Author: Publisher

Walgreens has long been at the forefront of retail revolutions. Before the days of the Internet, the company would deliver prescriptions to their customers by the time they got off the phone. Today, the drugstore is changing the face of retail again with its scan-to-refill prescriptions. Customers simply scan their empty pill bottles to order new prescriptions instantly. They can then be picked up in a local store or delivered to their door, whatever is most convenient for the customer. It is this notion of bricks-and-clicks that is taking the retail world by storm.

With the holiday buying season in full swing, retailers stand to make 20 to 40 percent of their annual sales in November and December. Inexpensive, add-on items such as Don’t shake it!™ sound effects for gifts can help merchants reach their sales goals. Users simply turn on Don’t shake it! and place it inside a gift box. The sound is activated when the box is moved, masking what is inside to provide additional suspense.

Thunder Ridge® emu products are made of oil derived from the fat of the emu bird, which contains 22 fatty acids including the essential fatty acids. Emu oil is an ancient healing tool, first used by the native people of Australia, to treat the skin, muscles, scalp and hair, and joints, and studies show that the oil has anti-aging, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

With winter drawing near, many retailers are busy filling their shops with precut apparel, from clothes and jackets to boots and shoes. This year it is all about being stylish and chic, as well as comfy and cozy. From teal skinny jeans to animal printed scarves, fashion suppliers are offering an array of merchandise in the hottest colors, styles and fabrics.

Retailers and fashionistas of the world have a lot to be excited about for spring, as so many fabulous trends are upon us. There is something for everyone, and retailers do not have to wait to start incorporating these hot looks into their product lines. What follows are the top trends that were spotted on the runways for spring 2014, and how you can start selling them now.

With five fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year than last, 32 percent of indie retailers are starting their holiday promotions earlier than last year, according to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and American Express. American Express founded the event, which is November 30 this year, in 2010. Many small business owners who are aware of Small Business Saturday say the day will be a part of their promotional calendar as it will be helpful in attracting new customers.

North Gate Silver Inc. wholesales an extensive line of .925 sterling silver jewelry, including charms, chains and necklaces, earrings, bangles and bracelets, CZ rings for men and women, and engagement rings and wedding bands. Many items are available in the micro pave style. The company owners have deep product and industry knowledge, having been in the wholesale jewelry business since 1977, and offer retailers the most popular traditional and trending styles.

E-Birds remote control toys, manufactured by CBJ Global LLC, are colorful gliders that are easier to operate than most R/C helicopters. These entertaining devices look and act like real birds, flapping their wings, and climbing, swooping and diving through the air, while making a simulated bird sound. A rudder on the bird’s tail allows the user to direct the unit left or right, and the easily controlled wing speed makes E-Bird climb higher and fly faster or slower, or hover in place.

Retail payment solutions can and should be optimized to the needs of each individual business. Todd Robinson, VP of Marketing for North American Bancard, a full service payment solutions provider, recently spoke with Independent Retailer magazine about the range of small business payment products such as credit, debit, EBT, and gift and loyalty cards, available to help indie retailers support and grow their businesses.