Big Retail Changes Blog Series: Is Online Really Taking Over?

As we enter December, it comes time to reflect on this past year’s retail changes. A few weeks ago we looked at a few of those changes with regard to specific retailers, but this week we are broadening the spectrum and looking at a trend that has been discussed in great detail over the course of 2015 (and the years preceding). Online shopping has come to dominate the discussion of retail trends, and for good reason, but is it really taking over?

Over the last few years, online shopping has grown to become a major player on the retail stage. Individuals are shopping online far more often than ever before, and this, for many bricks and mortar stores, has led to a drop in sales - sometimes small, sometimes more noticeable. It is no secret that online shopping offers consumers convenience and a simplified method of price comparison, but even with these conveniences, online fails to offer what many consumer still desire - the experience.

Bricks and mortar on the way out? If anything, retailers are now finding that having the two channels work together is the best way to up sales - we are thinking here of the option to order online and pick up in store. Having a physical location, offering products and services people can actually see, and offering customer service that has people leaving the store satisfied, is a way to differentiate - something that largely remains unachieved through online channels.

Why all the hoopla? Sure, online is taking a chunk out of the market, but so are physical locations. There is still a great deal of discussion because of the competition. As we mentioned, points of differential are what help you compete, and most of these can only be achieved on the ground. Drawing in customers is the optimal way to boost sales, and some of the biggest retail changes over the last few months have had more to do with this than even downsizing or company mergers.

So, is online really taking over? Are the big retail changes taking place indicative of this? Nope. The malls are still busy, and consumers are still spending most of their time and money in physical stores. Will this change in the future? Perhaps, but as it stands, it is pretty clear that bricks and mortar stores are here for the long haul.

Are you finding it difficult to compete, whether with online or other bricks and mortar stores? Maybe a change in direction and a strategy to achieve differentiation is what is needed. Don’t delay. Storesupport can help you develop a plan to get people through the doors. 

Call us today at 905.847.6513.

Improve Your In-Store Marketing: 2015-2016 Food Trends

People like food. Of course it is a necessity, but for the world’s foodies it is also a source of enjoyment, entertainment and pleasure. And as such, food trends represent a huge opportunity when it comes to your in-store marketing. The hottest dishes, favoured by both professional chefs and amateur cooking enthusiasts alike, are becoming about far more than just taste (although of course that still reigns supreme).

So what are these trends? Check out this great infographic from The Food People. Based on current trends and future predictions, here are the food trends for 2015 and 2016:

So what are the hottest trends in food?

-          Multi-sensory is huge - all part of the experience

-          Hybrid veggies are also becoming increasingly popular - think broccoflower

-          Rise of fermentation

-          Ethnically insired breakfasts

-          Modernised and reinterpreted classics

People really want:

-          Food with a conscience

-          Food with a story

-          Simple and natural

-          Uniqueness/creativity/something different

-          Overall, a great food experience

How are you using these trends as part of your in-store marketing strategy? If you want some help taking advantage of all they represent, call Storesupport today at 905.847.6513.

Who is Shopping: Retail Trends for the Months Ahead

We always like to keep you up to date on the latest retail trends in the CPG industry, and this week is no different. Over the last few months we’ve talked a lot about millennial shoppers, and how they are changing the face of grocery shopping. However, with this focus, we’ve neglected the other changes in consumer behaviour, and so today we right that wrong. 

Check out this great article from Canadian Grocer, “Look Who’s Buying Groceries Now,” http://www.canadiangrocer.com/blog/look-who%E2%80%99s-buying-groceries-now-55466. In it, Marion Chan takes a look at some of the other major players shopping in Canada today, mainly those almost always forgotten.

Who are we talking about? Historically women have almost always been the main shoppers in a household, but over the last few years this has changed. According to the article, today approximately 40% of men take on the responsibility of household grocery shopping. When you look at shared responsibility, where both adults take part, that number increases to 60%! That is a huge segment largely being ignored when it comes to target markets.

Earlier we mentioned millennials, and the focus being placed on this group - but Chan notes this may be a mistake as well: “According to Project Millennial, a study conducted at the end of 2013, 45% of boomer males claim to have the primary responsibility for grocery shopping compared to 24% of millennial males. This has risen consistently from an overall of 15% in the early 2000’s.”

Whoa, again, big numbers.

So how do male shoppers differ from their female counterparts? A few ways, the article notes:

- 60% of men are looking for a quick trip - in and out. 

- Man are not as impulsive, and their purchasing decisions are far more likely to come directly from a list.

- Men are less likely to be motivated by coupons, promotions and discounts - they are less price sensitive and typically don’t compare prices.

- 50% of men see a one-stop-shop as the priority, rather than price.

Marketing only to a certain segment of the population, primarily millennials, is something we’ve warned against in the past, and this information just cements that reasoning. In order to reach the greatest number, your strategies may need to be multi-pronged, but that will result in greater sales never a bad thing.

For more about retail trends and who is shopping (and how to target those shoppers) call Storesupport today at 905.847.6513.

Ramping Up Customer Service Over the Holiday Season

This weekend we will don our costumes and stock up on candy to delight those trick-or-treaters, but as we do so, we will be inundated with seasonal decorations not of the terrifying variety, but more so the red and green kind (although admittedly this in itself is terrifying because of the number of shopping days left!). Retailers have been getting ready for the Christmas season for weeks, and that means new staff and stocking back rooms in an effort to match customer service levels with expectations.

