there is some smart retailing happening in my midst – and i must pass it on!  a lovely shop owner here in Portland – Carla Mink (proprietress of  Mink)  – is dazzling me with her great marketing ideas.

instead of channeling marketing dollars into ads – she’s using the best word of mouth she can:  her star customers!

using your current, loyal, clientele to help market your store by offering incentives is a winning idea on all counts.  Mink’s Ambassador Program includes discounts cards that “Ambassadors” pass on to their friends (which includes their name).  once a certain quantity of cards are submitted – -then the Ambassador gets a nice gift certificate!

smart in so many ways – everyone gets something and the love is spread further.  how are you rewarding your best clients?  and if you’re a loyal shopper, what do you like about your favorite stores rewards programs?

do you sell handbags at your store?

do you buy buy handbags at boutiques?

i just had a thought that it would be lovely to buy a handbag and find a little lip gloss or nail file or some other purse-related trinket in the bag. 

either a little grab bag when you check out or just slide something into a pocket at checkout and let it be a surprise!  you could add a little thank you note with a coupon for their next visit too.

it’s these little personal niceties that make boutique shopping so much better than the mall!

here are some ideas and resources:
Favor Affair (no logos – but cute designs and low minimums)
Motivators (lots of choices and can do entire logo – 250 min)
Sunfiles (custom nail files in mini and regular sizes)

there are so many ideas – mints, purse hangers, mini notebooks – what would you like to see as a surprise giveaway in a new bag purchase??

sigh.  it’s the dawn of a new year yet again.  this is when we resolve to lose weight, eat better, save money, etc.  or perhaps you’re looking for a new look – hairstyle?  wardrobe?  lipstick?  it’s all about ringing in the NEW.

so don’t neglect your business!  whether your business is a store front or a website – perhaps it’s time for a little freshening up.  ideas are limitless – but here a a few that are easy to implement and will hopefully provide a new (and successful) outlook for 2010 that both you and your clients will appreciate and adore.

• paint your front door a new color – or if that isn’t appropriate – get a plant, new open/close sign or something chic to welcome your customers.
• mix things up – literally.  if you have your racks and table situated “just so” – perhaps move them around – make it feel like a new experience to shop in your store (note:  this is also a great idea for your home!).
• replace the carpet/floors in your dressing rooms.  or add a rug, cute new seat, perhaps some artwork?  anything to make your regulars smile and take notice!
• and speaking of artwork – perhaps you can showcase a local artist or friend’s work on your walls – either on the sales floor, behind the counter, in the dressing rooms  – or even the bathroom.  a great way to add flair while helping a new artist gain exposure.
• create new accessory displays – whether a cute towel rack for scarves or a set of hooks for necklaces/belts/purses…..it’s a small and inexpensive way to add something new.  this one from Urban Outfitters is cute.

• try a fun new fixture – perhaps it will inspire new types of merchandise?  i adore this rotating bookshelf from PB Teen.  pretty adorable.

 

What are your ideas for freshening up your store (or home) this year?  i’d love to hear em.  Please comment with your brilliance!

Pantone just announced that Turquoise is the  Color of the Year for 2010! 

oh goody.  this color is dreamy, vibrant and looks amazing on everyone.  it also pairs well with a variety of colors to add visual interest and your personal stamp:

 - pair with black for a jewel-tone effect
 - pair with chocolate brown for a earthy feeling
 - pair with winter white for a crisp, clean look
 - pair with other brights (orange!  yellow!  fuchsia! violet!) for pizazz!

Whether in small doses (like a great turquoise necklace) or as a main player (like a fab sweater) or as the kicker (as in a great pair of flats!) – you’ll be wise to invest in a few turquoise additions as we move into 2010.  after all, it’s not like colors ever really go out of style, right?!

did you ever get those little advent calendars when you were a kid?  i just LOVED them!  each day i was so excited to open the little door and see the surprise inside (generally, chocolate).  I also loved singing the Twelve Days of Christmas.  we’ve probably all sung it in some sort of pageant, choir or whatever.  in any event  – the point is to create a countdown to excitement.  to the big finale! 

“On the first save of Christmas, my favorite store gave to me…..20% off pearl jew-el-ry!”

i used to love doing little countdown coupons at ooma.  it’s a great way to reward your best customers – while creating a fun little game.  for example, you could have a color coupons:  each day leading to Xmas (or holiday of your choice) – you could provide a coupon with 20% off Red (yellow, gold, pink, black, etc).  Or you could do coupons that are by designer, or style – whatever works for you (and helps you MOVE merchandise!).  i know small boutiques have a tough time competing with the big retailers with their never-ending sales – so try to have a little fun with it.

**need help creating some awesome coupons for your clientele?  email me:  i’d love to help you conceptualize + create!**

and of course, thank your clients for shopping local.  statistics show that money spent in local boutiques stays in the community  – rather than up to corporate headquarters (or another country, more likely) somewhere.  check out the 3/50 Project for posters you can use to promote this concept.