Luxury stores are having a difficult time in this economic recession. When wallets tighten, sales of luxury products drop considerably. As a jeweler, you’re probably looking for ways to reach customers affordably and effectively. Great ideas can spur sales, so it’s always a good idea to try new things. One of these promotional ideas could be just the trick to reenergizing your business.

Free cleaning/sizing-It’s important to look for ways to keep your customers coming back to your store. By offering additional services like free cleaning and resizing, you’re retaining customers and building their loyalty to your store. Not to mention, every time they come in you have another sales opportunity. Add information about the services you offer to your points-of-purchase using vinyl decals, so that customers will be aware that you will take care of them after the purchase.

Sign makeover-Capitalize on the opulence and high-class of your industry. Customers want to feel special when they come to your store, so use your signage to convey a sense of exclusivity. Etched glass decals are a great product for this-they can be used on your door or window to list your business name and hours in an elegant font, and they can also be used as decorative touches on your display cases. Not so much to detract from seeing your merchandise, of course, but just enough to give your store a unique and elegant look.

Loan program-The best way to sell more product is to show more product. When customers see your jewelry on their friends, family, and other influencers, they are more likely to buy it as well. Thus, loan out some of your best-selling pieces to influential people in your town for important events that will be highly-visible. Local “celebrities” like the city mayor (or mayor’s wife), beauty pageant contestants and winners, and even school Homecoming queen or Prom queen candidates can all be wearing your jewelry during their big moments. This shows support for your community and also shows off your great products.

Signature events-Hosting events at your store is a great way to reach out to new customers. Partner with local businesses to create an annual occasion that customers will anticipate. This could be a sale preview or even an Engagement Extravaganza that features your engagement rings and gives newly-betrothed couples a chance to mingle with each other and learn tips and advice for their upcoming wedding. Decorate your store for this event with window clings-since these don’t have adhesive, you can peel them off and save them for the next event.

Home parties-At-home jewelry businesses have become very popular as they allow customers to socialize during the jewelry-buying experience. Why can’t your store do the same? Target your best customers and see if they’d be interested in hosting an at-home party with their closest friends. In return, offer your customer a discount off a purchase or even some free merchandise.

Michael Allen works as a Director of Marketing in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked with both large companies and small local businesses for over 20 years. His vast experience in the field of marketing positions him as an expert in helping businesses expand by using marketing tactics.

As a seasoned expert in Marketing and Branding, Michael has a wealth of knowledge in the use of custom signs. In his articles, he covers tips and techniques for effective use of vinyl banners, etched glass decals, and window clings for small businesses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_K_Allen

With large nationwide chains that dominate the market, small hardware stores sometimes have a difficult time being competitive. The key is to find a unique selling proposition for your business and to capitalize on it so customers see the value in choosing you over one of the bigger stores. Here are some great ways to make your business stand out.

Giveaways-When your store first opens (or even if you’re just looking for an extra push), offer small giveaways to your customers with their purchase. These will be tools or products they can use that are branded with your store’s information-hammers, tape measures, levels, etc. When a customer is using this product and runs out of something or determines the need to visit a hardware store, they’ll see your information and immediately head your way!

In-Store Classes-Hardware stores often form a bit of a culture and social atmosphere, so find ways to play this up. One great choice is to sponsor training classes and educational seminars in your store. Work with your vendors to provide information that your customers will find valuable. Even your employees can instruct these classes-anything from minor home renovation products to full-scale remodeling. List the classes you’re offering that month above your cash registers with a large, visible vinyl banner which clearly-informs customers of their opportunities to expand their skills.

Charity Donations-Offer your products to charity groups and organizations in-town which build or repair homes for the less-fortunate. This is great PR for your business, it makes you look more-credible, and in return you’re often able to advertise at the home-site using a banner or yard sign. When customers see that you’re giving back to your community, they are more-inclined to shop with you.

Ladies Night-Most hardware stores predominantly-market towards men. While the majority of your customers are probably male, don’t neglect the ladies. Host a “Ladies Night” at your store that offers your educational classes and even a special discount on purchases made by women. Use removable window clings to give your store a slight feminine touch. There’s a huge potential market here that is somewhat-untapped, and with the right approach, female customers can dramatically affect your business.

Personal Shoppers-Some customers complain that hardware or home improvement stores are overwhelming. Counter this objection by providing customers with a personal shopping service. Your employees already help customers find products daily anyway, but creating a formal program provides a revenue opportunity. Customers can have one of your employees guide them around the store and help them find exactly what they need for their project, or for even-more convenience, your employee can preselect the products they need so that when the customer arrives, all they have to do is check out.

Michael Allen works as a Director of Marketing in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked with both large companies and small local businesses for over 20 years. His vast experience in the field of marketing positions him as an expert in helping businesses expand by using marketing tactics.

As a seasoned expert in Marketing and Branding, Michael has a wealth of knowledge in the use of car signs and retail signs. In his articles, he covers tips and techniques for effective use of window clings, vinyl decals, and vinyl banners for small businesses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_K_Allen

Grocery stores vary considerably, from large chains to small local markets. Regardless of the size of your store, however, you should be actively-marketing to reach a greater number of customers. A well-rounded variety of promotional techniques produces the best result as your customers will come from many different places. Putting all of your eggs in one basket means you’ll leave a lot on the table.