Based on research done through the year, and by comparing annual sales, US retail consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas has predicted that holiday sales for 2015 will be healthy, and anticipate retail hirings will match or exceed the 755000 individuals hired for the 2014 season.

Many retailers have already started in an effort to ramp up customer service levels. American Girl, a division of Mattel, started in June, hiring almost 3000 seasonal workers for everything from floor staff to packaging. Kohl’s and Target plan to hire more than 69000 new employees to staff their stores across the U.S. Check out http://host.madison.com/business/holiday-hiring-gears-up/article_4e61e6a2-fe36-5b68-bd50-c1ae5b765ef5.html for a few other retailers who are also taking charge early.

According to a recent Nasdaq release, Macy’s will also be hiring 85000 workers, many for direct-to-consumer needs, for the upcoming holiday season. Walmart will also increase its staff numbers by hiring 60000 seasonal workers to help handle the crowds.

Regular staffing however is not the problem. According to the article, while soliciting seasonal floor staff isn’t necessarily an issue, “employment agencies for retailers and logistics companies say they are already having trouble finding warehouse workers to stock early holiday inventory and employees to train for work in fulfillment centers, where holiday orders will be packed and shipped.” This could spell problems when it comes down to the wire. Read more about this here: http://www.nasdaq.com/article/macys-to-hire-85000-workers-for-holidays-20150921-00559. 

If you’ve waited until now to start thinking about hiring additional staff to ramp up customer service, you may just find that the available workers are not what you’d hoped. You may also find timing is limited when it comes to the training time required to ensure these workers are in tip-top shape to handle the holiday madness. But what can you do? If you’re too late, you’re too late, right? Nope. You just need the right company that can offer people support in the form of professional, experienced, and trained employees - then all the work is done for you.

Storesupport is just the company. We can provide the individuals to help ensure your busy season is a little less stressful. Call us today to find out more: 905.847.6513.

Taking Control at Retail Over the Holiday Season

It is that time of year again. Time to get ready for the holiday season and all that it entails. When your brand is located at retail, this can mean many different things - most of which also mean more stress. 

That is why taking control at retail, especially over the busy holiday season, is so crucial. So, to help out, here are some tips to help you regain control and ensure sales are as high as possible!

One of the best ways to ensure your product will perform is to ensure that it is always on the shelf. You simply cannot rely on retailers to consistently ensure that your brand is getting out of the backroom and to the right location on the shelf. At the end of the day, if the customer has a bad customer experience it will directly impact your bottom line. Since you can’t be there to check yourself, the best way to guarantee your products will be on the shelf is by taking back control. This is particularly important for those products that enjoy larger sale numbers during the holidays.

Promotions are a great way to help boost sales - and to ensure customers are more aware of what you have to offer. Displays are a perfect way to highlight sales, as well as promote your product in store. Additionally, having a company set up/build that in-store display means you can worry about everything else on your plate.

Want to make sure those sales are being ticketed properly, that shelves are stocked, or that displays match your price points (after all, this is a major part of staying competitive)? A retail audit is a great way to do it. This is also a good way to ensure that a retailer’s employees are knowledgeable and able to provide the information your customers want.

Want to highlight certain products during the busy season? An experiential marketing campaign may just be the way to do it. Setting up in-store, having customers try your product, and then directing them to the shelf and providing a promo or coupon, can really help to boost sales. This is especially important when it comes to new offerings - and is a smart way to encourage loyalty right from the beginning.

With Black Friday and the holidays right around the corner, you need to start planning soon - and all of these are excellent ways to help ensure sales are as high as possible over the next few months.

Want to get a merchandising plan started to take advantage? Call Storesupport today at 905.847.6513.

Big Retail Changes Blog Series: P&G Simplification

Last week marked the beginning of the 4^th quarter of 2015, and to celebrate we talked about one of the changes that helped mark the first 3 quarters of the year - the Kraft Heinz merger and some of the impacts. This week we are following up with a discussion on another of 2015’s big retail changes - this time, the company in the spotlight is Proctor and Gamble.

Always strongly focused in the beauty sector, Proctor and Gamble made some big changes in 2015. One of the bigger ones was a beauty brand merger with Coty. This came after the company recognized that they had over-extended themselves. As a recent Cosmetics Design Europe article, “P&G to become a ‘simpler’ business with beauty refocus ‘essentially done’”, noted, the company has decided to get back to basics in a way, becoming much simpler, and thus letting go of some of the projects that were taking away from sales.

Check out the full article here: http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Brand-Innovation/P-G-to-become-a-simpler-business-with-beauty-refocus-essentially-done.

Like Kraft Heinz, for Proctor and Gamble, 2015 was a big year, and the company is hopeful that their simplification plans will prove successful.

Are you like these companies, planning to make a change in the coming months? Maybe in the New Year? There are several things to consider before doing so, one of the most important is how to keep operations running smoothly in store. Here are a few tips:

-       Ensure staffing is sufficient to handle whatever is thrown at them. Downsizing can be a major task, but keeping customers happy by ensuring enough staff members are on hand to keep shelves stocked and assisting customers is a perfect way to accomplish this.

