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How To Make The News
P.T. Barnum, he of circus fame, once said, “Without promotion something terrible happens ... nothing!” A master promoter, Barnum would sweep into town with a flourish. He’d parade the elephants through the streets and send clowns to visit children in local hospitals. He’d offer tours of the Big Top and hold contest after contest to attract crowds. The people loved it, and so did the media, which showed up in droves. Barnum was a master at publicity. You can be, too. Download the pdf. (956K)
We Love Southwest Airlines: Try it, the Culture is Good.
We prefer Southwest Airlines, even though they fly out of an airport that is farther away and harder to get to. We don’t mind because their people don’t treat us like we’re an inconvenience. They actually seem glad to see us. Download the pdf. (292K)
Is Your Store Zoomer Friendly
We were walking through the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas when we stopped to watch a group of 50-something women try and navigate their way down the cobblestone streets. They weren’t intoxicated, they were merely trying their best not to catch a heel and lose their balance on the uneven flooring. We’ve seen this happen on more than one occasion, and apparently so has the hotel, because posted at each entrance is a classy brass sign warning guests about the possible hazards of the uneven walkways. Download the pdf. (183K)
NEW! He Shops, She Shops -- Differently. (4/17/06)
Flooring: April-May, 2004 issue
It's an interesting fact in the flooring business that most salespeople are men and most consumers are women... View article.
The Cost of One Lost Customer
Georganne has been cruising furniture stores lately looking for a new couch, love seat, and over-stuffed chair for her family room. It’s time. Two teenagers and their scores of friends have made this replacement necessary. The problem is that Georganne knows exactly what she wants, but she hasn’t been able to find it. So when a friend recommended an independently owned furniture store not too far from her house, George checked it out. Download the pdf. (45K)
The Glamorous Life
People who don’t travel for a living think business travel is so glamorous. You get to see the world, eat at the finest restaurants, and stay at Five Star hotels! Actually, we see more of the world’s airports and convention centers, eat at fast food restaurants, and stay at hotels where folks are sometimes less-than-thrilled to see us. Download the pdf. (1.4M)
Thinking Outside the Big Box
We were giving a presentation at a marketing conference and the topic was “Neutralizing Your Competition.” We were just getting into a discussion on Shoppertainment, sharing a story about a retailer who held a fancy catered dinner in her store, along with a trunk show, demonstrations, and pedicures, when we noticed that one man’s eyes had glazed over. Download the pdf. (419K)
Hey There, Hi There, Ho There
After two great days at the Creating Keepsakes University–Retail Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, we were off to speak in Orlando. We left CKU-R on a happy note, our spirits buoyed by the positive “we can do it all” attitudes of the attendees. And we were looking forward to working in Orlando, mostly because when we were finished with business, we knew we’d make a stop at Walt Disney World – “The Happiest Place on Earth!” Download the pdf. (397K)
Lagniappes
Our friends, Dan and Wayne Boudreaux, affectionately known as “Stomper” and “Hot Dog,” are retailers from the great state of Louisiana. Stomper and Hot Dog have taught us quite a few things over the years. One of the best is a lagniappe. The Independent Retailer’s Secret Weapon. Download the pdf. (551K)
We’re Going to Vegas, Baby!
Think you’ve seen Las Vegas? Think again! It’s only been a year since we were all together at the MemoryTrends Trade Show, but in that short time, Vegas has changed. This city never sleeps – it stays on the cutting edge of what’s new, hot, and happening. As much time as we spend in Las Vegas each year, it’s still the first place we go for ideas and inspiration. Las Vegas is more than a place; it’s a multi-sensory experience! Download the pdf. (466K)
We’ve Got Spirit
We had the opportunity to spend some quality time with a group of our peers while speaking at a conference in Las Vegas. We had a few hours to spare before we had to catch our respective flights, so we all had dinner together. Download the pdf. (359K)
We’d Shake Your Antennae
2004 started out with a bang that continued throughout the entire year. In January, we were thrilled when Craftrends named us two of Today’s Most Influential People. In June, we were surprised to learn that our column had earned the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Award of Excellence. And in October we were snapped back to reality big time. Download the pdf. (374K)
We Celebrate 15 Years Together!
The American Heritage Dictionary of the American Language, a book we rely upon heavily when writing our columns, defines a milestone as “An important event, as in a person’s career; a turning point.” Download the pdf. (397K)
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