Store Location:

1741 W Division St, Chicago, IL, 60622. 

Website:

www.ledresschicago.com

Price Points:

Dresses at Le Dress range from about $60 to $500.  They also have a range of accessories to fit any budget.

Products:

Dresses, footwear, jewelry, handbags

Contact:

ledress@gmail.com or for press holly@zapwater.com

 Retail Minded has partnered with leading, international fashion and retail service business Nolcha for a new section on the Retail Minded Blog, “Retailer Spotlight”, introduced in January 2010.

The Retailer Spotlight showcases independent retailers who stand out in the marketplace for a variety of reasons, including product assortment, store merchandising and their participation within their respective communities. There are many leading boutiques in the marketplace, but with the help of Nolcha, Retail Minded is choosing the select few that stand out amongst the rest to showcase. Make sure to check back with Retail Minded each week to learn about a new, leading boutique in the marketplace. Learn more about Nolcha by visiting www.nolcha.com.

There are a few key things you can do that will impact the efficiency of your inventory and overall stockroom organization. These include:

1. Bins & Bin Labels - Using bins to identify various things is  a clean, organized way of keeping your stockroom from getting cluttered. By identifying these bins with labels, you help control the chaos of inventory just piling up without a place to go. For example, you could have a bin labeled “returns” for items that need to be re-stocked or put back onto the floor. Other bin suggestions include ”damaged items”, “return to vendor”, “store decor”, “promotional giveaways” and “hangers”. The list is endless based on your store’s unique needs.

2. Shelving – Take advantage of the height your stockroom offers and have shelves available for use. These shelves should be neatly organized with categories of product that are easily recognized by signs and clear, clutter free organization. Identify the category areas with visible signage that all associates can easily read.

3. Desk Space- Even if you primarily work in the front of your store, there is bound to be a time when you or an associate need to sit down in your stockroom area. This may be to complete some work details or to have a lunch break. Either way, make an area designated to support these types of situations so that areas not meant for this are kept tidy. Include drawers or shelving to hold excess paper, pens and other office  supplies that your store needs.

4. Mini Fridge- A miniature refrigerator is a great addition to any retail stockroom. You may choose to stock it with drinks for your customers and employees or simply use it to hold employees lunches and leftovers. Either way, it’s a nice addition to have. The catch is to make sure it stays clean and food does not rot away inside of it. Have a 2 day rule to keep it clean and smelling fresh.

5. Work Table – If you have the space, include a work table that can be  used for organizing inventory. It will be great to use when new deliveries come in as well as to prep product that is ready for the sales floor, such as for folding or ticketing. Keep this work table clean and clear of anything after each project is complete so that it’s ready for the next project without having to push things aside and create the start of a mess.

6. Bulletin Board- Store annoucements, schedules and pictures need to go somewhere. A bulletin board is a great solution for this. You may need more than one to support your store needs, but at least one is suggested. Having these by the desk are suggested since this is where most people will sit down for a bit and have the time to look at what is on the bulletin board. It also may be beneficial to have a large bulletin board towards the stockroom exit that announce daily sales goals and other important store news.

7. Hanging Racks – Not everything will be suited for shelves or bins. Having hanging racks in the stockroom area can allow you to prep product accordingly. In addition, it can offer a designated space for employee coats.

8. Shipping Area – There will be a time when you need to send something to a vendor, customer or just because. Have a specific area with all your shipping supplies in one place so that you save time looking for everything and the process can be as quick and efficient as possible. Have packing tape, boxes, envelopes and packaging materials neatly organized in bins or drawers that are clearly labeled.

9. Employee Lockers – So maybe lockers aren’t your thing, but giving employees their own personal space is suggested. This is ideal for their purses, gym bags and everything else they bring to work. By identifying where their space is, they can be held responsible when they have loose things around the stockroom that contribute to it being a mess. Lockers are also ideal since there is some security involved here.

10. Character – That’s right, character. Add some life to your stockroom with paint and color. Color coordinate bins or use different labels for different things. You will spend a lot of time in the stockroom, so make it a place you want to be. This will also help everyone keep it organized and  clean.