-       Don’t want to hire new employees just to handle the transition? Consider working with a company for 3^rd party people support - trained employees that you don’t have to hire, train or let go.

-       Retail merchandising and planogram resets are a great way to ensure set-up is done properly and to the benefit of both yourself as the retailer and your brand partners.

-       Brands - if your product is involved in a retailer’s changes, make sure that you are always aware of what is taking place on the ground with a retail audit.

Retail changes can be hectic, but let Storesupport take away some of the stress. We have an entire suite of services to handle your retail needs, efficiently and cost-effectively. Contact us today by calling 905.847.6513.

Taking on the Customer Service Challenge - and Winning!

In the CPG industry, one of the most important factors when it comes to influencing sales is your customer service - this is a no-brainer. Usually the two go hand-in-hand. So, knowing this, how can you up your customer service game?

Check out this great article from Canadian Grocer, filled with some interesting insight about customer service in the CPG industry and how to take on the customer service challenge and win!

Some food for thought: according to the article, the annual American Express Canadian Retail Insights Report revealed that 82% of retailers in the restaurant, fast food, grocery, gas and general retail sectors cited better customer service experiences as the reason for a jump in sales. In the grocery sector specifically, 87% of businesses surveyed are investing in improving customer service in 2015, a 21% increase from 2014!

You can check out the full article here: http://www.canadiangrocer.com/blog/three-ways-to-up-your-customer-service-game-57547.

Some highlights and tips from the article:

-      Great customer service can help differentiate you from your competitors, but since most retailers are aware of this fact, almost all are working to differentiate themselves. Therefore, you need to be prepared for more competition. Your team members need to be well versed and aware of their role in the customer service game.

-       Loyalty is important - so be creative when trying to obtain it. According to the article, 82% of grocers are working to improve loyalty by leveraging sales, promotions and discounts and 74% plan to develop more product offerings or services to bring in consumers - up 15% from 2014.

-       Don’t drop everything for online. Although e-commerce has taken over several industries, it doesn’t seem to have permeated the grocery industry yet, so make sure to balance out your strategy when choosing channels. Using technology to improve your business is a great idea, whereas relying on it may not be as beneficial.

We are heading into the last quarter of 2015, and that usually means a significant push to get things ironed out for the year and ready for what lies ahead. Upping your customer service game is never a bad idea and now is the time to do it!

Need some ideas or help getting those levels of satisfaction up? Storesupport can help. Call us today at 905.847.6513.

The Online vs. Bricks and Mortar Debate: Where do Smaller Stores Stand?

In the retail world, online shopping and bricks and mortar shopping are usually viewed as diametrically opposed - an either/or proposition. And with this perception comes the often accepted myth that online is slowly but surely taking over. However, it is far more complicated than that, the myth largely based on assumption rather than fact.

A recent survey for UPS on how large a role mobile plays followed that same assumption - that shoppers preferred online shopping. The survey did find that that role is significant - and consumers want more advanced features, flexible shipping options, and hassle-free returns.

That being said, the survey findings said far more than that. Although mobile is growing, bricks and mortar stores have not lost their importance.

It seems as though the relationship is far more intertwined. Both online and bricks and mortar benefit from one another: “When purchasing online from a retailer that also has a physical store, 39% of consumers who make returns prefer to ship the product back while the overwhelming majority – 61% – prefer to return the item to the store. When they go to the store to make that return, 70% said they purchase an additional item.”

You can read more about the report here: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/online-shoppers-not-even-close-to-abandoning-brick-and-mortar-060415.html.

Add to this fact that some previously online-only stores are opening up physical locations and the complexities are even more visible.

Great, so major retailers are still holding their own against the online onslaught - evidently online shopping isn’t taking over as some believe. But where do smaller stores stand? Are mom and pop shops getting wiped out?

Again, the same seems to be true for mom and pop shops - they have not lost their relevance. Although facing more competition thanks to the growth of online shopping, consumers loyal to these stores remain so. It does mean that your strategy needs to meet this competition head-on, with marketing and merchandising methods that can help beat it.

For brands specifically there are other implications. If located in a mom and pop shop, or really any bricks and mortar location, you need to be sure that you are meeting the needs of your customers on a consistent basis, and retail audits can help you better determine what is working, what is not, and how to implement a plan to fix any issues.

Whether you are a smaller retailer dealing with online competition or a brand located at retail, Storesupport has the tools to help you succeed. Call us today at 1-877-421-5081.

The Retail Landscape: Are Traditional Merchandising Methods Still Effective?

With the many changes facing the CPG industry, it can be difficult to determine which merchandising methods are still viable options for garnering sales. Many retailers and brands alike are constantly asking themselves “Are traditional merchandising methods still effective?”

Here is our take on some of the top traditional merchandising methods that are still being used on a regular basis by most retailers: flyers, experiential marketing, and the checkout line.

Flyers - getting them into the store. While many stores feel as though flyers are a big cost that hopefully can be replaced by digital, many consumers, especially in the CPG sector, are still using them. According to the Globe and Mail, many consumers “like paper flyers because they can carry them around, circle deals and easily access them for price-matching at competing retailers.” That being said, flyers are not as effective for all retailers. The same Globe and Mail article noted that a test done by Sport Chek, meant to determine if a digital focus was more effective, determined that for them flyers were not where the money was. You can check out the full article here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/marketing/digital-ads-may-be-the-future-but-consumers-remain-loyal-to-paper-flyers/article18924774/.

