Posted in Shopkeeping talk, economics of resale on July 18, 2008 | 2 Comments »
How many businesses fail? The statistics are enough to give you a tummy ache. If you want to avoid being just one more consignment or resale shop that goes out of business, here are the things I have learned from watching, advising, and consulting with resale businesses across the continent: my compendium of consignment calamities/ [...]
Posted in Shopkeeping talk, economics of resale on July 13, 2008 | No Comments »
America’s Research Groups estimates that 15 percent of people shop at resale or consignment shops each year; 21 percent shop at a department store at least that often.
That’s a figure worth pondering.
(Goodness only knows the percentage
Posted in Shopkeeping talk, economics of resale on July 3, 2008 | 2 Comments »
Somewhere, I once heard that American English is the only language with the phrase “making money”. That’s what came to mind when, on our discussion board at Too Good to be Threw, one consignment shop owner who attended the NARTS Conference said she heard resalers of all types making comments like:
“I don’t think it’s fair [...]
Posted in NARTS Conference, Shopkeeping talk, economics of resale on June 27, 2008 | 3 Comments »
(If you’re just arriving here at Auntie Kate’s Blog, we’re in the midst of a mini-series, or, if you will, a modest stab at a virtual consignment, resale and thrift Conference. Read our beginning message.)
The consequences of your actions. Sounds like something your mother would say to you, doesn’t it.
But it is a real problem [...]
Posted in I've been meaning to tell you, Shopkeeping talk, economics of resale on May 29, 2008 | 1 Comment »
This time, it’s The New York Times that has brought up a subject that I’ve been meaning to talk to consignment and resale shopkeepers about: cheap clothing.
Prices for new clothes have gone down.
So what does that mean to a store owner whose main marketing focus is Buy for Less? Or who has cultivated the bargain [...]
Posted in Shopkeeping talk, economics of resale on May 26, 2008 | No Comments »
Lord & Taylor has an alert press agent. How do I know? This article. Go read, then come back.
A Star-Spangled Banner Yet Waves at Lord & Taylor
Oh good, you’re back. Is that not the PERFECT press release to send to their “local” paper ( just happens to be The New York Times!) for Memorial [...]
Posted in I've been meaning to tell you, economics of resale on May 22, 2008 | 4 Comments »
Recently I’ve been mulling over the role of ATTITUDE in the resale industry, well any sort of retail, not just the secondhand division.
So many consignment shopkeepers just seem to dwell on the “latest bad news” on the economy on Sharing, the on-line discussion group at Too Good to be Threw, the Premiere Web Site for [...]
Posted in Shopkeeping talk, economics of resale on May 7, 2008 | No Comments »
Gloom and doom. It’s what sells. It’s what people love to gnaw over around the water cooler and p*ss and moan about. How expensive was that gas you bought on the way to the consignment shop? Have you heard about Resale Shop A closing, and Charity B is taking away health insurance from their [...]
Posted in Shopkeeping talk, economics of resale on April 11, 2008 | 1 Comment »
So you want to have a promotional event in your consignment or resale store. You have visions of hordes of people pouring into your place, having a good time and throwing money into your till.
You see brand-new customers coming in for the first time and loving your merchandise and values. You envision rewarding your regulars [...]
Posted in economics of resale, tagged economics of resale, recession on March 28, 2008 | 2 Comments »
I was out shopping the other day and noticed something new. Banners. Temporary signs. Sale racks. And more, on the outside of so many businesses.
The shoe repair shop now has a vinyl banner tied up over its windows: Expert Alterations.
The hardware store screams Keys Made*Screens Repaired*Plumbing Snakes
The health-food store: Special on Vitamins
The closeout [...]