Our featured wholesaler is FOOTZY ROLLS, a genius solution for ladies whose feet feel the pain of high heels and are looking for some relief.

Created with the idea that your feet need a break – literally – from the stylish yet not always so comfortable footwear styles for ladies, Footzyrolls are rollable flats that let you go from your stilettos to flats in three easy steps. Each pair of Footzyrolls are neatly packaged in a drawstring bag that you can easily tuck into your handbag. Once your feet get achy, you simply put your other shoes in this bag and slip into your Footzyrolls. They are street safe and stylish, as well, so all you are comprising here is a little extra height! Once you are ready to return to your stylish stilettos or other shoes of your choice, you simply swap your Footzyrolls with your other shoes in the drawstring shoe back. It’s as easy as that. And what a relief that is - to you and your date (no one likes a whining gal whose feet hurt because of her shoes). Whether you are a shoe boutique, women’s apparel store or cute little knick knack shop, these are must haves for your store! Bridal stores can join the fun, too, with white Footzyrolls – a must have for all brides! They make great add on sales to any outfit or just because. Even Oprah loves these… they were featured in her 2009 Holiday Gift Guide. They are comfortable, practical and stylish – every girl’s dream shoe. Learn more by visiting www.footzyrolls.com. You can also contact them directly as customerservice@footzyrolls.com or by calling 646.827.o673.

Through our IN THE SPOTLIGHT section, we offer retailers and wholesalers the opportunity to link together by being introduced to each other as well as general consumers. If you would like to be considered for IN THE SPOTLIGHT, please email Retail Minded at nicole@retailminded.com. ]]> http://retailminded.com/blog/2010/03/footzyrolls/feed/ 0 http://retailminded.com/blog/2010/03/retail-employee-skills/ http://retailminded.com/blog/2010/03/retail-employee-skills/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:38:21 +0000 Nicole Reyhle http://retailminded.com/blog/?p=2110 The ability to talk to anyone? Check. Friendly and approachable? Check. Calm during stressful situations? Check.  The list of great customer characteristics continues when looking for retail employees for your store, but among the checks you want to cross off on your employee check list should include the following:

1. Customer Service Skills

In retail, no matter what sector of retail, it is essential that employees excel in customer service. Among the important customer service qualities that retail employees should have  include the ability to calmly interact with customers under all kinds of situations, including stress. Whether you are dealing with a frustrated customer or a disruptive customer, employees who can effectively react to various situations in the retail enviornment are very valuable for stores to have. In addition to dealing with more stressful situations, it’s also great to have associates who excel with client relationships. Their customer service skills can enhance your business in many ways, including financially and socially.

2. Time Management Skills

Anyone who works in retail knows there is a lot to be done. The list is endless regarding what there is to do. When looking for employees, it is beneficial to find people who thrive being busy and can balance many different responsibilities. In addition, being interrupted is common in retail. You can start a project thinking there will be no foot traffic in the store for awhile and then all the sudden you can get slammed. Understanding this comes with the territory is important for employees to respect.

3. Flexible Working Hours

Store hours should accomodate all consumers, not just  those available during the day from 9 to 5. Because of this, having retail associates who are able to work after 5pm and during the weekends is essential. It’s also a good idea to bring up holiday working hours during your employee interviews so you can anticipate what your staff’s availability will be during holiday seasons.

4. Ability To Take Some Heat

Believe it or not, it takes tough skin to work in retail. Hearing “no thanks” or sometimes even just a big, loud “no” from customers can often hurt one’s feelings. There will be times when associates will have to deal with upset customers and respect store policies despite wanting to. It may mean headaches and tears for some, while others let these situations bounce off of them and move forward. Make sure to discuss these types of situations with your associates so you can help plan ahead  for these potentially upsetting situations later.

5.  Willingness To Take Ownership

Great retail associates should be able to “own” the situation they are in. Good or bad, they should be able to proudly represent your business and deliver outstanding service. If questioned later about something, they should have confidence in their actions and likewise, it’s important you have confidence in them. That said, this takes time to earn. But looking for associates who  you believe will “own” their responsibilities is important for your business to thrive since you can’t always be the face of your business.