Experiential merchandising - try before they buy. These campaigns have been sprouting up with extreme frequency across North America, and for good reason. But do they work? Well, let’s look at Red Bull as a perfect example. Their 2012 Stratos Jump campaign racked up 52 million view worldwide, and in the 6 months following the campaign, U.S. sales increased 7% to $1.6 billion, and the company sold 5.3 billion cans worldwide in 2013 - up from 5.2 billion in 2012. Other campaigns have also benefited from the impacts - but it needs to be done right. Pulling on consumer emotions, catering to the right target market, etc., all require work - so to get the best results, make sure you devote the time and resources.

The checkout line - your last chance for a sale. This is usually the point when you often have the attention of the shopper, more than at any point in the store, because they are standing and waiting. 

Traditional marketing with displays used to get people thinking about that last-minute spontaneous purchase, but do they still have the same effect? According to a recent study done by Time Warner Retail Sales & Marketing, the checkout line is often an afterthought for consumers, but shouldn’t be for grocers. Why? Because checkout line sales represent 1% of total grocery sales - and up to 10% of consumers will make a purchase in the checkout line. That is pretty impressive for a relatively small category.

When it comes to CPG sales, many traditional merchandising methods still hold value - and making the switch and phasing them out may not actually work in your best interest.

Want to know more about these traditional merchandising methods and how to implement them to create a campaign that yields real results? Storesupport has you covered. Call us today at 1-877-421-5081.

The New Shopping Journey: How Consumer Behaviour is Changing

In the retail industry, no matter the sector, understanding customer behaviour is a constant challenge that both retailers and brands struggle with on a regular basis. Knowing how to target, when to target, catering to the right person at the right time - these are all points of differential that can make or break a sale.

Over the last few years, consumer spending and consumer behaviour have changed dramatically.

Check out this great infographic from Chicago based firm IRI, The New Shopping Journey.

Here are some highlights on how and where money is spent:

-       75% of shoppers rely heavily on their mobile devices when shopping, both beforehand and during the shopping journey.

-       60% of shoppers are looking for private label brands.

-       Shoppers are visiting fewer stores, choosing to shop at the ones they believe offer the most value.

At Storesupport, we can help you best determine the course of action that means maximum efficiency, cashing in on consumer behaviour trends. Call us today at 1-877-421-5081.

How Are You Earning Customer Loyalty?

Earning customer loyalty, for retailers, is a constant struggle. Knowing who to target, and when, is a challenge - one that can make or break your bottom line. This is why it always helps to have someone in your corner offering timeless and trending advice.

Today we are taking on that roll and sharing this great article we found regarding earning customer loyalty, “25 Tips for Earning Customer Loyalty” from Entrepreneur. Check it out here: 

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/245365.

Key takeaways:

-          Share your core values

-          Provide excellent service and exceed customer expectations

-          Always be transparent and admit when a mistake has been made

-          Create a sense of community with your customers

-          Don’t neglect existing customers

-          Offer incentives

-          Ask for feedback and act on that feedback

-          Always be reliable

-          Anticipate problems before they become problems

-          When problems are identified, fix them

-          Be flexible

-          Communicate

Customer loyalty has to be earned - we all know that - but there are some tried and true methods to do so. These tips draw on traditional methods and incorporate the latest trends, achieving maximum effect.

If you want more tips on earning customer loyalty, Storesupport has the toolset to help. Call us today at 1-877-421-5081.

Is CPG Dying in Canada? How to do Rightsizing the Right Way

Change is a constant factor in the retail landscape, and adapting to change is a critical component of any brand or retailer’s strategy. It seems as though many companies are making the move to smaller locations, downsizing and putting emphasis on online sales. This trend to downsize has had many impacts - not least of which is the continued competition, impact on brand loyalty and the impact on employees (lots of people are finding their jobs being downsized as well).

Canadian Grocer recently weighed in on the online grocery trend with their article “Get ready for online grocery’s rise.” According to the article, “Of Canada’s vast supermarket sales, only a drop in the bucket are online. Nevertheless, grocers and CPGs should start to plan their e-commerce strategy now or else get left behind as consumers start to fill their pantry from their computers and smartphones.”

Furthermore, according to Keith Anderson, vice-president of strategy and insight at Profitero, “By 2018, three per cent of CPG sales in Canada could be online, up from the current estimates of 0.5 to one per cent.” That is a major mark up!

Check out the full article here: http://www.canadiangrocer.com/top-stories/get-ready-for-online-grocerys-rise-in-canada-54240.

So what does this mean for retailers across the nation? Well, with the downsizing trend often comes lost loyalty, so you absolutely need to be sure that you are rightsizing!

What does rightsizing mean? Whether you are downsizing or upsizing (yes, while the trend seems to be downsizing, many other stores are upping their square footage rather than reducing it), if you do it correctly, you are rightsizing. This means keeping customer service levels high and staying on top of empty or messy shelves and employee to customer ratios.

Is CPG dying in Canada? Of course not. It is just changing. Chances are we won’t see the demise in our lifetime - we can always keep our fingers crossed just for good measure - but that doesn’t mean that we can keep doing things the way we’ve always done them.

