My Favorite Things in “Retail” Right Now

Favorite Products

PopATot Avtivity Center – This amazing product was created by a mom of five who searched high and low for something that would allow her to include her little ones in all the things they loved, which includes camping, outside activities, and travel… As well as having her own pair of hands to simply get things done at home while still keeping her little ones happy. The result? The creation of PopATot, an activity center built on a sturdy frame with a canvas body that can fold up and go with her anywhere! As a mom of a 6 month old, I can honestly say this is genuis. I only wish I had knew about it before I bought a big, bulky activity center that sits in the middle of my living room and can’t even get through our standard framed doors. PopATot is our new best friend, though, coming with us to friends houses, neighborhood get togethers, the doggy beach, and so much more. With it’s light weight and easy pack and go carrier, PopATot is a must have in any baby store and definitely in any baby’s home! At only $59.99 retail, this is something you don’t want to dismiss. To see for yourself, visit www.PopATot.com.

Flirt Buttons & More – Need a fun party favor? What about a different gift idea? Or maybe just because?

Fabric Covered Mirrors

Flirt Buttons offer a great assortment of “little” things to make every day fun. They offer monogrammed mirrors, adorable pendants, hair accessories, magnets, and more that are primarialy made with fabric covered details. With super affordable prices, these adorable trinkets are the perfect add on sale at retail, as well as offer an adorable customized approach for wedding showers, baby showers, and anything else custom. The designer, Sharon Britt from Georgia, sells her product on Etsy but also sells to retailers, attends craft fairs, and is open to customized requests. Check out her Etsy shop to learn more, www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com.

Rubber Stamps & More – If you are a small business owner like me, then Rubber Stamps.net is a great go to place for both buiness and personal products! Offering a wide assortment of stamps, address labels, and more, RubberStamps.net helps business owners by making their “to do” list easier. They offer stamps that notify customers of invoices, late fees, deposit details, addresses, customer logos, and so much more. I have the Retail Minded logo in a rubber stamp that I simply press onto paper for a million different reasons and boom, I’m done. In addition, I use a rubber stamp for my return address that also serves as a notice to where to send payments to. It’s on my “to do” list to order many more stamps to save me time while also making my work papers look more polished! To see how RubberStamps.net products can help make your busy day easier while also helping your professional outreach look great, too, check out www.RubberStamps.net 

Favorite Services

Owning an independent retail or wholesale business can be tough, not to mention pricey. There is always something to do and very rarely can you take a vacation from your business. Luckily, there are some great team players out there who can help your business by offering valuable services! While I also provide services designed to support independent retailers and wholesalers at Retail Minded, I love that others are offering great service for small business owners, as well. Below are a few of my favorites.

D’Luxe Press and Design – What do you get when you take two young moms in North Carolina with five kids between them, two hubbies, two houses, two pets, and a lot of love for all things baby? D’Luxe Press and Design! This fabulous PR support agency offers their services to those looking to launch their baby based products to the world. They have tons of online blogging experience, media connections, and dedication – making their unique support the perfect partner for those trying to get their baby products some press! You can learn more about their services by visiting www.dluxepressanddesign.com.

Pitch Press – I love what Pitch Press offers to their fashion clients – affordable press that even inlcudes a la carte options! Here I was thinking I was the only one doing a la carte, but it turns out they are, too, and doing it well at that!

Pitch Press

Pitch Press manages media and press placement for fashion clients, offering the opportunity to be placed in trade publications, online outlets, national magazines, and so much more. If you are in fashion and need unique and affordable support to help get your product or brand recognized, check out Pitch Press today! www.pitchpress.com

Favorite Resources

There are so many great options for independent retailers and wholesalers to lean on these days. Among my favorite right now are Twitter and Retailing Together.

Twitter – I would be genuinely surprised if you have not heard of Twitter yet. Even celeberties are tweeting these days in between their already jammed pack papparzazzi schedule. But for the rest of the world, tweeting offers an amazing conncetion between businesses by allowing people, their products, and their services a way to get to know each other. While I can see how it can take up time,  Twitter doesn’t need to be a waste of time. That said, if you just play on it all day, it could easily distract you from getting your  real work done. But using it to connect to new customers, learn new things, and promote your business IS work, afterall. Take the time to learn what all the buzz is about to see if Twitter may work for you! Personally, I prefer it over Facebook and itch to get my Twitter time in each day! www.twitter.com

Retailing Together – Like Retail Minded, Retailing Together supports the independent retailer through a blog as well as a soon to launch retail technology. The website provides support to retailers by educating them on the current marketplace while also offering them links to a variety of resoures. The founder, Eric Busboom, takes a dedicated approach to understanding what is happening within retail and shares his insight with his readers and introduces guest contributors, as well, on a frequent basis. Check out www.retailingtogether.com to see how it may be a great resource for your business needs!

We would love to hear what your favorite  things are! Please comment directly to this blog and let us know!