Know-How Exchange : Strategy

I like the book, "1001 ways to create retail excitement". Its in your library and you'll find the ideas to build a marketing calendar. Beyond that-- loyalty programs attract my attention. Its a tough time for you and I have real empathy. Last year I spent 5K on clothes, and the past several years that was my average-- (its only 500 mo) this year-- no way. The few items I buy, I go for the loyalty stores first. My sales/income are steady, but I am hoarding. So be empathetic to your clients. And with unemployment at this high-- help them portray themselves in their best light for their next job (tough competition). If your niche isn't business- and with this relaxed dress code I bet you'd be there-- one of the reasons my 55 yo butt needed so many clothes was business (of course) and dating (just married!). Dating is a recession proof niche.

Bring in local speakers who can talk about a range of topics that would be interesting to your clientele: improving your business appearance, better body language, dating tips, how to balance career/family, PR tricks, etc. Unless you know what problems your clientele are having, you'll have to guess about the topics (or take a poll). The point is to get people to keep physically coming into your store - and each time they do, there's a no main display that inspires them.