Sparking New Sales at Your Shop

Julie Lancia and Barb Mueller, co-owners of JB Winterberry in Wheaton, Illinois who were named Country Business' Retailer of the Year in 2007, recommend the following to spark new sales:

"1. Sending customers e-mail updates every three weeks regarding new merchandise, including our first online e-coupon.

2. Mailing a 20-percent-off coupon to all current top customers as well as past top customers...

3. Moving all furniture and displays to create a new look for spring and summer...

4. Conducting seminars on decorating for groups outside the shop, such as garden clubs and women's auxiliaries.

5. Producing a vintage fashion show within the shop along with the help of the local history center...

6. Blowing our own horn by marketing our success to local magazines and other publications...

Customers continue to make small purchases, including cards, small greenery and florals - basically gifts under $20. Make sure you carry a variety of these items." Country Sampler's Country Business May/June 2009, Let's Weather the Storm, p. 70

More Publicity for Well-Dressed Food

Owner David Tomberlin, Well Dressed Food, Tupper Lake, was the producer featured in the August issue of Adirondack Life in their Adirondack Made section. "The maker of two dozen savory, sauces, preserves, granola, pancake mix, desserts and spiced nuts" is hoping to release a bean dip and a McIntosh hot-pepper grilling sauce this summer. www.welldressedfood.com Adirondack Life, August 2009, Adirondack Made, p. 24.