Retail Angles · Retail Angles 5 Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming...

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Retail Angles A Monthly Newsleer for Retail Alliance Members E d u c a t i o n A d v o c a c y B e n e t s May 2013 Tips to Combat Showrooming

Transcript of Retail Angles · Retail Angles 5 Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming...

Page 1: Retail Angles · Retail Angles 5 Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming Virginia Gubernatorial election, met with Retail Alliance members on April 2, 2013. McAuliffe

Retail Angles A Monthly Newsletter for Retail Alliance

Members

EducationAdvocacy Bene�ts

May 2013

Tips to Combat Showrooming

Page 2: Retail Angles · Retail Angles 5 Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming Virginia Gubernatorial election, met with Retail Alliance members on April 2, 2013. McAuliffe

Generational Marketing—Understanding your CustomerThe methodology of marketing to a specific generation is affecting how retailers promote and sell products in today’s highly competitive climate. Understanding your clientele is essential when designing marketing pieces, providing customer service and stocking store shelves. Each generation has their own characteristic that is unique as it relates to communication styles, quality of life, values/belief systems, wardrobes, and lifestyles. There are four generational categories that most marketers focus on.• Millennial—born after 1980 • Generation X—born between 1965 and 1980• Baby Boomers—born between 1946 and 1964• Silent Generation—born prior to 1946• Homeland Generation—will most likely be the newest segment.In order to market effectively to a particular generation you must find a way to grab their attention by using a message that resonates with them. Generational marketing is based on lifestyles and social values that have an influence on buying and purchasing decisions. This strategy, coupled with traditional demographics (income, education and gender), can be a powerful concept when establishing and maintaining a great customer base.To create a comprehensive marketing strategy based on product offerings, you must first:1. Understand what generation your business caters to. 2. Determine how to motivate your demographic base by matching

communication styles that correlate to the values of the targeted generation.

3. Once you understand communication styles you will then be able to customize a message that caters to that particular generation as it applies to your products and services.

4. Present a message describing your offerings through a communication style that matches their needs.

By utilizing a Customer Relations Management (CRM) system, you can easily determine which generations are likely candidates for your products and services. Of course, every generation ultimately passes through the same life stages. As the younger generations find their place in society in the form of consumers, employees and parents, it becomes more important for businesses to acknowledge this soon-to-be-powerful demographic. By understanding your targeted generation, you can build brand loyalty today that should serve you well down the road.Just remember, each of us is a product of a given generation. Understanding how to communicate to customers, vendors and employees is vital to our every day success. From the Retail Alliance crib, can you dig it?Warm regards,

Ray MattesPresident/CEO, Retail Alliance2 Retail Angles

CONTENTS

Managing Editor:Kylie Ross Sibert, Marketing & Communications Director, Retail Alliance

Writer:Kylie Ross Sibert

Contributing Writers:Kate Baker, Ankita Aras, Sarah Kingsley, Ray Mattes

Graphic Design:Kylie Ross Sibert

Printer:Professional Printing Center

2 The Corner Post

3 Upcoming Events

3 Retail Happenings Photo Montage

4 Member Spotlight: Old Hampton Ice Cream Parlor

5 Legislative Update: McAuliffe Outlines His Vision

6 Cover Story: Combating Showrooming

8 Member Spotlight: The Cake Place

9 Retail Pulse: Local Sales Increased Compared to National Results

10 On-Board Interview with Scott Freeman, Auctioneer

10 FeaturedMemberBenefit:OfficeMax

11 Announcing the Finalists for Retailer of the Year

11 New Retail Alliance Members

12 Premier Partners

The Corner Post

Ray Mattes, President/CEO

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Upcoming Events

When: May 7, 2013Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMWhere: Quirks of Art 1430 High St, #709,

Williamsburg, VA 23185Cost: FreeRSVP: http://bit.ly/QofA_R2R

When: June 4, 2013Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMWhere: CLT Accounting / Atlantic Plumbing

& Heating 3526 George Washington

Memorial Hwy, Suite C, Yorktown, VA 23693 Pilgrim Village on Rt. 17 (Franklin American Building)

Cost: FreeRSVP: http://bit.ly/CLT_R2R

Retail 2 Retail Networking May & Early June EventsJoin us for an evening complete with fun, networking and food! Please RSVP so we can plan refreshments. Feel free to bring guests; all are welcome! If you would like to donate a door prize, please contact your membership director.

