparkling Jewelry Trends

Wrap bracelets  are just one of the hot jewelry trends. Find out what else makes the category shine. There's something shining in retail these days: jewelry sales are up. According to the 2010 Annual Census... more »

Mission: Possible

With the good comes the bad, and in the case of retail employees, this is often the situation. From late arrivers to gossipy co-workers to lazy performances, many associates come with attitudes and habits that... more »

Working Wedding Wonders

Wow your brides-to-be by stocking the very best for their special day. Their satisfied word-of-mouth recommendations mean you'll have many more customers to have and to hold. Brides, bridesmaids, and brides' mothers are still shopping... more »

It’s Only Fair

There has never been a better time to take a look at fair trade products for your store. With sales booming and socially conscious consumption on the rise, this product category is set to make... more »

Spooktacular Sales!

The numbers speak for themselves. Last year, Halloween sales were forecast to reach $5.8 billion. As Halloween has increasingly become a social party occasion, that number has been steadily trending upward. And this means plenty... more »

Timely Tax Tips

There are a number of steps that every gift retailer can take to minimize taxes. Here are a few. This is the first year in which gift retailers can convert funds in regular Individual Retirement... more »

A Retail Lease Primer for Gift Shop Owners: Survive to Thrive

The recent economic downturn has created a tough sales environment for many retailers, especially the so-called independent "mom and pop" stores and those operated by franchisees. Declining sales due to high unemployment and depressed home... more »