Operations

A Customer Service Gem for You

At Zingerman’s we’re big fans of clear expectation and simple, teachable and trackable tools. We find that they are invaluable no matter who we share them with — tenured employees, newbies, skeptics, enthusiasts, introverts, extroverts.... more »

The Only Way to Market

Everyone you know has an opinion on how you should be marketing your business, and I guess I’m no different when it comes to this article, but I can’t help myself. I am so excited... more »

Learn how to prepare for disasters at Twitter chat, webinar

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has partnered with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to help businesses become more aware of their risks while also helping them develop a continuity plan. Advance preparation... more »

North Carolina Aquarium revamps gift shops

With three locations along the Atlantic coast, the North Carolina Aquarium Society entertains and educates well over a million people each year. Each aquarium has a gift shop. The retail team also operates a fourth... more »

Legal Corner: Respect My Privacy

In the last issue I discussed Terms and Conditions and their importance in retail and online. Privacy Policies are the first cousin to Terms and Conditions. They serve many purposes to protect both the customer... more »

The Power of Focal Points in Store Design

Brick-and-mortar stores have one prominent competitive advantage over the quick-click sale. They have the capacity to engage and direct customers through thoughtful and expressive displays. Understanding the influence of powerful environments and designing a focal... more »

Bookish Pursuits

Facebook. Instagram. Twitter. Email. Phone calls. Our frenetic lives have had a most pleasant side effect: a growing emphasis on mindfulness and a need to connect with pen and paper as a way of documenting... more »

Getting the most out of your trade show experience

Buyers, when a vendor says hello to you in the isle of a market or show, extend a nice “hello” back to them. Vendors are hungry for that first contact and the chance to show... more »