For more info or to host a future networking event, contact Sarah Kingsley, Marketing & Event Coordinator at Retail Alliance at (757) 455-9324 or email [email protected].

Other Upcoming EventsWhat: Retailer of the Year AwardsWhen: Thursday, May 23, 6:30 PM - 10:00 PMWhere: The Granby Theater, 421 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510Cost: Finalists receive a free ticket; Other tickets are $45, which includes heavy hors

d’ouevres, entertainment, music, networking and a cash bar.RSVP: http://bit.ly/ROTY2013 What: Loss Prevention Task Force Luncheon Topic: How the FBI has changed since 911. This will include a brief overview of their

Community Outreach ProgramWhen: Tuesday, May 28, 2013, 11:45 AM - 1:00 PMWhere: Retail Alliance, 838 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510Cost: FreeRSVP: Must RSVP to Beth Parsons at [email protected]

Retail Happenings

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What does home remodeling and running a retail business have in common? According to Lani & Chance Davis, you must “plan on twice the time and three times the money you thought you would need.” While still in the middle of their learning curve, the owners of Old Hampton Ice Cream Parlor are growing their business and gaining experience. They know a thing or two about remodeling since they are located in the oldest commercial building in downtown Hampton, built circa 1872.

Chance retired from his consultant business several years ago, and when Lani retired from Old Point National Bank in December of 2010, they decided that starting a business

was preferable to driving each other crazy around the house. Last year in an interview with David Paul Kleinman at AltDaily, Lani explained, “We were in North Carolina last summer when we walked into a parlor, and at 10:30 on a Tuesday morning, there were 8 customers in the place. The ice cream was good, and Chance started chatting up the owner. A couple of days later, he said ‘You know, we ought to do that.’ Knowing that I was going to retire at the end of the year, and also that I have few, if any, talents or interests of a domestic nature, a business just seemed a natural.”

Since opening on May 27, 2011, the ice cream parlor has experienced growth despite the economy; opening seasonal satellite locations at the Paradise Ocean Club on Ft. Monroe and at War Memorial Stadium on Pembroke

Avenue during baseball season. This will be their first year at the Stadium and second at the Paradise Ocean Club. “We are happy to establish seasonal satellites, but we don’t yet have an appetite for a second location. We intend to grow our business as downtown Hampton grows. We love this place and want to be a part of its rosy future.”

It seems that ice cream might be recession proof. Stormy R. on YELP commented “Love this place! It’s a perfect complement to the carousel that’s a few blocks away. My daughter experienced her first taste of ice cream here. It has a slightly old timey feel, great ice cream, friendly staff, and good prices.”

Read the rest of their story on our blog. www.retail-alliance.com/blog.

Visit Old Hampton Ice Cream Parlor at:5 E. Queen’s WayHampton, VA 23669757-251-6678facebook.com/OldHamptonIceCreamParlor v

M E M B E R S P O T L I G H TOLD HAMPTON ICE CREAM PARLOR

Page 5: Retail Angles · Retail Angles 5 Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming Virginia Gubernatorial election, met with Retail Alliance members on April 2, 2013. McAuliffe

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Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming Virginia Gubernatorial election, met with Retail Alliance members on April 2, 2013. McAuliffe presented an overview of his business perspective and his goals for Virginia if elected this coming November. In addition, McAuliffe opened up the floor for a question and answer portion; allowing our members to voice their concerns and needs.

McAuliffe spoke about many things during this meeting, including his business background and how he believes that will be a benefit to the citizens of Virginia. As an entrepreneur and a business owner, he hopes to bring his business knowledge to running the Commonwealth.

McAuliffe stated that the key to turning Virginia around is to focus on education, transportation, and bringing new businesses to the Commonwealth. In order to bring in new businesses, McAuliffe believes that Virginia must be a business friendly state. He said that this is accomplished by keeping tax rates low, eliminating unnecessary regulations, and lowering the hurdles that businesses have to overcome in order to flourish.