The old saying adapt or die may not necessarily apply here, but when it comes to rightsizing, you always need to keep an eye on strategy.

For more about retail downsizing, upsizing, or as we like to call it, rightsizing, please call Storesupport today at 1-877-421-5081.

Going Digital…Are You Targeting Through Digital

Over the last few years, digital has become the trend in retail. Keeping in touch with consumers, engaging them and motivating them to purchase has become far easier when digital is embraced. So, have you gone digital? Are you targeting your customers through digital?

Here are the top 3 digital trends sweeping the retail industry in 2015:

Social media. Social media continues to be a major player in the retail game. Before social media, people used the internet primarily to research products and compare prices. However, although that remains an important part of digital, far more is now done online, specifically when it comes to social networks and reputation. 10 years ago, not having a website was common. 5 years ago, many companies still had not jumped on the social media bandwagon. In 2015, both of these are gone the way of the horse and carriage - a few hangers-on still try to stick with tradition but it is becoming harder and harder. Now, people head online not just to research price, but to read reviews, get recommendations, find out what others in their networks are saying about different companies. Ignoring this fact can be detrimental - social media definitely needs to be embraced.

Marketing through email. Being asked for your email address at the register has become commonplace, and for good reason. Marketers are celebrating the value of email marketing for retail in a big way. It is a great way to keep customers informed, and especially when they are provided with something of value, is a great way to get them into the store. Just make sure to balance out the promo and don’t be sending daily emails - too much and that unsubscribe button will be getting a work out. Keep emails short and sweet - weekly deals, promos, etc. are a great way to keep customers connected with your brand or retail location.

Digital signage and interactive retail displays. Customer engagement offline is becoming just as important as online, and it too has gone digital. Digital signage and interactive displays are a great way to grab attention and get customers talking. This is especially popular with newer products or brands. Create an emotional connection, draw on seasonal tradition, anything that will make a customer stop and think is a worthy addition on the retail floor.

No matter the industry, going digital is now a necessity, and with CPG it is no different. Are you taking advantage?

For more about going digital in the retail arena, please call Storesupport today at 1-877-421-5081.

The Young and The Restless? Generational Challenges in Retail

Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y, Z, Millennials - sometimes it becomes almost impossible to keep all of these groups straight - and keeping their wants and needs as both customers and employees is even harder. Generational challenges in retail seem to only be growing with the times and that means that it can be hard to keep up, and that makes keeping up even more essential!

Consumers:

Chances are, your pool of potential consumers is generationally diverse - this is especially true in the consumer packaged goods industry - and that presents its own challenges. One approach to deal with this is to choose one group and cater specifically to them, ignoring all others. Is this a good idea? Probably not, and we suggest taking a different route.

Instead, cater to every group simultaneously. Technology has made this task easier and harder all at once. For example, online shopping, although taken advantage of by all ages, is more common for younger generations. However, technology in store and mobile e-commerce continues to grow, and the older generations are adapting just as well. The best advice we can offer when it comes to dealing with this generational challenge in retail is to make sure that you are not putting off one group in exchange for another - be inclusive, not exclusive.

Want some more advice on how to overcome this challenge? Check out this great article from Instore Magazine:
http://www.bakemag.com/instore/Consumer/Demographics/2014/12/Generational%20differences.aspx?cck=1.

Employees:

The retail space is predominantly filled by millennial aged employees - this is a well-known fact. This alone creates problems. Hiring almost exclusively, whether by choice or necessity, from one group means that shoppers outside of this group can feel ostracized - never a good thing in retail. When you have a generationally diverse workforce, this strongly works in your favour. Each group has different needs - but as a whole they should be working together.

Dealing with clashes? Here is a great article from Vancouver Business. Although not specific to retail, it has some really excellent tips that do apply to the retail landscape: https://www.biv.com/article/2015/5/ask-experts-embracing-generational-differences-wor/.

There is no way around it - generational challenges in retail exist, both on the consumer side and within the workplace. This fact can’t be denied, and unless you embrace these difference, you may just find yourself at the back of the pack.

Call Storesupport today for people support and marketing tips to take advantage of these differences: 1-877-421-5081.

People Support: Top 5 Reasons to Hire 3rd Party Retail Employees

All of us in the retail world have struggled with it at one time or another; the decision to outsource people support is debated heavily in the retail industry, and many retailers have asked us why they should even bother…so, why should you even bother? Is hiring 3^rd party retail employees worth it?

As an answer, here are our top five reasons to hire 3^rd party retail employees. Consider each one, and we are confident that the answer will be pretty clear.

-          Time.

o   In house: When you add up all of the time spent placing an ad, interviewing, then training new employees, these hours can really start to climb. And it isn’t just that employee’s time (which of course you have to pay for), it is HR time as well.

o   Outsourced: You can pretty much turn back the clock when you outsource - as employees are already vetted and trained when they show up for work.

-          Resources.

o   In house: This is along the same lines as time, especially when you consider your employees a valuable resource. Any of the materials needed, including training resources and uniforms, require reusing (or repurposing or repurchasing) with every new hire.

o   Outsourced: These resources are significantly minimized when the employee is brought in by a third party.

-          Cost.

o   In house: The above time and resources cost money. After all, you can’t train an employee for free.

o   Outsourced: Again, costs are significantly reduced when everything is already done.

