Retail College

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Administrative Offices & Admissions | Business School | How To Sell Classroom | Merchandising Campus | Mystery Shopper Lab | Outdoor University Campus | Retail Buyers Classroom | Retail IQ Test Center | Sales Training Classroom | School of PR & Marketing | The Ooops Files |

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Administrative Offices & Admissions

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SNEWS publishes first Retail College Handbook for retailers Oct 30, 2010 Soon, as many as 16,000 retailers around the United States will be holding in their hands the first SNEWS® Retail College Handbook. SNEWS subscribers can get a digital look at the magazine today, by clicking on the flip-book... Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Administrative Offices & Admissions articles

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SNEWS FAQ: SNEWS Retail College classrooms packed with information Apr 21, 2010 The SNEWS® Retail College has the resources and tools you need to support and enhance any level of retail training, from the most basic to the most advanced. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Administrative Offices & Admissions articles

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SNEWS Retail College, Outdoor Retailer present Merchandising Tours @OR Jan 15, 2010 A trade show is a gold mine of visual display ideas. Exhibitors spend numerous hours and many dollars planning how to display the products they sell. So why not take their hours of preparation and display ideas back to your store? Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Administrative Offices & Admissions articles

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SNEWS and Outdoor Industry Association announce retail training partnership Jan 5, 2010 SNEWS and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) are partnering to ensure the highest level of retail training programs and content are available to outdoor specialty retailers...SNEWS Retail College launches. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Administrative Offices & Admissions articles

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Business School

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Leadership education top notch at Athletic Business Conference Jan 6, 2012 While it's common for trade shows to offer some educational seminars as added value for attendees, the Athletic Business Conference does it with a twist – offering educational seminars as the prime attraction at a solid trade show. SNEWS offers some notes from excellent seminars it attended from the leadership track at ABC. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Business School articles

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Workplace Violence: Are your retail employees safe? Mar 28, 2011 The best way to deal with violence in the workplace is to put into place procedures and guidance that remove the opportunity for violence to occur. In the wake of the Lululemon tragedy, SNEWS reviews workplace safety and presents ideas to help all retailers. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Business School articles

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Human Resources: Linking strategy with talent -- Are you asking the right questions? Jan 12, 2011 Many companies use the last quarter of the year to nail the final sales, plan the strategy and budget for the next year. Come January everyone hits the ground running. But how robust is your strategy implementation track record? Use these strategies to see how your talent lines up. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Business School articles

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Free shipping deals drive online sales this holiday season Dec 15, 2010 Free shipping is no longer just a perk for online shoppers, but a driving force behind their decision to hit the “buy” button. SNEWS talks to key outdoor and fitness retailers for more insight. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Business School articles

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Did you hear?...New SBA online tool helps companies learn to export Dec 10, 2010 Figuring how to export and getting started can be a daunting task for companies, especially for smaller companies without deep resources. Get the details on a free online tool to help businesses walk through the process and develop international programs. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Business School articles

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How To Sell Classroom

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How to Sell: Winter Safety Jan 4, 2012 With more skiers, snowboarders and hikers venturing into the snow-laden backcountry and sidecountry, winter safety gear innovations and sales are on the rise. That’s where this chapter of the SNEWS® Retail College comes in. SNEWS® provides the background on the latest gear from beacons to airbags, and how to properly sell not only the products, but the awareness and education that can save a life. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all How To Sell Classroom articles

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How to Sell: Insulation Nov 9, 2011 Be it jackets, sleeping bags, clothing or accessories, when it comes to providing warmth for your customers, knowing what insulation to guide them to is key. Fleece, wool, synthetic and down can all do the trick, but each have particular strengths and weaknesses. That’s where this chapter of the SNEWS® Retail College comes in. SNEWS helps you break down the differences so your sales team can lead consumers to their best source of warmth. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all How To Sell Classroom articles

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How to Sell: Packs Oct 14, 2011 The right pack makes or breaks people’s experience in the outdoors. This SNEWS Retail College chapter breaks down the differences, features and fit on packs to help match the customer to the proper load carrier. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all How To Sell Classroom articles

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How to Sell: Sleeping Bags Oct 7, 2011 If there’s one thing all outdoor adventurers need it’s the right sleeping bag to keep them warm, comfortable and happy when tucked in. That’s where this chapter of the SNEWS® Retail College comes in. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all How To Sell Classroom articles

