Author: Publisher

Ask anyone: “Do more knowledgeable, experienced, passionate people create better buying experiences?” The inevitable answer: “Of course!” Successful brands and retailers know that engaged and knowledgeable sales associates are a key part of competing in today’s retail environment.

Candy retailers are discovering that using the Internet to market their wide selection of candies and products in their stores is helping to increase their profits at a rate like never before. Candy retailers have evolved into diverse businesses that sell everything from your classic lollipops to artisanal creations. There are countless media outlets that can be used as a resource and this makes business only sweeter.

Campground stores can be like fishing in a barrel. You have a campground full of people with nowhere else to spend their money so start reeling them in! You may be thinking “there’s a big box store just down the street so there is no use for me to sell anything.”

The October 2014 issue of Independent Retailer Magazine includes a feature on cart & kiosk success, best methods to ring the register this holiday season and an IGES/SSS exhibitor preview. Check out more timely Product Trends, News, and Marketing tips as they are added to our website.

There is a lot of talk these days about switching to virtual, digital and mobile payments. We hear every day about how soon we’ll be paying for holiday shopping sprees with our phones instead of our wallets and plastic gift cards. However, you probably didn’t know that the vast majority of Americans still prefer physical gift cards to electronic ones.

It’s an exciting time to be an online retailer, especially because new third-party marketplaces are cropping up regularly in the evolving e-commerce landscape. The global success of Amazon and eBay has led to an explosion of marketplaces from newer players that provide retailers with opportunities to grow their online sales, both domestically and internationally. While the addition of marketplaces provides more revenue opportunities, it can be a challenge for retailers to determine which options make the most sense for their products.

Scarves Galore and More is a one-stop shop for wholesale women’s clothing accessories and has an ever-growing selection of beautiful, high quality products of which owner, Deborah Marchand carefully selects. Independent Retailer recently spoke with Marchand on trends for the upcoming fall and winter season and what she sees as consistent sellers in the fashion accessories and apparel industry.

One word describes the recent ASD Las Vegas show: “Fantastic” says Karalynn Sprouse, executive vice president of merchandise group and international sourcing at Emerald Expositions. This August many of their legacy exhibitors reported a much stronger August versus 2013 and the show continued to be one of the strongest in order writing in the industry.

Instagram’s focus on images makes it an appealing marketplace for brands and consumers alike. Comment selling with Instagram presents a fantastic opportunity for customer engagement. Here are 10 tips to build an Instagram brand and monetize the channel:

Whether trying to prep little ones for school or simply to ward off boredom on a rainy afternoon, parents who want to get their kids experimenting, creating and exploring the world around them will gravitate toward toys and games that teach important STEAM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).