During the meeting, our members had the opportunity to ask McAuliffe about issues important to them as small business owners and as individuals. A variety of issues and topics were covered during this portion of the meeting. The questions included topics such as tax restructuring,

transportation issues, renewable energy, the Port of Virginia, and many more.

As a non-partisan organization, Retail Alliance welcomes any political candidate who requests a meeting with our members. This provides our membership base with an educational forum and the chance to voice their opinions.

The meeting with McAuliffe was a wonderful opportunity for our members to hear the positions of McAuliffe on many issues important to the small business community. v

Legislative Update: McAuliffe Outlines His Visionby Kate Baker, Director of Government Affairs, Retail Alliance

About Terry McAuliffeGubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe is a businessman, entrepreneur, and dad who has lived in Fairfax County, Virginia for over 20 years. He is the son of Jack McAuliffe, who was an Army Captain in World War II, and Millie McAuliffe, who raised Terry and his three brothers. The youngest kid growing up in a middle class family, Terry knew he would need to pay his own way through college. So, at age 14, he started a business paving driveways for neighbors and local businesses. Since then, he has worked with and led numerous businesses in diverse sectors of the economy helping to improve companies and create economic opportunity.

In politics and business, Terry has worked with people from all walks of life and different political backgrounds.McAuliffe attended Catholic University and Georgetown Law School. Terry and his wife Dorothy were married in 1988 and made Virginia their home over 20 years ago because it was where they wanted to raise their children. They’ve attended St. Luke Catholic Church for two decades and have been involved in every sport, activity, and competition imaginable with their five children Dori, Jack, Mary, Sally, and Peter.

Did you know...that the U.S. Senate endorsed the Marketplace Fairness Act and that it will now be heard on the floor of the Senate for a vote?

Page 6: Retail Angles · Retail Angles 5 Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming Virginia Gubernatorial election, met with Retail Alliance members on April 2, 2013. McAuliffe

“We also make sure that we buy from suppliers that respect the role the brick and mortar store play in the distribution process. Our suppliers must have a clearly defined Internet policy that is fair to the retailer.”

When asked if online sales have cannibalized in-store sales, another retailer, Carla Mackie from The Full Cup commented, “I say yes, meaning somewhat. We have customers who come in to be sized and then go onto the Internet to purchase at either a lower price or without tax.”

There are many lists available on how to combat showrooming and we’ve compiled what we think are some of the best ways to address the issue.

1. Seek Out Truly Unique Products

If a customer can easily find the exact same product online, the chance of showrooming increases dramatically. Evaluate what products are heavily discounted online, and if you choose to carry that product, carry the colors to make

the product pop and encourage in-store buys. Spend your time at trade shows looking for different and unusual merchandise. Carry locally made products or private-label items. Create custom floral arrangements, or enhance pieces so customers are getting more than the standard item.

2. Make Merchandise an Experience

One thing an Internet site could never do is to create a welcoming and appealing atmosphere in which customers just want to immerse themselves. People shop for more reasons than just to buy an item; they shop for the experience, the entertainment value, and the relaxation. Give them that with a fully decorated shop that has character. Incorporate scents, sights and sounds. Show them how a pillow, wreath or print can look in a beautiful setting. Set up a merchandising calendar, hire a merchandiser to do your windows and displays.

3. Connect on a Personal Level

Get to know customers by name and greet them warmly and sincerely every time they come in. Toss a free little gift in their bag once in a while. Offer to deliver a larger order. Provide samples of specialty foods or personal care products. Hold fun events. Go way over and beyond what you are currently doing now… Nothing can beat the human interaction factor.

4. Train Your Employees

Make sure your staff knows everything possible about

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Gone are the days of simply “open our doors and they will come”. Now, retailers need to know consumer behavior and be able to mesh online and brick and mortar strategies in order to compete today. This requires every retailer to make themselves unique and differentiate themselves from their competition.