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How to Sell: Trail Running Shoes Jul 29, 2011 If there’s one thing all trail runners need it’s the right pair of shoes to keep them comfortable and protected. That’s where this chapter of the SNEWS® Retail College comes in. Filled with all the basics about shoes and fit, it’ll make every salesperson feel more confident when he or she is standing in front of the shoe wall with customers. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all How To Sell Classroom articles

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Merchandising Campus

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SNEWS® Merchandising Tour, co-sponsored by Outdoor Retailer — reserve your space today Jan 11, 2012 Get visual at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market with a specially designed tour of booths for retailers and exhibitors alike. This tour will provide inspiration, ideas and the confidence to think "outside the box" when putting together your own displays, whether they are in store, or at a future Outdoor Retailer trade show. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Merchandising Campus articles

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Merchandising Doctor: Boulder’s HealthStyles becomes more visually fit Jan 9, 2012 Fitness stores might feel there is little they can do to make heavy, black and difficult-to-move equipment exciting, but there are ways to add visual interest to the fitness retail environment without a costly renovation. The SNEWS Merchandising Doctor pays a visit to HealthStyles in Boulder, Colo. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Merchandising Campus articles

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Merchandising Tour: Success at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market or bust Jan 9, 2012 You've made the investment to exhibit at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, now it’s time to make sure all your visual merchandising ducks are in a row. SNEWS brings you 10 trade show booth merchandising tips to help you maximize your Winter Market investment. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Merchandising Campus articles

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Merchandising Tour: Set up your booth and grab a beer while everyone else is still hard at work Dec 9, 2011 Show booth setup doesn't have to be stressful and time-consuming. SNEWS looks at how Nikwax and Ruff Wear simplified the process at Outdoor Retailer. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Merchandising Campus articles

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The Merchandising Doctor gives Boulder Running Company royal sock treatment Nov 16, 2011 Boulder Running Company (BRC), a top specialty running store located in Boulder, Colo., features gear for every level runner and needed the merchandising doctor to help it diagnose problems with its product mix and displays. The doctor is in and SNEWS has the scoop. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Merchandising Campus articles

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Mystery Shopper Lab

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Mystery Shopper: Solid selling skills, explanations steer customer to dream workout area Jun 7, 2010 It was a Tuesday afternoon in Beaverton, Ore., when our mystery shopper decided to drop in on the Fitness Shop, a four-store chain based in the Pacific Northwest. With some extra money burning a hole in her pocket, Meg’s plan was to see how the salesperson would help her equip a workout room in her home. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Mystery Shopper Lab articles

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Mystery Shopper: Product knowledge, hands-on demos go long way in making sale Apr 28, 2010 On the corner of Broadway and 7th in Portland, Ore., our Mystery Shopper spied The Mountain Shop in an older historic-looking building. With the weather warming up, our shopper wanted to track down some gift ideas for her backpacking boyfriend. Was the store up to the challenge? Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Mystery Shopper Lab articles

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Mystery Shopper: Thin product selection, lack of fitting tools doom footwear sale Mar 12, 2010 Our Mystery Shoppers get frustrated when they encounter an outdoor specialty store that essentially carries one brand of boots, while its well-meaning salesperson struggles due to a lack of fitting expertise and tools. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Mystery Shopper Lab articles

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Mystery Shopper: Easy-going salesperson listens, nails customer needs in fitness gear Dec 14, 2009 It was a chilly, fall day in Chicago. Dark skies indicated rain was coming. The wind was blowing. And that made it a great time to follow-up on the need for some indoor training equipment for expanding a home workout regimen. Our mystery shopper hit Chicago Home Fitness to test the sales staff's skills at selling home gyms. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Mystery Shopper Lab articles

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Mystery Shopper: Trying to find a light in Chicago harder than imagined Nov 9, 2009 Runners from around the globe could still be seen all over the Chicago area even days after the annual October marathon in a city that has a runner-friendly reputation and a large runner population. Since Daylight Savings Time was around the corner, we decided it was time to send our operative into a store to look for illumination ideas that would enable one to see during pre-dawn and after-work runs, as well, of course, to be seen for safety. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Mystery Shopper Lab articles

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Outdoor University Campus

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OIA Outdoor University: The path of harmony -- working with, not against, big boxes Dec 6, 2010 Specialty retailers may feel like their big box opponents are bigger and stronger, but a little understanding of "The Path of Harmony" can help you compete (and win) when confronted with big-box competition...learn how in this special OIA/SNEWS webinar. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor University Campus articles

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OIA Outdoor University: How to Form a Key Vendor Marketing Alliance Nov 5, 2010 On Wednesday, November 10, John Mead, president of Adventure 16, will lead a webinar to show how he and his team combined business objectives with a host of key vendors to make a stronger marketing stand than they ever could have acting independently by branding together. SNEWS subscribers can register for free. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor University Campus articles