What other characteristics do you believe retail employees should have? Let us know. Please comment below.

Some suggested questions to help ignite a review of your business during an employees’ review include:

1. How can we help you become a stronger, more valuable employee?

2. Are there any guidelines we have in place that you think need to be altered? Why?

3. Are there any guidelines we don’t have that you think could help the overall business? Explain.

4. What current trends in the marketplace do you see taking  place that we could leverage off of?

5. Are there any items in the product assortment of the store that you think we are missing?  Why?

6. Are there any items in the product assortment that you think could be eliminated? Why?

7. How do you collectively see the employee working relationships in our company?

8. Can we do anything to help strengthen the overall morale of the company? Explain.

9. If  you could change any two things about our company, what would they be? Why?

10. Do you enjoy working here?

Many of these questions are straight-forward and simple while others may provoke thoughts you might not want to hear. Take all of your employee’s responses into consideration and evaluate what, if anything, you can do to improve your work relationships, company policies and more. By making it a habit to constantly learn from your associates, you can gain tremendous success in your combined efforts to maximize your business.

MEND handbags are constructed by women in Northern Uganda who have been effected by the devastating conflict taking place between the government and the Lord’s Resistance Army. Abducted and often used as sex slaves, many of these courageous women have returned home after experiencing horrific ordeals with children of their own and no financial way to care for them. Through MEND, which is part of the Invisible Children Organization, these women are giving the opportunity to gain work and provide for their families. The designs of MEND are unique and beautiful with a variety of styles to choose from. Both functional and fashionable, every handbag has the name of the woman who crafted it stitched into the inside of the handbag.  You can even get to know these brave, strong ladies yourself by visiting this informative link, http://www.invisiblechildren.com/mend/handbagmakers. Offered for men and women, these bags introduce a great product and a great story to share with your customers. To learn more about MEND and how you can get these handbags into your store, contact Marie at marie@invisiblechildren.com. In addition, learn more about Invisible Children and MEND by visiting www.invisiblechildren.com/mend.

Through our IN THE SPOTLIGHT section, we offer retailers and wholesalers the opportunity to link together by being introduced to each other as well as general consumers. If you would like to be considered for IN THE SPOTLIGHT, please email Retail Minded at nicole@retailminded.com.

There are ten key elements to consider when doing a one day makeover.

1. Find a focal point. Whether it’s our cash wrap area or mannequins centrally located with your store, determine what your focal point will be. You will want to highlight this focal point by really playing off it’s details and maximizing it’s merchandising opportunities. The goal should be that customers will naturally be drawn to this focal point when they walk through your doors.

2. Use art to enhance your merchandising.By using trios, pairs and groupings of art throughout your store, you will create character within your store that will enhance the products ou are selling.

3. Lights, light and more lights. It may not be in your budget to pull out the ceiling lighting and re-do the dressing room lights, but you can add to these details with lamps and dimmers. Make sure no part of your store goes unnoticed due to a shortage of light or bad lighting. This will pay a huge effect on how your product looks in your space.

4. Think of the floor as a wall. Use rugs and paint to build depth to what you already have going on. Frame out a seating area with a rug – or if you are really on a budget, use paint (super inexpensive) to add some fun to your floor while defining different areas.

5 . Add color and texture.Without overdoing it, you want to add color and texture to your space with the use of pillows, throws and other accessories that will create a fun, inviting space to shop. Chairs by the dressing room area with fun throw pillows can really bring to life an otherwise boring area. Use a wicker stool to display items. Be creative to how color and texture can not just add depth to your store ambience, but also serve a purpose in your store displays.

6. Don’t ignore surfaces.Any shelf, ledge, end table or cash wrap station provides an opportunity to showcase your products. Re-arrange what you already have within your store without ignoring these valuable display areas.