-          Service.

o   In house: When you hire a new employee, even if the interview is a smashing success, you can never truly gauge an individual’s commitment to service until they are on the store floor and interacting with customers. If it isn’t on par with your expectations, this may require additional training, or in a worst-case scenario, firing and hiring once again.

o   Outsourced: When the third party can guarantee high levels of service, you don’t have to worry. With trained, experienced employees, you don’t have to worry about customers being dissatisfied or dealing with an under-performing new hire.

-          Stress.

o   In house: With hiring, stress is almost always a factor. This is doubled when you consider having to let someone go with restructuring changes or if hiring on a seasonal basis.

o   Outsourced: Temporary employees from a third party do not incur this stress - the hiring and letting go is already handled by someone else!

When you are considering outsourcing your people support, whether for seasonal needs or short term solutions for rightsizing, these reasons to hire 3^rd party retail employees might just help you decide.

Storesupport has the people support that saves you time, money and resources, and can give you peace of mind. Call us today at 1-877-421-5081.

Challenges Facing the Retail Industry

The consumer packaged goods industry is an ever-moving, ever-changing mechanism. Adaptation is key, and with technological developments and rising consumer demands, it can be hard to keep up.

That being said, these changes are not the only challenges facing the retail industry in 2015. Here is a list of some of the others. And of course we are not just going to give you the issues - we also have a few solutions to help make these a little less difficult to face.

Problem: Employee turnover. This is a problem every retailer faces - it is a major problem in the retail industry - and often there is little that can be done to stop it. When an employee enters, then leaves your company, this can create problems for your human resource department, and means a loss of time and resources spent continually hiring and training new employees.

Solution: 3^rd party people support. A company that can provide short notice employees with training and experience can help you mitigate those costs and ensure excellent service and assistance.

Problem: Auditing. For brands located at retail, keeping on top of what is going on on the store floor can be challenging. This is why auditing is another challenge that faces the retail industry on a regular basis.

Solution: You can’t be everywhere at once, but a merchandising company that offers this service can. Not only will this provide you with up-to-date data about competitors’ price points, you can also ensure that customer satisfaction is high - and if not, amendments can be made to improve the situation.

Problem: Allery alert/product recalls. Improper labelling, errors with packaging, issues with ingredients; these are all accompanied by costs for remedy and time and resources spent. They can also mean time with empty space on the shelf, which is never a good thing in retail.

Solution: Emergency response services for retail. When you are made aware of a product recall, whatever the reason, manage the outcome to ensure a positive result. If possible, consider bringing in a team to fix the problem on the spot, rather than worrying about shipping product back to the warehouse. This saves money and time and also keeps the empty space to a minimum.

When issues arise, don’t stress. Let Storesupport Canada help you overcome these challenges facing the retail industry. We have the knowledge and experience to help you save money an increase efficiency. Call us today at 1-877-421-5081.

Retail Downsizing and Upsizing: Target Not the Only Store Making Changes in Canada

Earlier this year we spoke at length about Target Canada’s choice to pull the plug on its Canadian operations, and the many impacts this had for the brand. But Target isn’t the only company to be making changes within their organizational structure - a whole host of parent companies have made the decision to downsize in recent months. 

At the beginning of the year, several companies, including Sears, Mexx Canada, and Sony, announced plans to downsize. The latest in the long line of companies include the parent company for retailers Ricki’s, Bootlegger and Cleo. Back in March, Canadian Business had this to say: Ontario-based Comark Inc, “The company behind Ricki’s, Bootlegger and Cleo plans to close stores and cut jobs as part of a restructuring after obtaining court protection from creditors.”

You can check out the full article about this downsizing move here: 

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/business-news/rickis-bootlegger-cleo-fashion-stores-downsizing-under-court-protection/.

Does that mean the trend is just about downsizing? No. While some stores are making moves to decrease their footprint, others are increasing their square footage to meet rising demands. This includes those stores, such as Amazon, that are making the move to physical locations, having previously only sold online.

When it comes to rightsizing - whether you are downsizing or upsizing - there are few to things to keep in mind to mitigate any unforeseen consequences.  The right people support, a strategy for in-store set-up and planogram compliance can all make a big difference with regard to customer satisfaction and therefore brand loyalty and brand perspective.

Downsizing? Upsizing? When it comes to rightsizing, Storesupport can help. We can offer the tools that give you the ability to properly manage the process. Call us today at 1-877-421-5081.

Retailers Get Ready: The Business of Back to School Shopping

The sun is high in the sky and the weather is warm. The beaches are filled with people trying to get in as much fun in the sun as possible. With school just finishing, most are not even thinking about heading back to school. If, however, you’re a retailer in the back to school business, it is likely at the forefront of your mind. Retailers and manufacturers get ready - it is time for some tips to help you get ready for the back to school shopping blitz.

Something to keep in mind if you tend to procrastinate: Last year, the National Retail Federation predicted back to school shopping for the typical family with kids attending kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, or high school will spend $669.28 this year, up 5% from last year. Total back to school spending is estimated to hit $26.5 billion - now that is big business.

Whether you are ready or not, the back to school shopping season is right around the corner. Be ready.

Our first tip? Start now - not next week, definitely not next month, now. Give yourself plenty of time to get your strategy in place. Waiting until the last minute can mean added stress and lost profits.