“You’re not always going to win against online retailers but you need to be smart about it,” says Scott Freeman, business auctioneer in Hampton Roads. “You need to know your market, create a solid business plan, identify your own niche and have something that sets you apart from your competition; whether it be customer service, price, follow-up maintenance and service, or even matching prices from an online competitor.”

“Just recently I wanted to purchase a TV. Before I even left the house, I checked online for prices first before visiting a store. I visited three stores before I found one that was happy to match the online price, and then they threw in some 3D glasses. Although I won’t always be driven by price, in this particular case it closed the deal. But it was the customer service that will bring me back,” Freeman explained.

There is no question that in today’s world, consumers are empowered to access the Internet, anywhere, anytime. They expect to be able to use their smartphones to check other sources online for information, customer reviews or compare prices. This “showrooming” is not going away and the question has become, how do retailers combat it.

“Showrooming is a serious issue for today’s brick and mortar store,” remarked Claus Ihlemann of Decorum Furniture in Norfolk. “Customers come in and engage our sales staff to obtain all necessary information needed in the decision process, then leave to think about it, or to discuss with their spouse or friend. We may then never see or hear from the customer again.”

Combating showrooming is a major dilemma faced by many retailers. Is the answer to try to combat the smart-phone wielding price-comparers, or instead find ways to take advantage of the shoppers’ desire to use technology?

There are few recommendations on how to win the battle but Claus has concluded, “the retailer’s option is an open and frank conversation with the consumer. In the sales process, we acknowledge that the consumer has many possible options for making a purchase. We talk about the benefits of dealing with their local retailer.”

Combating Showroomingby Kylie Ross Sibert, Director of Marketing & Communications, Retail Alliance

People shop for more reasons than just to buy an item; they shop for the experience, the entertainment value, and the relaxation.

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a product, including how it’s made and how it can be used. Teach employees how to recognize buying clues in customers, and tell them to approach customers that seem to have questions or are consulting their phone. Send them to trade shows, have in-office training program. Your employees are the ones that create the relationships with your customers. That leads to loyalty and an ongoing relationship between brand and customer.

5. Emphasize Instant Gratification

If a customer finds something she loves, she usually wants it right then. With an Internet purchase, you still have to wait for the item to be delivered. Likewise, many people buy gifts on their way to a party. A web order can’t compete with product in hand at checkout.

6. Price your products appropriately

The days are gone of taking a $5.00 frame and marketing it up to $200.00. The consumer knows, and you do not want the consumer telling all their friends how over-priced you are. Price your products appropriately at keystone (50% markup) or a little above keystone. If you need more margin, focus on 2nd pair sales, add-ons and accessories.

7. Data-Mine

Data mine better. Send text or email notifications (coupons, discounts, new products) to customers – that are relevant based on purchase history. Beef up your software now in order to make this happen and make it easier to communicate with your customers or simply use an index card to record customer preferences.

8. Beef up your website

Website should be mobile friendly and SEO optimized. Using local SEO, store locators, Google maps, and Google locator will help you get found. Maybe setup an e-commerce area on your site using shopping cart software available, such as Magento, Bigcommerce or Shopp.

9. Coupons

Google Shopping’s paid ads provide a link for downloading coupons. RetailMeNot has a new app for iPhones with money-saving features designed to help retailers keep consumers in stores with discounts.

10. Market the Buy Local

Consumers may not realize how much they are hurting themselves community-wise by purchasing at the national chains and online. Buy local yourself and support the community and make sure you let your suppliers and customers know about this.

Retail is not a simple profession. Today, you must not only know how to sell but you are must integrate every online and offline marketing tactic available to gain advantage. v

Sources:

http://www.theopticalvisionsite.com/marketing-retail-strategies/top-10-ways-to-combat-showrooming/#.UXGs4YKd7Jw

http://www.retailcustomerexperience.com/blog/10007/The-five-ways-retailers-can-beat-showrooming

Page 8: Retail Angles · Retail Angles 5 Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming Virginia Gubernatorial election, met with Retail Alliance members on April 2, 2013. McAuliffe

From Navy retirement cakes that exhibit a feeling of respect to cakes that realistically resemble high end leather purses, The Cake Place creates almost anything imaginable. Does your bachelorette love shoes or wine, or your birthday boy love an NFL team or Nintendo? James and Rhonda Williams can create something just as unique as the person who needs a cake. These aren’t just rectangular cakes with an item drawn on them in 2D. Most of their cakes are three dimensional works of art as intricate as a sculpture.

