Retailers Love Valentine’s Day

FEBRUARY is the month of love across the land. Valentine’s Day is our first major shopping holiday since the Christmas season. We will also be celebrating President’s Day, which, although may not be romantic, unless you’re Martha Washington, can really ring up sales for retailers.

HAVING come off a slightly better holiday season than expected, there is some optimism for the new year. Inflation is slowly being curbed and retailers are hopeful that consumer confidence will rise which will lead to more spending.

IT is time to get your store, booth or website ready to get bit by the “love bug” for Valentine’s Day. Shoppers in all age groups will be looking for holiday gifts, in all price ranges. And while these lovers will be scouring the markets there will be another group looking to take advantage of President’s Day goods which can be typically higher price points. The take-away is that lots of people will be out shopping for a myriad of items.

THE largest benefactors of Valentine’s Day will be jewelers and florists followed by candy sellers. But in reality, all types of items can be marketed for this holiday if you do it creatively. Why couldn’t a special fishing lure or auto or cellular accessory be given to your someone special? Your business needs to capitalize on this concept and decorate your sales space with ideas that let shoppers know that you sell great gifts!

HANG a sign that says “These Fleece Gloves Make a Great V-Day Gift!” A small effort on your part can dramatically increase your sales. Your space needs to scream “Come in and shop!” to everyone that is passing by so they don’t pass you by!

WHEN it comes to gift buying most shoppers are more focused on finding the right gift than a cheap price. What will hurt your sales is not having the right type of merchandise to entice shoppers.

AS for President’s Day, it is a great weekend to take advantage of the marketing the big box stores will be doing. They’ll get the shoppers out of the house and on the road. Your job is to detour them into your store to spend their money with you.

IF you sell some items the big box store advertise, price yours $1 under and put a big sign in your window. Bring in new shoppers and show they why independent retailers are so important to our community.

ON a final note, we’re proud to be media sponsors of the ASD Vegas Show which we will proudly be sharing this issue with attendees. Trade shows are very important to all of our success and we welcome the many thousands of new readers from the show this month.

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