Tip #2: Don’t just target parents. Some retailers assume that because parents are the ones shelling out the big bucks, they are the ones to target - and that is true - but they are not the only ones. Cater to the kids too - after all, they are the ones likely adding to the cart or asking for certain items over others.

Tip #3: Post-secondary kids and their parents spend even more - so make sure to highlight and focus on those items that are likely to fill lecture halls and dorm rooms.

Tip #4: Make sure you are ready for the rush. Early birds may not cause too much hustle and bustle, but the last few weekends before school starts can often mean long line ups and messy shelves. Make sure to get a plan in place to ensure coverage is not lacking. A company that offers trained people support is a great way to go as an alternative to hiring short-term seasonal employees.

Tip #5: CPG retailers - think about implementing an experiential merchandising campaign to engage customers and combine common products. This is great when you target the entire range of customers - appealing to parents’ concerns about healthy eating and school food guidelines but also kids’ desire for fun.

Tip #6:  Manufacturers - due to the high volume traffic in store, be proactive and ensure you have merchandisers ready and available to stock shelves for you during these busy times.  If your product is very specific to back to school, don’t get caught with a huge return at the end of the season because the product didn’t get out of the backroom your credit will cost you more than the sales you can gain.

When it comes to back to school shopping, being ready is a sure-fire way to help boost your brand image and bottom line. And Storesupport can help - we have years of experience helping retailers get ready for back to school. Call us today at 1-877-421-5081.

Deloitte’s 2015 Retail Industry Trends: Now and To Come

Deloitte recently released their report on 2015 retail industry trends, and we could not be more encouraged by the results. Big moves are being made by retailers, and the ability to adapt to change is providing ever more opportunity to increase your bottom line.

Check out this handy infographic which outlines the top 5 retail industry trends for this year:

According to the report, these are the five emerging trends for 2015:

• Mobile retailing: expected to reach $640 billion in sales annually, this is a rapidly growing market that is making a huge impact. Globally, it is estimated that, by 2015, around 65% of the population will use a mobile phone and 83% of internet usage will be through mobile.
• Faster retailing: customers now expect same-day delivery and quick response time, all the time.
• Experience retailing: by adding technology, entertainment, and emotion, retailers can create a deeper level of engagement with shoppers. This will come with innovation to enhance the shopping experience, through social media campaigns or marketing co-creation.
• Innovative retailing: market disruption with disruptive creativity. The future of retailing is about adaptation and embracing changes within the industry.
• Travel retailing: redefining the role of airport retail in a company’s strategy. For many retailers, international tourism offers a great opportunity to engage with consumers due to lengthy layovers.

You can read the report in its entirety here: http://evigo.com/18700-deloitte-report-emerging-retailing-trends-2015/.

Whether you are stuck in a rut and need to revamp your retail strategy, or you just want to make sure you are keeping up with the competition, Storesupport can help. We have the tools and expertise to get a merchandising plan in place that takes into account these trends - using them to their full advantage. Call us today at 1-877-421-5081. 

Summer Retail Merchandising Strategies: The Customization Nation

Retail is changing - it is undeniable. Gone are the days when mom and pop shops ruled the roost and all shopping was done in store - none of this online nonsense. Ok, enough with the nostalgia, but really, thanks to a number of different factors, not least of which is technology, customer expectations and shopping habits have changed dramatically, and as a result retailers are finding that retuning their retail merchandising strategies has become a necessity.

These retuning strategies differ greatly, but some are clearly more effective than others. Check out this great discussion article from Retail Wire: http://www.retailwire.com/discussion/18046/the-rise-of-the-customization-nation. In the article, the author discusses a presentation at this year’s Food Marketing Institute Midwinter Conference during which the presenter (an author himself) discussed customization in the retail world and how it is impacting customer engagement.

Thanks in large part to technological advances and the growth and development of online shopping capabilities, consumers now take customization for granted and as a result expect it far more often. And the ability to customize and personalize has come to permeate every shopping experience - not just those taking place in the online sphere.

So what are retailers to do? Complete customization isn’t really practical, nor is it largely cost effective. The conference presenter’s advice: “success is based on reducing choices and curating the experience, which moves the retailer from the role of simply satisfying a need to a trusted advisor position that enables them to proactively sell.”

Additionally, the author notes that some grocery chains are recognizing this expectation and taking risks to challenge traditional retail merchandising strategies. Is it paying off? According to the article, “The reward is a distinct uptick in relevance to the shopper,” so clearly something is having an impact.

Is customization the way of the future? Perhaps, but perhaps it is one of the many innovative ideas that can be utilized, even in some small way, within the CPG industry to further drive sales and increase engagement.

Whether you stick to those tried and true traditional retail merchandising strategies, completely revamp and try customization on for size, or decide that your own custom plan which includes both approaches is the way to go, Storesupport can help get a plan nailed down. Call us today at 1 877 421 5081. 

Retail Disaster: Do These Images Represent a Positive Customer Experience?

In today’s retail environment, customer experience plays a major role in not only the perception of your brand, but also your level of customer loyalty. A happy customer is far more likely to both return to your store and purchase your product. They are also far more likely to recommend you to friends and family, or even to the world at large thanks to social media. Knowing this, how do you think these images work when it comes to customer experience? Do these represent a positive customer experience?