7. Mirror, mirror on the wall…. Who has the best store of them all? You will if you make sure your merchandising is top notch! Mirrors offer light and open up small spaces. Use decorative mirrors that are large in frame to not only add character, but also bring in light and make a small space look bigger.

8. Bring nature indoors.Flowers die, but plants can last years when taken care of accordingly. These are a great way to bring character into your store. Do  your research as to what kinds of plants will be best suited for where you want to put them  in your store. For example, will they have low light or bright light? If it’s in a high traffic area and you think the leaves will be brushed against, look for plants with more durable, rubber like leaves, as well. Avoid fake plants! This just looks tacky and gives the sense of cheap and lazy. After all, you don’t have to take care of a fake plant but a real one takes some TLC.

9. Keep wandering eyes wandering – in your store only.Make sure every level of your store has something to offer your customers. While it may not be product in every corner they see as the scan through your store, it should be a comfortable shopping environment that keeps them there longer. From the floor to the ceiling, don’t ignore anything. The goal should not be to clutter your environment but to compliment what it has to offer so that your products shine in their displays.

10. Be flexible.New product will arrive soon and you may need to switch things up to accommodate this. Merchandise your store environment so that when you have to change things it is easy. Mirrors don’t all have to be permanently located on a wall and rugs can be used in various areas. Don’t be forced to use all your decor and display pieces at once, either. Having somethings in your backroom – space provided – will make you feel like your store is constantly becoming “new” to your customers as your re-decorate throughout the seasons. 

As you are planning your makeover, look at your store from left to right and then up and down. Ask yourself if the lighting enhances or hurts your displays. Determine if it’s comfortable to walk through your store, if aisles are too tight or table are too close. Take notes and then draft out your suggested changes. You can do this all in a day – or in a night when the store is closed. This is no time at all for the difference it can make on your business. If you can, try to enjoy the process along the way. You may rediscover your store as a whole new space that you didn’t realize you had.

 A few things to help you achieve stand out among the rest include:

1. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Build off your strengths and work to improve your weaknesses. For example, if your store location is less than ideal, try to find ways to get people into your storefront without giving up on front window displays. You my need to reach beyond your store limits to draw in a crowd. It will take a combination strategy of your strengths and weaknesses to find a solution that is effective for your business goals. 

2. Dare to be different. If you know what your audience wants and you are reaching your sales goals, great. But chances are there is room to improve. Think outside of the box and challenge yourself to be different in your positioning against your competition. This exciting change of the norm will create a buzz that keeps customers talking. To add extra excitement, tell the media what it is that makes you so different and daring – giving them a chance to tell your story. If you are truly doing something unique and daring, it will be a story worth being told. For example, your store can hold an unexpected special event or introduce a surprising new product category that will reach a new set of customers. As a wholesaler, you may give a percentage of proceeds to a local charity… as well as donate time from all of your company’s employees.

3. Get your customers involved. Let your customers speak for you by telling the good, the bad and the ugly about your business. This will really help you get a real life perspective on what consumers think of your business. Don’t just listen to what they say, though, but react to it, as well. This may mean going outside your comfort zone - but that’s the goal. The changes you see as a result could be just what you need for your business.

4. Give personal attention to customers and employees both.A happy employee will return their feelings with great customer service. In a marketplace filled with lousy customer service, your business will stand out with employees and customers both if you are giving out personal, respected attention in all your communication outlets. As a small business owner, this type of respect goes even further since people seem to “talk” all the time about what they love and hate. It will have a rippling effect on your business in no time.

5. Stay up to date with the times.Too often stores and businesses get lost in their comfort zone from a time when they were cozy and happy – even if this time was 1990. Be realistic with what’s going on in the economy, with your competition, with your customers and then make it a point to stand out with time appropriate marketing strategies. This means do the expected – Twitter, Facebook, email marketing, special event and more – but also go above and beyond to really capture your consumer’s attention. How you go above and beyondwill depend on your unique business and customer.

Finally – pull it all together. Effectively executing each mentioned step above can help you stand out in the marketplace. Don’t ignore what your unique business can do in addition to the outlined details above, as well, to really thrive. And remember – make it a point to  re-address each of these issues time and time again to be consistent with the marketplace.

