The Retail Observer
  • Home
  • Magazine
    • Features
    • Writers
    • Issues
  • News
    • Industry News
    • Heart of the Industry
  • Partners
    • Partner Directory
    • Buying Groups
    • Distributors
    • Manufacturers
    • Trade Associations
  • Blog
  • Events
    • 2023 Year at a Glance
  • Subscribe
  • Home
  • Magazine
    • Features
    • Writers
    • Issues
  • News
    • Industry News
    • Heart of the Industry
  • Partners
    • Partner Directory
    • Buying Groups
    • Distributors
    • Manufacturers
    • Trade Associations
  • Blog
  • Events
    • 2023 Year at a Glance
  • Subscribe

STAYING CONNECTED IN A DISCONNECTED WORLD

7/1/2020

0 Comments

 
​By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

PictureEliana Barriga
​"Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship." —Brené Brown

In our current and rapidly changing world, events have forced us into a socially engineered environment, creating long term social isolation that has had some strong and potentially long-lasting negative results affecting the state of our mental
health and that of our loved ones.

What is social isolation? It is defined as a state of complete or near complete lack of contact between an individual and society. This change for many has drastically decreased our community involvement, and connection has been attempted via new technologies. The entire world has launched into staying connected virtually through skype and zoom conference calls, social cocktail parties, and group facetime calls with family and friends since mid-March when the craziness all began. Over time however, social distancing is taking its toll, as we are seeing the elevation of stress, insomnia, lowered immunity, short-tempers, and addictions. Both loneliness and social isolation are driving up stress levels and wreaking havoc on the human body, including the brain.

Brené Brown, professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, said that “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don't function as we were meant to.”

Are you socially isolated? If so, are you maintaining a balance physically and emotionally to help keep your body and mind as healthy as possible? Our positive relationships with others increase our own personal resilience and fortitude, keeping the community strong. Connecting with positive people within our circle of influence, that we can both laugh and dive deep with about questions that matter–will help us to face life's challenges with courage and love.

Keep in touch,
Eliana Barriga
​eliana@retailobserver.com

0 Comments

ADDING A CHERRY ON TOP

7/1/2020

0 Comments

 
​By Moe Lastfogel
Director of Sales and Marketing for The Retail Observer

PictureMoe Lastfogel
The benefit of offering extraordinary service 
​

In today’s world, you can no longer get by with just the basics. By this, I mean people want fries and a sundae with their burger—the works! Delivery, installation and warranties have been our fries and sundaes for years, but if we were to offer sprinkles, whipped cream, and a cherry on top with the order, how do you think customer loyalty would grow?

Delivery is somewhat simple. You schedule an appointment, drop off a box, and sometimes install the product (if your state allows you inside the home)—no problem. How about offering “white glove service”? A uniformed installer, carpet runners, shoe covers, and yes, white gloves. Add a small vacuum and cleanup after the installation and boom! — the customer gets the works.

How many times have you received a call from a client who did not understand how to use their new product? Video classes are a great side order. Offer once a week, bi-monthly, or monthly classes on convection or induction cooking, or roasting and baking. Many distributors or manufacturers will aid in making these video classes happen if you use their products. Offer these classes to potential customers and to those who have already purchased a product. Heck, if the order was big enough, offer tutorials from a personal chef via a Zoom lesson. This offer can also be a moneymaker if you present it as a package line item.

The ideas are endless as to how to make the customer’s experience different from that of the box store. That’s one of the biggest advantages you have as an independent retailer. Think outside of the box and add that cherry on top of the sundae to make your customer think that they’ve just received the best product offering ever. Let’s face it: a box is a box; it’s how you present it that makes it—and your business—special.

Happy and Safe Retailing,
Moe Lastfogel
moe@retailobserver.com

0 Comments

    Categories

    All
    Elle's View
    Moe's Musings

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014

Features
Writers
Events
Partners
Blog
Magazine
Subscribe
Advertise
Media Kit
Ad Specs
Heart of the Industry
Privacy Policy
Contact Us
Copyright@ 2014-2022 The Retail Observer, Inc.