“We not only take pride in our original and custom cake designs, but we also provide delicious cupcakes, irresistible cookies, and gift baskets. After all, we are the home of great cakes AND THINGS!” Rhonda and James opened their business in March 2000. James explained, “My wife baked a pound cake and some cookies that were extremely delicious and I said in jest, ‘We should sell these.’ The rest is history.”

The Cake Place offers private consultations and tastings for their customers. They make cakes for all occasions including, but not limited to, wedding showers, weddings, baby christenings, baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirements, promotions, welcome home, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and congratulatory cakes.

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Since starting their business, their greatest challenge was the long hours it took to bake at home. “I wish we had known back then that there were supplies and equipment that could make our job easier and quicker.” Over the last thirteen years, they have overcome this challenge and currently their biggest obstacle is one that all our Retail Alliance members can relate to: maintaining balance between work and family life. They have learned to adjust their workload in order to sustain the balance.

Working with their customers is rewarding and they are always gaining new insight from their clients. Getting out in the community is one way they meet new customers. For example, you might see Rhonda serving large squares of a sheet cake at the annual Girls Night Out at Chesapeake Square. “The best part of owning our own business is being able to make decisions that positively affect our customers.”

Looking around the web, you can find positive testimonials from customers of The Cake Place. Facebook Fan, Deborah Brown Gough writes, “Thank you for the outstanding service and fabulous cake you made for my daughter’s wedding on June 19th 2012. The cake was decorated with sea shells to perfection and everyone raved about the flavor, the icing and how moist the cake was. Your prompt delivery and set up helped to make the event less stressful. Although I no longer live in Portsmouth I will gladly recommend you to everyone I know who still does. You were OUTSTANDING!!!!!!”

Rhonda and James would like to expand their business. They advise that anyone wishing to start their own business should plan and do their homework first. v

Visit The Cake Place at:132 Chowan Dr.Portsmouth, VA 23701(757) 488-8851Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @TheCakePlace

M E M B E R S P O T L I G H TThe Cake Place

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Local Sales Increased Compared to National Results

This Retail Pulse Easter edition survey looked at shopping trends in Hampton Roads, where consumers shop, and their willingness to participate in seasonal purchases.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), “Easter shoppers were cautious spenders this season, the average person celebrating Easter will spend approximately $145.13 on candy, decor, apparel and food, flat with last year’s $145.28. Total spending will reach an estimated $17.2 billion.”

51 percent of retailers in Hampton Roads reported an increase in sales ranging from one to over 20 percent while 24 percent said sales fell flat this year.

Customers seemed to be in cheerful and relaxed spirits but a large group of shoppers (77%) were being cautious about spending and were on the hunt for bargains. Similar to national reports from the NRF, this clearly indicates consumers this season looked at price and value.

Jennifer Raines, owner of Quirks of Art, said, “Customers are open to spending on higher-end/big-ticket items, however many customers are still cautious about spending.” Specialty stores selling apparel, chocolate, gift items, home décor and garden art saw the biggest increases in sales.

According to the Retail Pulse survey, social media was the most utilized and the most effective advertising tool.

Respondents who kept up with the average consumer looking for bargains saw the biggest increase in sales. 41 percent of respondents had a promotion going on this Easter season and 70 percent of this group saw flat or increased sales this period.

Promotional tactics used by local retailers included email coupons, picking an easter egg in store with percentage discount inside, Easter dinner for pickup, event featuring samples and prize drawing.

Our survey results mirrored national findings; there was a decrease in sales of spring apparel, gardening tools and outdoor furniture. This could possibly be the impact of colder weather across the country. One retailer commented, “We sell clothing, so the late change in weather has pushed sales. Last year it got hot very early in March, making March a high sales month.”