Useful Coupons-How many times do customers go to the grocery store and see coupons for buy three of X product and save 25¢, or toilet paper that’s buy-two-get-one free when you buy the 24-pack? How many people need three rolls of aluminum foil, after all? Offer your customers useful coupons-ones they can actually redeem, without any fine print. If customers don’t see value in your coupons, they’ll just throw them away, and you’re wasting paper.

Game-Day Specials-Major sporting events mean that your store will be busy, and you probably know that. Hang a vinyl banner in front of your store promoting a game-day special to get the sports fans inside for a great deal. Offer specials on popular game food, like chips-and-dip, oven pizza, and soda, and make sure it’s up-front where all your shoppers can easily-grab it before checking out. For big games like the Super Bowl, create a combo pack-if the customer, for instance, buys three pizzas, he gets soda and chips for free.

Fresh Focus-Lately the fresh, organic grocery market has been booming. If your store doesn’t have anything to offer consumers searching for these products, it’s time to reevaluate your inventory selection. Organic products demand a premium, so they can be a great source of revenue for your store. Use wall decals or even a large poster to clearly-define your organic section so customers know exactly where to find these products.

Delivery-For small markets and specialty grocers, home delivery can help you stay competitive. If you have the infrastructure to add this service to your larger store, it can definitely be a success for you as well. Customers can call to place their order or use your website, and then have an employee deliver groceries to their door. Make sure you use car magnets or car decals on your delivery vehicle so other drivers will see that you offer the service!

Focus Groups-When you’re looking for new ideas or thinking of adding new products, always consult with your customers. Contact them in the store or even via direct mail to request their participation in a market research study. Not only does this give you ideas directly from the end-user of your products, it also makes those customers feel valued and empowered, which increases their loyalty to your store.

Michael Allen works as a Director of Marketing in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked with both large companies and small local businesses for over 20 years. His vast experience in the field of marketing positions him as an expert in helping businesses expand by using marketing tactics.

As a seasoned expert in Marketing and Branding, Michael has a wealth of knowledge in the use of retail signs and car signs. In his articles, he covers tips and techniques for effective use of car decals, car window decals, and car magnets for small businesses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_K_Allen

Furniture stores have developed a reputation for marketing strategy-a sale for every holiday imaginable, no payments for 90 days, or no interest for 3 years are commonly-used promotional tools to drive sales. These certainly work, but they’re not exactly unique. If you’re new to the furniture market or you’re looking for a way to stand out from the crowd, you’ll want to choose something that doesn’t involve Uncle Sam or Santa Claus. Here are some great options.

Online classifieds-Websites like Craigslist and eBay have made the online classified ad sales process very easy. Customers turn to these places to check out merchandise before entering a store, so list your product here to reach them! Hire a part-time employee to photograph your merchandise and list it on these sites, or you can even subcontract the work to business specifically-designed for the task.

In-store training-Hosting in-store training classes or seminars is a great way to reach out to the home-improvement market. Bring in interior decorators to discuss home staging, décor selection, or even remodeling tips using your merchandise. These types of classes add value to your store, and the customers see you as more than just a transaction-based business-you’re part of their lifestyle. Promote these events by hanging a vinyl banner outside your store listing the dates and times for each class.

Trade-in-Consider adding a customer trade-in program to your store, where the customer brings in their old furniture and receives a credit towards new merchandise. If the furniture’s in good enough shape, you can create a used section in your store for great bargains. If it’s not in resalable condition, you can donate the furniture or at the very least dispose of it for your customer. This is again a way to make your store a convenience provider and encourage customers to remain loyal to you. List this service in your store windows using vinyl decals.

New homes-Create a partnership with a local real estate agent, broker, or homebuilder. Since homes always sell better with furniture in them, offer to stage their new homes with your merchandise in exchange for referrals. You can also add a sign in each home letting customers know where the furniture came from in-case they’d like to purchase it with the house or at least shop your store for a different selection. Some real estate agents might even want to purchase a piece of furniture directly from you as a house-warming gift for their new homeowners!

Try before you buy-This bold strategy offers customers a chance to “test-drive” your furniture, so to speak. Selected customers are able to try furniture in their home for a preset amount of time to determine if they want to purchase it. Although this shouldn’t be offered for all of your products as it could become a logistical nightmare, it can be an effective way to boost sales. After all, if it’s up to the customer to take the furniture home and bring it back, odds are they’re going to keep it. Make sure you have a vinyl decal at your cash register clearly explaining the rules of the program so there are no issues.

Michael Allen works as a Director of Marketing in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked with both large companies and small local businesses for over 20 years. His vast experience in the field of marketing positions him as an expert in helping businesses expand by using marketing tactics.

As a seasoned expert in Marketing and Branding, Michael has a wealth of knowledge in the use of car signs and retail signs. In his articles, he covers tips and techniques for effective use of vinyl decals, vinyl banners, and window clings for small businesses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_K_Allen