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OIA Outdoor University: Marketing your locally owned business Oct 11, 2010 Join successful retail owners Rod and Sharon Johnson in a valuable webinar, "Market Your Locally Owned Business More Successfully." Made possible by the OIA Outdoor University’s Online Workshop programs, an affiliate of the SNEWS Retail College. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor University Campus articles

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OIA Outdoor University: The art of Feng Shui in specialty retail Sep 3, 2010 What’s UP PR founder, Beth Cochran, will be a featured presenter during the Sept. 8 Outdoor University webinar, “The Art of Feng Shui in Specialty Retail.” This classroom will offer simple DIY techniques to apply to a retail store entrance, physical location, store layout, merchandise, back offices and even storage areas that can positively influence a business’ bottom line. SNEWS subscribers can attend for free! Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor University Campus articles

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OIA Outdoor University: The Evolving Role of the Independent Rep Aug 12, 2010 Join Brad Werntz owner of Pemba Serves, for an insightful and educational review of the model reps in the outdoor industry have been using and a fascinating look ahead at new technologies and media habits that can broaden a rep’s reach and effectiveness while conserving their most valuable resource: time and attention. You can listen to this webinar at your convenience. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor University Campus articles

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Retail Buyers Classroom

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Retailers with multiple stores realized higher inventory productivity in 2010 Mar 21, 2011 The recent NSGA Cost of Doing Business Survey showed retailers with four or more stores enjoying an increase in return on inventory over a two-year period -- more than the increase realized by those with only one store. SNEWS has the details, and the inside hook-up to a free Merchandising Calculator tool. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail Buyers Classroom articles

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SNEWS® Retail Buyer Training 101 article finder Welcome to our Article Finder to the 10-part Retail Buyer Training series produced by SNEWS® and authored by Michael Hodgson and Geoff O'Keeffe. This 10-part series (plus one bonus feature, an online merchandising calculator) will provide in easy-to-read and understand format, the essential tools to being a good store buyer. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail Buyers Classroom articles

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SNEWS® Retail Merchandising Training 101: Sales efficiency and real estate We've now covered all the basic merchandising calculations, planning and open-to-buy. Last time, we covered the ways our merchandise selections, location and promotions relate to the flow of customers in stores and how and when shoppers convert to buyers. In so doing, we see that the real investment and the biggest contributor to our overall profitability is our inventory: We're merchants after all, and selling things is what we do. Selling things pays for everything…even that upcoming expedition you're hoping to take to Mount Plentiful Dreams. The following discussion on staff hours and retail floor space efficiency may seem to veer slightly afield of pure merchandising. But once again, it's the product that is our biggest investment (and in many cases, our only real asset) and we want it to work harder than everyone. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail Buyers Classroom articles

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SNEWS® Retail Merchandising Training 101: Traffic and Conversion Many of us in specialty retail like to think of our clientele as friends, or at least patrons whose repeat business we rely upon. We train our staff to take as much time as each unique shopper needs to make a decision and that's a large part of being a specialist. We carry better products. Our market has to do with aspirational versus commodity shopping. In this discussion of traffic and conversion rates, we aren't suggesting you abandon your concept of customers as friends and people and start seeing them simply as numbers. But these metrics can be key pieces of data by which you can... Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail Buyers Classroom articles

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SNEWS® Retail Merchandising Training 101: History and Analysis By now you have most of the essential building blocks of planning and managing your sales and inventory under your belts. While we know you'd rather be heading out for a paddle, trail run or to the climbing gym, you still have work to do…so sit back down. What follows is the part we'd all like to skip, but we suggest it may be the real key to your being able to avoid mishaps and repeat successes in the future: History and its analysis. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail Buyers Classroom articles

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Retail IQ Test Center

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SNEWS Retail College: Test your product IQ – first soft shell? Dec 30, 2010 The SNEWS® Retail College is more than just a classroom. Inside our virtual college walls, there exists a library of information, unlike any other training resource, which is perfect for ensuring sales people are always on their specialty game. How good is your sales knowledge? See if you can answer this question. What company was the first to bring a soft shell product to market? Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail IQ Test Center articles

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Merchandising Know-How: Test Your Retail IQ – Shopping Psychology Answers Here are the Retail IQ test answers for the "Retail IQ Shopping Psychology" test questions --(box checked and in bold for each correct answer and an explanation of why the answer is correct is provided at the end of each question section). Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail IQ Test Center articles

