As we continue our March retail tips of the day, today’s installment focuses on how your retail store can (or should be) using the new social media tools to help engage customers and drive sales. Here we present 5- though in reality there are more like 50,005- reasons why these tools work so effectively for any retail business.

1.Social Media is great for businesses of all size.Using SM, small and medium-sized businesses can create marketing campaigns that are able reach large numbers of potential customers but at a fraction of the cost. However, SM is not a silver bullet. It must be integrated into an overall marketing campaign and deliver a message that supports the brand and that is focused on achieving a business goal. Note: The costs in dollars for using social media may be low, but the cost incurred may be a steep one. Its time. You (or your employees) must be willing to commit the time to social media to achieve the results you desire.

2.Listen and you shall hear.Using social media is a great way to listen and communicate what your prospects and customers are saying about your business. Listening to the online chatter for your brand is critical at all times. Not only can you hear good news and nice things being said in real-time to share with other prospects or customers, but you can also deal with potential unsatisfied customers in as timely a manner that can go a long way putting out a fire before it becomes an inferno.

3. Social media can dramatically influence buying decisions. In the past, customers looked for product feedback from trusted friends and influencers. Today, consumers take to the internet seeking online opinions – and as we mentioned earlier – many times from people they have actually never come face to face with. But don’t be fooled, the recommendations of “strangers” can have as dramatic affect on purchasing decisions as a referral from their own brother or neighbor.

4.The More the Merrier.Utilizing social media tools, businesses can reach a significantly larger pool of potential customers. And while many companies might not be able to increase their physical space, they can afford to increase their online “space” to reach new markets and thus new customers all the time.

5. Social Media creates effective Word of Mouth strategies.As we know from traditional marketing approaches, satisfied customers are more than happy to give referrals for a job well done or products they love. Creating a process which uses social media to spread word of mouth referrals for your business can deliver your referral efforts both farther and faster (upwards of 1000 fold more people!) than your current traditional referral campaigns. That alone is worth the time and effort for your business to use social media!

Lynn Switanowski is the President of Creative Business Consulting Group, (CBCG) an International Retail Consulting firm headquartered in Boston, MA. CBCG partners with retailers, etailers and manufacturers to create and implement profit improving sales, marketing and inventory management programs. CBCG helps Independent retailers understand the business opportunities created by today’s changing consumer trends and helps retailers to harness the power of social media marketing tools to connect with today’s wired consumers. Lynn frequently speaks at retail trade shows across North America and teaches retail marketing and branding at several colleges in the Boston area. She began her career at as a buyer at Federated Department stores.

Email Lynn: lynn@cbc-group.net
Facebook: http://www.fb.com/cbcgroup
Twitter: @retailhelper

Plastic garment bags are frequently used by dry cleaning stores to package hanging clothing such as shirts, slacks, and dresses, after they have been laundered and pressed. They are also used in the world of retail to package and protect hanging clothing so the customer can get it to their home safely. The bags are also used in homes to store clothing for longer periods of time.

Garment bags help to keep clothes nicely pressed insuring the folds are kept intact and the garments remain wrinkle free. They also protect clothing from getting dirty or dusty. Some are clear allowing you to see what garment is hanging in them. This is handy so that stores can keep their merchandise straight and for individuals so they know which bag contains a dress and which contains slacks. It is convenient not to have to open each bag to determine what’s inside.

Retail suppliers carry three main types of garment bags: one kind is clear poly bags, a reusable variety that is made of a heavier plastic, and a tinted poly variety which come in a range of colors so that you can find one to match your brand. The bags are made with a hole in the top for a hanger to poke out so the items can be hung with the plastic covering them. Many have sloped shoulders so they fit the shape of the garment and hanger well. Poly garment bags come on rolls for easier dispensing, similar to rolls of trash bags.

To make the use of this packaging even easier there are plastic garment bag stands and 3-roll garment bag racks. The stand stores the roll of bags on its end so that it takes up less space and can be stored on the floor right next to the register or in the backroom. The 3-roll rack is great to store rolls in the back room, or for businesses that use large quantities of garment bags, such as a dry cleaner.

Purchasing bulk plastic garment bags wholesale is a cost effective solution to the need for hanging garment packaging. If you sell clothing in your store, own a dry cleaning business or any business that deals with clothing or fabrics, you should have a good supply of plastic bags in stock. Research the companies with the best prices as well as the best products to find which plastic bags are best for your business.

Along with the choice of clear or colored, you might also consider having your logo printed on the bags as a marketing strategy. Custom printed plastic garment bags will add an extra touch to the packaging.

Nu-era.com is a service of The Nu-Era Group, LLC -the industry leader in store fixtures, supplies, and fulfillment. Nu-Era has been providing its customers with competitively priced quality products with customer-oriented service since 1949. Check Nu-Era.com for your plastic garment bags need.

If your business is lucky enough to have a store front window, then you should take full advantage of it. This is one of the best ways of advertising your business and it is relatively inexpensive. The right retail store displays can make people want to go into your store and see what you have to offer.

On the other hand a drab display can also be very off putting. There is only a brief opportunity to get customers to come to you and it is important to get their attention and make sure they want to come to you. If you get this right at the very least they will come and see what you have to offer, giving you the chance to sell your business.

It is a good idea to start with some basic things. Make sure that your windows are clean. Use a decent quality cleaning product and apply it properly. Overdoing the spray or applying it in the wrong way can result in streaks. Even if you have an attractive display streaks on the window are often very off putting and look very slapdash.

With a display make sure that the items are arranged asymmetrically to catch the eye. The main item you want to promote should be in the middle. This is what is often referred to as the focal point in that this is where you want someone to focus their attention. Other items should be relevant and placed alongside it.

The products should always look good. Make sure that they are kept clean. If the products are older and have been unsold for some time then do what you can to get rid of them, especially if newer stock is coming in. Less space will mean it will be harder to display the stock attractively.

Some stores may not necessarily have a front window. This does not necessarily mean you cannot attract people coming in. You may put posters on your doors or use outside A frames in order to get the attention of passing trade. Make sure you check before putting anything up as some malls and other retail units may have restrictions on displays.

It cannot be emphasised enough that you should keep everything looking like the brand image you want to achieve. If you want bright and vibrant use bold colours and do what you can to attract attention. For more elegant displays consider using glass shelves and more minimal lighting. If you do choose to display on glass shelves regularly remove the items and polish the shelves as the lighting can highlight dust if it is not done on a frequent basis.

Always look closely at your retail store displays. Take a step back and see if they work. Do not be afraid to ask for feedback from people in store or other work colleagues. Finally look in the till at the end of the day and monitor sales reports for the period the display is shown. With the right approach you will get the most from your store.