Marketing Today's most successful retailers integrate communications, public relations, and marketing strategies for dynamic results. Traditional marketing, value-added programs, cause marketing, public awareness campaigns, sports sponsorship and employee communications may all be part of the successful marketing mix. 1) Customer Surveys: Knowing your customer gives you a definite competitive advantage. As an independent retailer you have better direct contact with your customers than any chain could ever have. Customer surveys (customer questioners) will provide direct feedback as to your strengths and weaknesses compared to your direct competition. Both in the eyes of your customer. The surveys can be administered in several ways: - Direct mail, email if you have or can obtain)customer email addresses - Via the internet - By in store customer intercept. Together, we will design and specific survey to meet your needs. We will administer the survey for you. We will provide the results in the form of an actionable, easy to understand report. 2) Focus Group Customer Research Focus groups are structured meetings with a number of your customers and another meeting with your competitor customers. The meeting is structured and administered by one of our professional focus group leaders. The objective is to answer specific issues or questions that you may have concerning your customers perceptions. You witness the meeting from behind two way mirrors. You are able to add questions or topics during the meeting. Focus groups allow you to get into more detail with you customers than customer surveys. We will design the meeting structure; provide the meeting leader and location. We will provide the results in the form of an actionable, easy to understand report. 3) Branding Developing and establishing an identity or brand is the key to long-term success in the retail business. As an independent retailer, it is important to have your business name and what you stand for be instantly associated in your customers minds. We will help you to create this crucial branding strategy by working closely with you to identify and deliver your core message to consumers. 4) Community Relations What do your customers care about and how does your community rate you as a responsible corporate citizen? From your concerns about the environment, to the signs in your parking lot, to your willingness to let Girl Scouts sell cookies outside your front door, everything speaks! We can evaluate the opportunities you have to exhibit your concern for the welfare of your community, your customers, and their families. Then we can help you develop a strategic Community Relations program that will enhance your public image and boost your sales. 5) Cause Marketing and Sports Sponsorship Many successful retailers have learned that their customers want to know that businesses they support, care about the communities they serve. We can help you to select appropriate community charities, causes, and athletic programs to sponsor and support. We will develop sustainable ways to involve your customers in your efforts and gain their respect for your efforts. 6) Issues Management When a troublesome situation arises at your store, do you have an effective plan in place to deal with it? Your customers watch you closely and rate your responsiveness, honesty, and ability to rectify or control any situation regarding public health and safety, employee relations, and customer complaints. We will help you evaluate you preparedness, develop strategies, and establish procedures to manage issues before they sink your image and your business. 7) Employee Communications Never underestimate the value of regular, direct and strategic communication with your associates. To make the most of your associates power to enhance your business requires and on-going and aggressive employee communications program. We have the experience and tools to help you keep your associates aware, informed, and engaged in your business. 8) Creating Employee Sales Teams A natural and desirable extension of your employee communications program is to transform your associates into a sales team that directly contributes to the bottom line of your business. By empowering and encouraging associates to care for your customers you can improve morale, and sales. Through the effective use of multi-media training aids, customer focused training and incentive meetings, awards programs, and special events, we can create an in-house sales team for your business.