38 percent of our respondents sold their products online and none of them saw a decrease in online sales from last year. A survey conducted by the NRF also found that many people utilized their smart-phones and tablets to shop and research items on the go. This closely ties in with this month’s cover story on “Combating Showrooming.” (page 6)

NRF Chief Economist, Jack Kleinhenz, summarizes spending trends this Easter season. “The fall off in spending is no surprise, a colder-than-usual winter, an anemic employment picture and delays in tax refunds impacted consumer spending across the board in March. While we remain optimistic that retail sales will grow modestly this year, it seems like the economy is off to a shaky start as we enter the second quarter. Improving housing prices and lower gas prices may help to offset the toll of increased taxes and sequester.”

We are always looking for more participants in the Retail Pulse surveys. If you are interested in participating, please contact Ankita Aras via email [email protected] or call 757-965-3000. v

While we did well for the Easter season it seemed very last minute. The timing of the date being so close after Valentine’s Day always works against us.Brenda, The Royal Chocolate

Page 10: Retail Angles · Retail Angles 5 Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming Virginia Gubernatorial election, met with Retail Alliance members on April 2, 2013. McAuliffe

1. How did you first become involved with Retail Alliance?

As a retailer/wholesaler, I thought it would be a good opportunity in terms of networking and taking advantage of the discounts and benefits. We use OfficeMax to print auction catalogues and we save at least $20 per week.

I was aware of RMA on Poplar Hall Dr but not aware of Retail Alliance and how it had members until a Membership Director approached me. That was about 4 or 5 years ago and I’ve been a member ever since.

2. What committees have you been involved with on the Retail Alliance Board?

I’m now in my third year as a Board member. This year I’m on the Budget, Bylaws and Nominating Committees.

3. Please share some of your thoughts and reflections about your board service and proudest accomplishments.

I’ve been impressed with the stand that Retail Alliance has taken with BPOL tax. I’ve also been involved in the review of our investment company and felt that I’ve had a small influence in identifying the avenue we should go down.

I believe I bring a different perspective and diversity to the Board from a non-retail side since I do auctions, liquidations and appraisals.

4. What are some of your hopes for Retail Alliance’s long-term future?

I’d like to see more education, tying in Retail Alliance with tools at the public school or college level, using the pool of successful current members and tying into the business sector. So many retailers don’t succeed because they haven’t got a solid business plan, have the wrong mix of merchandise, no backup finances

On-Board Interview with Scott Freeman, Auctioneer

10 Retail Angles

Sign up with OfficeMax and receive Retail Alliance’s great rates for printing and office supplies. Working with us, you’ll receive:

• Reduced pricing on more than 25,000 products and 4,000 environmentally preferable products and services

• Exclusive pricing on copies, posters, presentations and more at OfficeMax ImPress® digital print and document services (Black and white=3c/copy and Color=31c/copy)

• Free, next-day delivery* on most orders • Flexible ordering options: online at officemaxworkplace.com,

by phone at 800.248.6343 or in-store at any of our nearly 850 locations using your Retail ConnectSM card.

*Delivery is free for most in-stock catalog orders within our trade area (within 20 miles of an OfficeMax store) placed before 5 p.m. locally.

“I did all my printing with OfficeMax. The discount from Retail Alliance for OfficeMax saved me over half of my purchases from there. I was very excited with this benefit. I strongly recommend Retail Alliance for help with everything!”Alice Amory, Amory’s Seafood

“The OfficeMax discount card has allowed us to turn our printing from an expense to a profit center. We now sell our catalogues for more than we pay for them. It is a one of the prime reasons we stay current with Retail Alliance.”Bill Welch, Phoebus Auction Gallery

Featured

Member Benefit

in case of a bad month and aren’t keeping up to date with new technology.

5. What are some of the important trends that retailers need to be aware of to compete in the future?

There is so much change in marketing. What was once very traditional marketing in terms of TV, newspaper and radio is going in a completely different direction with the Internet and social marketing.

Trends I see include growth in social media marketing (non-traditional ways of marketing) and Internet sales for sectors who have the need.

Be prepared and well educated. I suggest you get to know your market: the condition, competition, margins, and how to reach your customers. Make sure you know your customer base. What sets you apart? Is it service, price, merchandise, follow-up maintenance?

