Operations

Sales Surge
on Small Business Saturday

Gift retailers cash in on second annual event which spurred an estimated 
103 million Americans to shop at independently owned businesses. Elizabeth Sullivan was ready. In anticipation of Small Business Saturday, November 26, the co-owner... more »

Attention, Shoppers!

Signs advertising sales can be fun and attention-grabbing; they need not reek of desperation. An effective sign is:1 VisibleAn effective sign is large and legible enough to grab shoppers' attention.2 CreativeAn effective sign is creative... more »

MASTERing Retail

By Ken Nisch Chairman, JGAToday the most typical formula for a self-help book-be it for personal, business or solving the world's problems-involves "steps." These steps help us organize, prioritize and provide a bit of a... 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 »

Financing 101

Cash is the grease that oils the gears of your gift shop. There are many ways you can gain access to cash. We run down the basics. Running your gift shop has its own set... more »

Wooing Brides: Gift Registry 101

The bridal industry is a lucrative market and you 
can reap the benefits by having a wedding registry in your shop. The first thing you see when you enter Melinda's Fine Gifts is a table... more »

Scoring Sales with Small Business Saturday

During the holiday shopping season, you need every tool in your arsenal to boost your bottom line. Here's one designed to drive customers to your store the Saturday after Black Friday. Buying local makes a... more »

Making Web Communications Mobile-Friendly

You send out email blasts and your store has a powerful website. But all that would be pointless if your customer couldn't see either with her mobile device. Here's how to make your communications mobile-friendly.... more »