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Merchandising Know-How: Test Your Retail IQ -- Shopping Psychology Here's a chance to test your retail IQ and find out how much you know about "shopping psychology." We'll give you the answers next week! Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail IQ Test Center articles

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Sales Training Classroom

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Selling more than product to make yourself a specialty retailer Nov 19, 2010 A specialty salesperson must see every customer not in terms of a sale, but in terms of demonstrating to the customer they are at the best and the only store that can truly meet the their needs. Learn more in this Retail College sales training article on SNEWS. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Training Classroom articles

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SNEWS publishes first Retail College Handbook for retailers Oct 30, 2010 Soon, as many as 16,000 retailers around the United States will be holding in their hands the first SNEWS® Retail College Handbook. SNEWS subscribers can get a digital look at the magazine today, by clicking on the flip-book... Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Training Classroom articles

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The SNEWS View: Customers spend more with good customer service…how good are you? Jul 16, 2010 A recent survey conducted globally by American Express found that consumers will spend more in a store that provides excellent customer service. This news should be a wake-up call for every business. How good is your customer service? Do you really know? Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Training Classroom articles

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The SNEWS View: Campfire tales raise customer eyebrows Jul 9, 2010 Do you know what tales your customers are sharing about you and your business around the campfire at night? They could be good, or much scarier than you ever imagined. It's up to you what stories get swapped and how it affects your business. We listen in. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Training Classroom articles

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The SNEWS View: Is your store one of the best stores to shop for practically anything? Jun 18, 2010 How does your store stack up against the stores 30,000 Consumer Reports readers deemed to be “the best places to shop for practically anything?” SNEWS presents ideas that you can use to ensure your store stands out for the right reasons by looking at what customers did not like during their shopping experiences for the Consumer Reports story. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Training Classroom articles

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School of PR & Marketing

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Social media managers share tips on what really works Nov 22, 2010 Social media experts share lessons they’ve learned on what really works when using Facebook, Twitter and other web tools to benefit a business. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all School of PR & Marketing articles

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Channel Signal: What can companies learn from BP’s PR stumbles? Jun 14, 2010 Every month Channel Signal shares some of its analysis of the major topics online important to the outdoor industry with SNEWS®. With the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the PR flacks at BP -- as well as any PR agency or corporate PR head -- would do well to notice that spin just doesn’t cut it anymore. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all School of PR & Marketing articles

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PR know-how: Getting creative to boost visibility at a crowded trade show May 26, 2010 Mix one part hockey, one part fund-raising effort, three parts organization and planning, and voila, you have a recipe for a successful effort to stand out as a brand among many others attending the same crowded trade show. Learn how Canada Goose made a name for itself at Winter Market by promoting fun. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all School of PR & Marketing articles

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Brand loyalty in recessionary times…comScore's Gian Fulgoni offers valuable insights May 17, 2010 SNEWS was an invited guest to a presentation on brand loyalty in recessionary times by Gian Fulgoni, co-founder and executive chairman of comScore. Our summary provides key takeaways that may just change the way you think about your company’s branding and marketing strategies. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all School of PR & Marketing articles

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PR know-how: Successful guerrilla marketing PR primer Apr 30, 2010 A guerrilla marketing PR campaign takes a focused plan of attack. This case study from a veteran PR company shows how its PR blitzkrieg at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games generated one company's highest online sales ever. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all School of PR & Marketing articles

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The Ooops Files

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Passing the buck with no resolution -- a customer service ooops at Necky! Jul 14, 2009 If you don't think customer service is one of your company's most important customer acquisition and retention assets, read this tale carefully! Rutabaga and a loyal customer navigate the choppy waters of Necky's customer service channel, trying to find resolution with a defective boat. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all The Ooops Files articles

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Oops! file: Schwinn blows customer service call Jan 20, 2006 The "Oops File" relays ridiculous stories, some that stem from customer service experiences, from the business world -- embarrassing incidents that could have been avoided if people had just used their brains. These tales may entertain, but they also serve as a reminder that any business should always strive for excellence. This one takes a look at a frustrating call one of our reporters had with "customer service" at Schwinn. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all The Ooops Files articles

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Oops! file: A periodic look at slips, bumbles and stumbles Dec 10, 2005 The "Oops File" relays ridiculous stories, some that stem from customer service experiences, from the business world — embarrassing incidents that could have been avoided if people had just used their brains. These tales may entertain, but they also serve as a reminder that any business should always strive for excellence. Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all The Ooops Files articles

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