Retail Marketing Strategies Work for All

Retailers provide great marketing ideas Small and solo business owners receive magazines from many sources. My business is no exception, as I receive numerous publications every day. One of my subscriptions is to Greetings etc., a trade magazine for greeting card, stationery, and party goods’ retailers.

Each month the magazine features a “hot topic” asking retailers to share their thoughts on a particular subject. The November/December issue asks for feedback on getting the most from advertising. Here are sample responses.

“We target our advertising in magazines that have the same targeted demographic as our store.”

“…I find out from the vendor if there is any co-op money available for the product(s) as well as if they have a website that our stores can be listed on as a purchase point.”

“I advertising in the local newspapers that are published once a month, because they are the publications that the neighborhoods read about the goings-on in their areas.”

“…band together with other local merchants and share the costs.”

“…if you have a group of local retailers that are sponsoring a ‘walk’ or fair or event, then you can share the cost of the ad.”

These ideas are smart solutions for service-based businesses as well as retailers. They also motivate you to review your current marketing campaigns before the start of 2007.

Which ones should stay in place to put your product or service into clients’ hands?
Which need a major overhaul?
Which ones require small changes?
What marketing ideas must be retired because they didn’t work?

Retailers have a lot to lose if they don’t continue to bring foot traffic through their doors. That’s why their ideas are so important to all industries. Consider adding some of their strategies to your 2007 plans.

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