6. What are some of your professional and personal goals in the coming years?

We’re developing the brand 757auctions and have shut down Dolphin Fixtures.

My dream is to live six months of the year down in Florida and set up my business purely online from there to take advantage of the income tax break and the weather.

My son is now involved in the business too and has been working full time with me for a year. My hope would be to see him take over the Tidewater auction market. v

Contact your membership director to receive your discount application. Take it to your retail OfficeMax store and the clerk will cut out the card and laminate it for you with your first purchase.

Page 11: Retail Angles · Retail Angles 5 Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming Virginia Gubernatorial election, met with Retail Alliance members on April 2, 2013. McAuliffe

Announcing the Finalists for Retailer of the Year!

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Business NameEsprit DecorAshley Furniture HomestoreCountryside GardensHealthy ConnectionPhoebus Auction GalleryBig Bob’s Flooring OutletCharlie’s JewelryWalk This WayChanges City SpaColley Avenue Copies & GraphicsD’Egg DinerEast Coast BicyclesFitness TogetherG & W Gifts & AwardsHope House Foundation Thrift StoreJake’s Place GhentNorfolk PrintingPhilip Michael Fashion for MenRapid RefillThe Norfolk Stationery CoThe Space AboveYorgo’s Bageldashery

City/TownChesapeakeChesapeakeHamptonHamptonHamptonHayesNewport NewsNewport NewsNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolk

Business NameFleet PrintingCafe StellaMiller Oil Company IncKathy Knack Interior DesignsPoquoson PharmacyEvangeline’s ClosetJewelry Repair & DesignSadielin Antiques & CollectiblesThe Coffee ShoppeAqua Leisure PoolsEco TrendsJody’s PopcornSimply Fresh CafeSimply Selma’sThe Full CupWorth the WaitDan Ryan’s for MenEsmeQuirks of ArtThe Peanut ShopSimply Unique Jewelry Designs

City/TownNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkNorfolkPoquosonPortsmouthPortsmouthPortsmouthPortsmouthVirginia BeachVirginia BeachVirginia BeachVirginia BeachVirginia BeachVirginia BeachVirginia BeachVirginia BeachVirginia BeachWilliamsburgWilliamsburgYorktown

Mary Barnett’sHome Accents, Gifts

& Interior Design

At Mary Barnett’s, you’re sure to find a gift as unique as the person you’re shopping for!

Mary Barnett’s | 4122 Gr anBy st | norfolk, Va 23504 | 757-622-1100 | w w w.MaryBarnetts.coM

2013 winner of the retailer of the year “lifetime achievement award”

congratulates

• Coucoon Signature Salon & Spa• Dollar Bargains & More• Ebony Arts & Gifts• Loja Lebion

• Long Jewelers• Morgan Enterprises dba Schlotzkys • Munchies Snack Shack• No Frill Bar & Grill

• Old Hampton Ice Cream Parlor• Randy Wright Associates• Table Seven Antiques• The Barrell II

Welcome New Retail Alliance Members!

Page 12: Retail Angles · Retail Angles 5 Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming Virginia Gubernatorial election, met with Retail Alliance members on April 2, 2013. McAuliffe

PRESORTED STANDARD

US POSTAGEPAID

Norfolk, VAPermit No. 01603

Our MissionWe promise to provide dependable, responsive and uncompromising products and services to retailers in Greater Hampton Roads that will enhance their opportunities for success and contribute to the economic health of the region.

838 Granby StreetNorfolk, Virginia 23510Tel: (757) 466-1600Fax: (757) 455-9332www.retail-alliance.com

The Inaugural Session - only open to Portsmouth residents - is a resounding success, both in terms of attendance, as well as lively interactions between students and teachers.

Given this enthusiasm, the Hampton Roads Retail Academy fully expects the Summer Session to be extraordinary, as class registration is now open to all in the South Hampton Roads region.

Register now at: www.HRSBDC.org, as the Session is expected to be filled quickly!

© 2013 Retail Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any forms or means without written permission from Retail Alliance.

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