Retail

Retailers employ different strategies to boost sales and profits. The three listed below are interesting for different reasons, but they do raise an interesting ethical dilemma.

A trend that’s really emerged in the first half of this year is the stay-at-home vacation – the ‘staycation’. This is where people spend money on products to make their home a hub of comfort in tough times. So how can retailers take advantage of this trend?

With experts touting the economic crisis as an opportunity to grow, businesses are turning to online retailing as a cost-effective way to promote their activities. One company that has found much needed success through their internet strategy is dStore, Australia’s largest online shopping store. dStore CEO Andrew Cooper spoke to Jessica Stanic about the benefits […]

The next big thing, green retailing means much more than just using paper bags, but the perceived costi appears to be holding many retailers back. However it might not be as time-consuming or expensive as you think. Nina Hendy investigates. Retailers who think going green is just another fad or marketing gimmick should think again. […]

With publicity surrounding the threat of global warming on the rise, environmental consciousness is at an all time high. Jeff Rogut, executive director of The Australian Centre for Retail Studies, explains what this means for the retail sector. Despite being somewhat displaced by the current global financial crisis, in 2008 the environment was rated as […]

Tradeshows offer a great opportunity to lift your business in times of economic slowdown. Expert tradeshow coach and speaker Joe Dorfman, provides seven proven strategies for exhibition success in challenging times. Strategy #1: Exhibit with excellence before, during and after the show Now, more than ever, it is critical to ensure you and your exhibition […]

Imagine you (and only you) had the cure for incurable disease. Moral issues aside, how much would you charge? Think about that for a moment before reading on… How much would you charge?

The impact of the global economic downturn has extended well beyond the cash register to infiltrate retail design trends and consumer consciousness. With consumers spending less, saving more and making purchasing decisions with maximum research and minimal impulse, it’s a tough time to be in the retail sector. Being savvy about shifting consumer purchasing and […]

I went shopping for a dress (actually my wife did, but I had to tag along) as you do. What I saw was funny if it wasn’t so sad: four retail businesses that are struggling and rapidly heading for the scrap heap.

As large and small retailers alike brace themselves for the impact of the financial downturn, some are finding unexpected success through their internet strategy. In the lead up to Christmas last year, online traffic nearly doubled over the previous year as customers carried out research, sourced suppliers and made purchases online. Traffic to pricing comparison […]

Creative retailing engages customers and gives them a special experience, or at least a way of interacting with products and services to assist with and encourage purchase. Philip Smith looks at the art of experiential shopping, and how it can help your business and enhance the shopper environment. Experiential shopping goes way beyond function. It’s […]

Gavin Dixon, CEO of the business division of Reckon Limited, shares his expertise on the value of retail point-of-sale (POS) software, and the benefits of inventory management.Retail Point of Sale software has many obvious benefits to the business owner – tracking sales, managing inventory, streamlining accounting practices, and building customer loyalty. Not so obvious is […]

When it comes to online retail, whether it’s your site consumers are visiting and shopping at, or someone else’s, there are a few proven fundamentals. • First, there’s the look and feel of your site. Does it leave the customer with the feeling you’re a professional outfit with the capacity to back up what you say […]

UK customer experience expert Phil Corke is in Australia to tell us how to sell—and how to shop. Corke is a member of the British innovation agency ?What If! and has the task of identifying how stores can enhance customer experiences to lift sales. Corke says shopping should not be a chore but, apart from […]

Attempts to reduce discrimination, towards people experiencing homelessness, are being made by the Victorian Government. The Victorian Small Business Commissioner’s office has released new guidelines for retailers, to ensure homeless people are not refused service. The Education campaign includes an advisory group with industry, community, and government representatives, alongside DVDs and other communication tools. Contact […]

Research confirms that multi-sensory retail spaces are more likely to see profits. Retail psychology is not a new concept, but has advanced with help from new technology that enables retailers to profile consumers and change their marketing accordingly. These developments include special camera technology and digital signage that respond, in real time, to the gender […]

Let’s admit it; most retail shops are simply boring. Walk through any shopping precinct and the majority of stores will never catch your attention. Can anything be done? In this age of instant messaging and fast communication it is critical that a retailer works hard to draw attention to the store, and to hold that […]

Sydney’s newest mega bookstore has defied conventions to create a unique shopping environment for its customers. Stuart Finlayson spoke to Books Kinokuniya’s Lisa Parker to find out what’s in store for Sydney’s booklovers. Retail is constantly changing, driven by more demanding customer expectations. This trend is particularly evident with booksellers. The industry that once comprised […]

It’s alright to have a vision for your store, but you won’t get very far if employees don’t share, and believe in that vision. Richard Carter gives some tips on how to make sure employees understand where the company is headed. Every year, we spend thousands of dollars trying to get employee’s motivated to improve […]

Gift and homewares trade fairs can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the industry. Aside from ensuring you wear your most comfortable shoes, Liz Swanton gets tips from those who’ve ‘been there, done that’ to help maximise your trade fair experience. There’s an old adage that suggests one should ‘shop till […]