i can’t even remember where i first heard of Supportland- but i just got an email that announced they are launching here in Portland in April!  woo hoo.

What is Supportland?  well – it’s a reward card that works across a multitude of local businesses.  it’s all high-tech and i-phone ready.  you can earn points when you shop/eat at participating businesses – and then you can redeem them at any participating business as well!  it’s like a multi-functioning license to splurge.

(do you get the name now?  SupPORTLAND? SUPPORTland?  clever).

If you live here and own a business and want to know more – they are offering several presentations about how it works and how you can get involved on the ground level:
1.  March 8th, 6:30pm at Zoomtopia (810 SE Belmont)
2.  March 9th, 7:00pm at Laughing Plant (4110 SE Woodstock Blvd)
3.  March 10th, 9:30pm at Zoomtopia (810 SE Belmont)
(if you can’t make an event – contact the Supportland folks)

anyhoo – i wanted to let local portland businesses and shoppers know about this wonderful idea and hopefully those of you in other cities will brainstorm how to make it work in your town.

if you are not familiar with CRAVE - check them out.  a wonderful company with presence in a variety of cities, they promote and support local entrepreneuresses with books, blogs, events and more.

i had the amazing opportunity of speaking at the first Portland Crave Business Chat this past Sunday and it was a great little refresher on ideas for making your boutique the Ultimate Place to Shop.

The merchandise – naturally it has to be fabulous, priced right (whatever that means to your clientele) and distinct.  However, what can really set your business apart from the crowd is your customer service.

My first point was to be the Hostess of Your Shop.  these ideas are admittedly simple – but the practice often goes un-preached:
 - greet every client who walks in the door as an invited guest
 - engage that client with a non-threatening conversation opener (compliments are always great)
 - aim to get a read on the client and their comfort level with your assistance (do they seem to want to browse without bother or could they use more interaction from you)
 - provide some small comfort items for tag-along shoppers:  “man chair” is essential, a toy box for littles makes it easier for moms to shop
 - give the dressing rooms the lux treatment – make sure clients have what they need to be comfortable & make buying decisions (mirrors, heels, small chair/stool/table to put their personal items), adequate hooks, etc.

The 2nd point we discussed was Customer Loyalty.  the notion is simple:  reward people for shopping at your store and they’ll come back again and again:
 - frequent buyer programs (make it easy to earn the reward)
 - VIP shopping experiences – after hours, special discounts, sneak previews all go a long way in making your clients feel special.

Lastly, we spoke about Communication Tools (Cecilia Doan - a social media maven provided her expertise).
 - remember to use the appropriate “voice” for your brand (with Facebook, Twitter, Email, Blogs, etc)
 - create meaningful promotions – maybe try something other than a standard x% sale.  we talked about how some of the limited time/limited edition shopping sites are doing amazing.  why not try your own limited sale (for example:  50% off this particular necklace  – Tuesday from 12:00 – 2:00 only.  first come, first serve).  a great way to move an item, no doubt!

the discussion was rich and rewarding – and i personally loved the chance to interact with business owners (and it made me miss ooma a little too)!  a special shout out to Tez, the owner of Parallel Boutique for hosting the event.

If CRAVE is in your town – talk to the ladies in charge and get involved!  it’s a wonderful way to make connections and promote your business.

and speaking of speakers – if anyone has a topic they’d like to Guest Blog about on The Proprietress – please contact me!

hello retailers:  i just got the word on a new exchange program from Miss Oopsthat i thought i’d pass along!

if you manage a clothing, accessory, lingerie or gift shop – you might find some of the Miss Oops products as a fun add-on sale.  the name alone is fun and sassy and the packaging has a retro cool vibe.
their product line has expanded tremendously since i first carried their Rescue Sponge (a great way to remove make up and deodorant – a must for dressing room mishaps!).

from hair products to creams, to boob-related items and personal tidiness – there are many to choose from.  and it’s easy to try something out because with their exchange program, you can swap out products that aren’t moving and try something else (all you need is a minimum order of $250).

Contact Ginger@missoops.com for details or to place your order.

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!

i’m sure many retailers out there send out communication via e-newsletters – it’s inexpensive, easy, and aligned with the current mode of communication.

but how do you stand out from a sea of subject lines invading everyones email inbox on a daily basis?   the key is to be catchy, relevant and specific.  You only have a couple of words to convey your message – so don’t waste them being vague or stating the obvious (like your name – which should be apparent right next door – at the “from” column). 

Vertical Response put out a great list of the top 50 Great Subject Lines - read them all to get inspired – but here are a few of my personal favorites from the list:

 - Online only:  25% off for friends and family

i like that the offer feels special (for friends and family), it provides a nice discount and it’s only available online (which means you’d want to open and click the link!).

 - Top 10 under $10

This is an easy one.  you know you’ll see 10 items for less than $10?  that fits in everyone’s budget!  you’d want to at least take a peek and see what was on the list….

 - Take your pick:  Our 9 favorite dresses

this one intrigues  – makes you want to know what the favorite dresses are.  and the call to action is to pick one of them!  simple, direct and catchy.

i’d love to hear from you about great email subject lines!