Here’s a problem that’s good to have… but it’s still a problem.
A shopowner we’ll call “Overwhelmed” writes:
I’m drowning but in a good way. We have around 1200 active consigners
Posted in Mailbox: 1-on-1 Advice, Shopkeeping talk, tagged consignors, employees, resale shopkeeping on April 2, 2019|
I’m drowning but in a good way. We have around 1200 active consigners
Posted in Shopkeeping talk, tagged promotions, resale shopkeeping, shop local on April 1, 2019|
Outfit a gregarious staffer in a gorgeous butterfly scarf and set her free at any public gathering to show off her finery… and to hand out “Shed Your Cocoon and BE the beautiful butterfly you want to be when you shop at MyShop!” coupons.
Extra points if her face is painted and if she hands out butterfly stickers to all and sundry.
Need a treasury of promotional ideas to make your shop BE all you dream it CAN be? Get hundreds of resale industry-specific suggestions from TGtbT.com.
Photo from here.
Posted in Shopkeeping talk, tagged customers, merchandising, resale shopkeeping, starting a consignment shop, success on March 29, 2019|
Last post here on TGTbT.com‘s Auntie Kate blog we talked about the do’s of arranging and managing the sales floor plan of your resale, consignment, or thrift shop. Today, some things you do not want to see. (And some things you might want to change up for maximum sales.)
DON’T let too-high (more…)
Posted in Shopkeeping talk, tagged customers, resale shopkeeping, selling, success on March 28, 2019|
Seriously. Your resale, consignment or thrift shop layout is SO important. It’s even MORE important that the layout of a new merchandise store might be, because not only do you probably have a wider range of categories, styles, colors, sizes, but you also have NO idea what merchandise you’ll have in store a week or a month from now.
So it’s crucial that all the do’s and don’ts of resale sales floor arrangement be tended to. Today, the do’s. Tomorrow the don’ts.
DO provide a “foyer” so customers can see what’s available as they enter. Some call this a “landing zone”.
DO allow for a free flow of customer traffic through all areas. If there’s the possiblity of butt-brush, that area will be bypassed.
DO provide generous aisles so customers don’t feel crowded. Crowded = uneasy. Uneasy = they will cut their browsing short and leave.
DO allow space in front of your dressing rooms for a full-length mirror and accessorizing. You want you helpers to have room to interact and upsell.

For deeper details plus 200 more pages of resale operations assistance, click.
DO watch the heights of racks to allow a over-all view of the entire store. If you can’t see their eyes, they can’t see you. If you can’r see them, how are you going to interact with them?
DO allow your merchandise enough space so it looks neat and uncluttered. With the wide variety in resale, this is crucial. You want it to look like a store, not a teenager’s closet.
DO think ahead so you have flexibility in arranging categories. Remember, what will you need room for next week?
DO leave space for displays, two-ways, highlighted racks. Row after row of sleeves hanging out, or couches lined up like soldeiers, never inspired a purchase yet.
DO use “selling” signs that tell customers what’s where… and why they should buy it!Rack signage shouldn’t be JUST informative, it should be motivating! Not shorts but Feel free, wear shorts! or “Let us free” said your knees.
DO use mirrors as much as possible for customer convenience, reflected light, and security. “Nuff said.
DO remember “negative space”: empty areas that set off merchandise. Breathing space. If it feels slightly claustrophobia-inducing to you, it is.
DO allow for space for YOU to work at straightening, markdowns, displays. Give yourself a break and make yourself comfortable. Lest you don’t do ot…
Posted in I've been meaning to tell you, Shopkeeping talk, tagged daily operations, resale shopkeeping, small business, success on March 26, 2019|