MomoFalana developed in 1997 from a stall at the Chelsea Antiques market to a store in the East Village and now a new store in SoHo.  What started out as simply tie dying vintage slips and nightgowns is now an assortment of beautiful dresses and more in over eleven collections. Making everything in-house, their customer base ranges from destination brides with a bohemian flair to sophisticated, creative women.  The unique dying process creates a one-of-a-kind look for each garment tha has loyal customers coming back for more.  With a hint towards the bohemian, MomoFalana would like to add accessories to their boutique in the future but currently stay strong with vibrant colors and breezy shapes in their trademark pieces. This boutique is truly one of a kind.

Store Location:

MoMo SoHo LLC, 237 Centre St. (btw Broome & Grand) NYC 10013, 212 979-9595  www.momofalana.com

Products:

Variety of Dresses in different shapes and colors from short slips to long gowns.

Price Point:

$45 – $2000

Contact:

Michael Lublin momosoho@gmail.com

Retail Minded has partnered with leading, international fashion and retail service business Nolcha for a new section on the Retail Minded Blog, “Retailer Spotlight”, introduced in January 2010.

The Retailer Spotlight showcases independent retailers who stand out in the marketplace for a variety of reasons, including product assortment, store merchandising and their participation within their respective communities. There are many leading boutiques in the marketplace, but with the help of Nolcha, Retail Minded is choosing the select few that stand out amongst the rest to showcase. Make sure to check back with Retail Minded each week to learn about a new, leading boutique in the marketplace. Learn more about Nolcha by visiting www.nolcha.com.

1. Merchant Services Fees.This pertains to your credit card processing fees and other fees associated with you using a point of purchase system that allows you to process transactions. While eliminating this entirely will likely not make sense, it is possible for you to competitive shop for a better rate. You can also discuss payment options with your current provider that may be better from you. Just like you call your local cable company to get a better deal, you can do the same thing with merchant services providers. Don’t let them tell you otherwise. Either way, get competitive quotes so you know what your options are. Then make your changes accordingly.

2. Professional Services. Is someone else doing your taxes? Do you have a marketing agency helping you? While eliminating these professional services may not be the answer, discussing your options with them may be. By being upfront and honest with them, they will be more inclined to work with you rather than lose your business entirely. It’s very possible they are also cutting corners, so they may be able to relate to your decision to reduce expenses.

3. Telephone Bills. Are you using more than one? Do you have a cell phone and land line for your business? What options are available to each, such as long distance or call waiting? Ask yourself what is absolutely necessary for your business and make sure you are only paying for the services you need on each appropriate bill. It’s also likely that you can reduce expenses by “bundling” your services onto one bill, which can decrease your overall expenses by 1o to 20%, depending on your provider. Look into all your options and make sure you aren’t paying for something you don’t use. For example, do you have to call long distance from your land line? If not, eliminate this from your service package. Use your cell instead for long distance calls. This tends to be the more cost effective option.

4. Website hosting fees.This is a very competitive industry and as a result, you can be competitive in who you choose to go with. Consider what your hosting package includes and 1) if you are using all the options you are paying for and 2) if you are paying additional for what is not included. Then speak with a representative of your web-hosting company on how you can eliminate some costs. It’s possible you are in a contract that you can’t alter immediately, but you should be prepared to change contracts and possibly hosts based on what you discover in your research. Remember that despite the research you did when you originally decided on a host, it’s likely options and deals have since changed.

5. Cleaning services. Anyone who works in retail knows there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all. Unfortunately, when times are tough, you might need to find those extra hours to do it all – and not all that you want to do! Cleaning services and janitorial services are a luxury we can each appreciate, but when your dollars are stretching thin, this may be one way to save some money.

There are many things that can be evaluated for each individual business in an effort to reduce expenses. Internet expenses, part time employees, floral arrangements and landscaping are just a few other things to consider. If you have ideas or first hand experience as to what has helped you, let us know. Please comment below.