Buying a Franchise
New Franchise Concept Puts Unused Gift Cards to Use
Gift Card Monkey sparks a new retail concept -- putting gift cards that would otherwise be forgotten to use for consumers and merchants.
By Jason Daley
Retail Center | Page 4
Building a Business
The ‘Etsy Economy’ and Changing the Way We Shop
The online handmade marketplace is seeking to reimagine retail.
Building a Business
Big-Box Backlash: The Rebirth of Mom-and-Pop Shops
As consumers grow more comfortable with ecommerce, Amazon.com isn't the only web company making big-box stores sweat. These days, corner cafes and artisanal cheesemongers are taking a bigger piece of the retail pie.
By Diana Ransom
Building a Business
Five Retail Design Myths Debunked
Be creative in your store design and take a skeptical view of the conventional wisdom.
By Jane Porter
Building a Business
Creating Shops from Shipping Containers
How small retailers are building new kinds of stores.
By Jane Porter
Building a Business
3 New Technologies to Make Shopping More Interactive
Experts weigh in on new technologies from virtual greeters, to mirrors that give fashion advice, and touch screens loaded with information.
By Lisa Girard
Building a Business
Encouraging Employees to Put Their Personal Stamp on the Workplace
By letting employees do the decorating, small businesses can boost morale and save some money to boot.
Business Ideas
A Retail Extreme Makeover Provides Sweet Rewards
A Chicago cupcake company's experience offers lessons on renovating an affordable, but neglected retail space.
By Gwen Moran
Marketing
5 Ways Store Colors Can Influence Shoppers
A look at how color matters in your retail space. It can either help to sell your products -- or irritate customers. Choose wisely.
By Jane Porter
Business Ideas
How Green Power Can Benefit Both Small Retailers and the Environment
Tips on making the move to green energy, from wind and solar power to renewable energy credits.
By Carol Tice
Building a Business
Reveal Your Retail Personality
Three retail business owners show how to project personality and add a special flair to your store.
Building a Business
7 Retail Disaster Zones Every Storeowner Should Avoid
How to prevent common store design mistakes that can make your customers less likely to buy.
By Jane Porter
Building a Business
Retail Decor Tips from the Star of ‘Tabatha Takes Over’
The outspoken business-makeover specialist Tabatha Coffey of Bravo reality show fame dishes on how to keep customers coming back.
By Gwen Moran
Building a Business
6 Low-Cost Ideas for an Interior-Design Makeover
Does your restaurant or store need a face-lift? Consider these budget-minded tactics from a recent episode of 'Restaurant Impossible.'
By Carol Tice
Building a Business
A Sneak Peek at the Store of the Future
Look for more decentralized, less cluttered stores that offer experiences and personalized products.
By Lisa Girard
Building a Business
7 Tips to Create Winning Window Displays
How to design windows that will command attention and lure shoppers into your store.
By Jane Porter
Business Ideas
7 Layout Secrets of the Big Retail Chains
The right design and displays can steer customers to more merchandise and keep them shopping longer.
By Carol Tice
Building a Business
How Small Shops Economize by Sharing Space
Retailers can learn about such opportunities from brokers, matchmaking services or simply word-of-mouth.
By Jane Hodges
Marketing
To Grow Sales, Turn Your Workplace into a Theater for Customers
Here's a marketing idea worth considering: Give your customers a front-row seat and let them watch you work.
Building a Business
5 Ways to Make Sweet Music for Your Business
Ditch the Muzak and tailor your tunes to appeal to your customers and employees.
Sustainability
Bars Go Green
How eco-friendly practices are helping drinking establishments attract a loyal clientele.
By Alina Dizik
Building a Business
5 Ways to Organize Your Office–Stylishly
How to make your office project a professional image for your business, and a look at products to help you do it.
Business Ideas
5 Tips for Boomer-Friendly Retail Design
Bring on the boomers. Consider this advice when designing a store where boomers are the customers.
By Jane Porter
Building a Business
Smaller Retailers Tap Into the Power of Digital Displays
Four retailers illustrate how digital signs can help attract customers and boost revenue.
By Lisa Girard
Business News
Apple Retail Stores and the ‘Buying Brain’
Consider these three lessons to learn from Apple Stores to enhance your customer experiences in your store or office.
Building a Business
Going Green Is Growing Important to Small Businesses
Recycling and reducing waste and water use are just a few ways that businesses are creating more eco-friendly workplaces.
Building a Business
Seven Tech Tools for Fighting Retail Crime
Store owners can choose from a greater variety of tools to try to prevent theft by both shoplifters and employees.
By Carol Tice