2011 May

The not so pleasant task of cleaning up after your dog, is a reality that must be faced every day, by dog lovers around the world. However, there is a company that is making the job a little less troublesome, and also making it a tremendous opportunity for wholesalers and distributors to get in on the action, as this product gets results that keep customers coming back for more.

Retailing is moving at such a fast pace, it is a challenge for retailers to keep up with all the developments. I recently met a retailer who commented that he had been in retailing for 30 years and nobody could teach him anything ─ he knew it all. When I asked about online shopping he told me he did not have an email or web address. Retailing has definitely moved on quickly and our retailer with thirty years experience has been asleep for the last five years of them. He has been left behind and does not yet know it.

It’s called “Independents’ Day,” and the National Hardware Show will be making a splash with a newly-inspired program that aims to recognize and reward those who have made a difference in the industry. This unique forum will be focusing upon the smaller, local, and independent entrepreneurs and professionals in the business, who do it every day. In addition, there will be special attention given to Young Retailers of the Year a well.

There are many requirements for shipping products overseas. When selecting an international shipper, SMBs must have an understanding of the many international shipping options and their pros and cons. Time in transit is an important consideration when selling to an overseas market. Customer satisfaction is essential, and ensuring that customers receive their products on time is an important competitive advantage for business success.

Furniture is made in countries all over the world, with China and other regions in Asia consistently ranked as high-volume producers of everything from home furnishings to industrial applications. However, there is a growing market for Office Furniture that is made with a whole other style and feeling, such as high quality furniture from the UK, and this has created a need for suppliers like Deskman, who truly “speak the language” of buyers who want something high-quality, unique, and completely suitable for their particular needs.

Did you know the U.S. government is encouraging manufacturers and wholesalers to export products overseas? Last year, the Obama administration set a goal to double the nation’s exports by 2015 as a way to create more jobs. As of 2008, 97.5 percent of U.S. exporters were SMBs, and many small businesses have had significant success in expanding to overseas markets. Because exporting is a big endeavor that takes a lot of knowledge and hard work, we will cover the basics on the export process for small and medium sized businesses (SMBs).

A rewarding experience awaits those who attend the National Hardware Show this month, as the show promises some of the most useful and timely industry information available today. The entire game is changing, and only those who stay on top of the trends will come out on top. We’ll take a closer look at some of the highlights from the show, to give an idea of what kind of valuable insider tips will be made accessible to people who decide to make the most of great resources, and a tremendously powerful networking event that is second to none.

Mood Jewelry and colorful tie bracelets are the hottest trends going in childrens accessories. It’s one thing to push an item to retailers, but when the retailers keep coming back for reorders, you know you’ve got a hot item!

Consumers have always been price sensitive, but seem more price sensitive today than they have ever been, or so we are led to believe. The new generation X and Y consumers seem to be more price sensitive that older consumers and have driven the price debate for many retailers. I recently worked with a client who was a Gen X and he was adamant that price was a major driver when he went shopping. Although when I challenged him, his perception of pricing was the same as the rest of the population.