Permalink | Email this | Comments (13) |

"It's time to drink the Kool-Aid." Ever heard that phrase? It's old and used a lot. So, I'd like to suggest a new phrase-" It's time to bite the Apple."

What does that mean exactly? If you've been into an Apple retail store, you will know. If you haven't, well, it's time to “bite the Apple” and go see and experience for yourself the most dynamic and exciting experience at retail to come along in quite some time. This past Sunday, I could not even move inside my local Apple retail store as there were so many people there.

Here are the things that I noticed about the Apple retail shopping experience:

1. The signage is world class and simple. I can find what I need on my own and immediately interact with it.

2. The people are extremely knowledgeable and friendly and helpful. All of them. No atti...Read More

Permalink | Email this | Comments (7) |

What's important to know...

In the interest of fair disclosure, I have recently taken on a new client, Furnituredealer.net which runs the websites for 36 independent brick and mortar retailers in the United States. My association with this company has taught me several things already that are really important for my readers to know and I want to share a few of them with you.

First and foremost, what's important to you as a retailer is that your website is FOUND by people who are looking to buy furniture from you in your local trading area . This is what the term "search engine optimization" means. By search engine optimizing your website for local search, it helps Google, Yahoo, etc. ...Read More

Permalink | Email this | Comments (3) |

Tina's question holds all the answers for what inspires today's consumer. We are looking to fall in love with our brands. We want them to love us back.

Does this sound too "soft" to you? Do you think it's not actionable? Think again, dear readers.

Why are so many consumers insanely loyal to Harley-Davidson, Starbucks, Whole Foods, eBay and Amazon. Why are YOU in love with and loyal to YOUR favorite brands? Really, WHY? What are they offering you that makes you want to pay their premium?

I think the answer is that each of these brands has gone OUT OF T...Read More

Permalink | Email this | Comments (5) |

As many of you know, I am a big fan of using technology to enhance your customer's experience in your store. However, how many of you are actively using it to DRAW traffic into your store?

And, you might ask, what's so new and compelling that people would actually drive to my store to see it and use it?

Ahhh...check out Microsoft's new "Surface" computer interface. Go to microsoft.com/surface and check out this AMAZING new way to use a computer interface to purchase goods.

Microsoft has inked four different launch partners for "Surface"- T-Mobile and Starwood Resorts being two.

How could furniture retailers use it? Imagine a customer being able to walk into your store, browse at their leisure, pick out an accessory, put in on "Surf...Read More