Author Archive
Creating a Store of Ambiance
Starbucks has taken the no-frills coffee industry and turned it into a multibillion dollar frills business. How did they accomplish this? In my opinion a key component is the ambiance they have created.
I hate to admit it, but I am one of the Starbuck’s addicts that visits every day, not necessarily because I am a caffeine addict, needing a pick-me-up each and every morning, but I have learned a deeper rooted cause. Realizing the expense of my habit, I decided to buy the fixings from Starbucks to create my own signature beverage at home for me to enjoy without the expense and the travel time – I lasted all of two days. Why, if my drink tasted exactly the same, did I return to my old habits of visiting the store?
Upon delving into my troubled self, I discovered I enjoy Starbucks because of the ambiance. I feel a connection and a sense of belonging each time I walk into the store and order my very own customized drink that the barista has made just for me. I love the soft tone of the Indie-style music, the grinding sound of the espresso machine, the soft earth wall colors, dim lighting and even the uncomfortable chairs and smaller than average table! Starbucks has done a fantastic job of making coffee an experience and an opportunity to remove the customer from the daily grind (no pun intended). Wouldn’t you love to provide your customer with this same experience at your store?
The takeaway from Starbucks – how can you create this ambiance in your store?
- Provide free dog treats for everyone. This is an inexpensive way to drive traffic to your store. Even if they do not purchase something today, you can be sure next time they are in need of the newest and greatest your store will be top of their mind.
- Water Bowls placed in front of your store. Thirsty dogs will force the owners to stop and take a look around
- Make customers feel appreciated, create a “dog testers” wall of fame featuring their pets!
- Host dog meet and greets. People who own dogs are usually very social, offer opportunities such as dog walking groups, dog play groups and maybe even a dog fashion show.
- Hire employees that are passionate, engaging and knowledgeable. Set aside time each month to train employees on your store products.
I hope this helps. Happy Selling!
Increase Sales, Decrease Your Footprint
Earth day is approaching, dont miss out on an opportunity to increase sales this month with a focus on making your business and pooch more eco-friendly and reap the benefits long term. A poll recently conducted by the Global Strategy Group shows that 87% of consumers are more likely to buy products from an environmentally friendly retailer. There is no better time for your store to go green than on April 22nd, Earth Day. With more and more businesses emphasizing the importance of going green, doing so has never been easier.
Ways to make your business more eco-friendly:
- Promote a special offer for Earth Day, if customers bike or walk to the store versus drive their cars they receive XX% off their entire purchase or off of a specific item.
- Recycle boxes, packaging and receipt paper.
- Use florescent and LED Bulbs, they last longer and use less electricity.
- Consider using motion sensor lights.
- When cleaning use cloth towels vs. paper towels.
- Look for Green cleaning supplies (i.e. Seventh Generation, Simple Green)
- Become paperless as much as possible, think twice before you print.
- Switch off electrical equipment when not using.
- Offer discounts to customers who bring in their own bag or do not use one.
Ways to make your pooch more eco-friendly
- Help control the pet population by adopting pets from shelters and/or neutering your pet.
- Always pick up your pets waste, reducing contamination in our lakes and rivers.
- Even better, use biodegradable bags that are cornstarch based. They decompose much quicker than regular plastic bags ( Kyjen)
- Be your dogs chef. You will know exactly what goes into the food and you can purchase organic, pesticide free food for Fido. If cooking is not your thing, consider visiting holistic dog food stores in your area.
- Look at labels for eco-friendly products using recycled or all natural materials (i.e. Kyjen Bottle Buddies, Kyjen Eco Hemp)
Happy Early Earth Day! Hope it is a prosperous one for you!
Lots of Dogs, Little Space- do additional dog parks help local retailers grow their business?
Looking for a place for your dog to play, not much offered in Denver, CO according to a recently published article in the Denver Post. As the number of pet lovers has increased significantly in the last few years, the number of parks and green spaces available to them has remained stagnant. The people of Denver recognize this need and are in support of adding 10 new off-leash dog parks in the next decade. However, government officials worry about funding for this project. To offset the costs a draft proposal suggests charging for use of the park through paid tags. The cost of the first dog would be $25.00 and $10.00 for each additional tag per year.
What do you think? Is there a need for more dog parks in your area? Do additional dog parks result in additional business for you as an indenedent retailer? Do you think the tag fee will be successful in raising the needed funds? Any ideas to share on how you have gained additional business in your store as a result of having a dog park nearby?
Get Out and Play (at your local dog park or anywhere else for that matter)!