If your store is a mess, trust us, customers notice! No one wants to have to step over piles of stuff on the floor (nor are most willing to purchase items they deem dirty thanks to the mess). And not only does this impact your customer experience, it can turn into a legal hassle if someone gets hurt!

Long line ups are the bane of a shopper’s existence, and having to stand around makes people cranky - and can sometimes have a huge impact on customer loyalty. Continually having to wait in line inevitably leads to choosing a different store where the line ups tend not to be such a problem.

Target Canada had to deal with customer blow-back thanks to empty shelves - one could argue that this issue played a part in their ultimate demise - and we all know how this customer service issue impacts the overall customer experience. Shelves should NEVER look like this (and for most they likely don’t), but even a few empty spaces or the inability to find what one is looking for, or even an alternative, can have customers leaving the store in droves.

Don’t let a lack of people support impact the customer experience you deliver. Messy aisles, long line ups and empty shelves are all, for the most part, a direct result of not enough staff.

Feel like these issues only arise at particular points in the year, during the summer holidays for example? Don’t want to hire, train, and then lay off seasonal staff? Find a merchandising company that can offer trained, experienced, professional staff members, on a temporary basis, right when you need them. This not only saves you time and money, you can be sure these customer service issues are handled!

For more about people support that meets your needs and customers’ expectations, please call Storesupport today at 1 877 421 5081. 

Is Online Grocery Shopping Headed Our Way?

For many of us in the consumer packaged goods industry, the assumption that online shopping doesn’t pose the same threat to us as it does to some retailers is common, after all, not many online retailers offer milk or chicken. However, the looming threat of online grocery shopping, which seems to grow over time, if far closer to home than we might think.

Take, for example, this recent article from Buffalo News, “Dash’s Market launches online grocery shopping”: http://www.buffalonews.com/business/dashs-market-launches-online-grocery-shopping-20150224. According to the article, Dash’s Market, a grocery chain in Western New York, is the first in the area to offer online grocery shopping, giving customers the option to purchase online and then either pick up from the physical location or have the order delivered.

The trend being adopted by stores such as Dash’s is becoming quite common in the face of changing customer expectations. Store downsizing, rightsizing, even the move of previously online-only retailers to physical locations are all other examples of this trend to meet the growing needs of today’s consumer. And that’s not all. If you think that online grocery shopping isn’t really going to materialize, and that it really doesn’t pose much a threat, the fact that it is expected to become a $17.2 billion industry by 2019 may just cause you to reconsider that line of thinking.

And while Dash’s is the first in Western New York, two other top chains have already started the research to implement it in the area. Clearly this trend is picking up speed, and although it is across the border, it is just across the border. Really, how long before our major chains are taking a page out of their book?

This isn’t all bad news. It may be a threat, but does it mean that all consumers are going to switch? Of course not. As with all retail shopping, the customer experience is key, and since other retailers find that online shopping still can’t compete when it comes to that (and therefore a desire to shop at a physical location remains), it is pretty safe to assume that it will be no different for CPG. All of this being said, it does mean a further rise in competition, one that will need to be met head on.

Are you ready to compete? Storesupport has the strategies to make you more competitive, even when it comes to online grocery shopping. Call us today at 1 877 421 5081. 

Cashing In: Merchandising Strategies to Increase Customer Loyalty and Engagement

As a retailer, your job involves a number of complex moving parts. Having every aspect of your store run smoothly can be a major challenge - and this doesn’t even take into consideration a plan for improvement. When it comes to customer loyalty and customer engagement, the best way to improve is by beefing up those merchandising strategies and making people even happier.

Some of these may seem like pretty common sense advice, but the reminder won’t hurt.

Firstly, start with a plan - don’t dive right into the deep end and expect results to float right to the top with you.

On the store floor, create displays that pair like items, or create a theme to encourage more interaction and sales. Take advantage of seasonal opportunities - summer is a big one and it is right around the corner! Pull on those heartstrings - create an emotional connection and consumers will feel a sense of attachment.

Experiential marketing is another great tactic, especially coming into the summer, to get customers thinking about what you are offering and to create a connection as well as to engage. For example, think about BBQ season and everything that comes with it - major upsell opportunities here.

People make a difference - you know this. Hiring the right employees, those who can demonstrate knowledge about your brand, and who display dedication and a commitment, are the ones who will be recognized by shoppers. This can help build a relationship with a customer when shopping, and encourage loyalty. That being said, when it comes to your busy season, or even those odd days that require extra staff, hiring a handful of employees might get the job done, but a merchandising company that offers people support can get the job done quickly and efficiently, so this might be an alternative to consider.

Keep the store clean. Another common sense tip, but we mean clean, organized and well stocked. Customers notice everything, really, and if they feel uncomfortable this registers and can impact their choice to return. Empty shelves have the same effect - think about the big box retailer that recently vacated Canada after just 2 years in business…

Perhaps not technically a merchandising strategy, but one that belongs on any customer engagement and customer loyalty list, is social media engagement. If customers are talking on social media, respond - never ignore a review, whether positive or negative. Engaging online shows your customers that you care and are committed and this goes a long way towards building customer loyalty.

When it comes to customer loyalty and engagement, merchandising strategies can go a long way towards improving your numbers. Want to get a plan in place? Call Storesupport today at 1 877 421 5081.