Sales Tools & Advice


Business 101 | How To Sell Advice | Merchandising Know-How | Mystery Shopping | PR / Marketing Know-How | Retail College | Sales Know-How | The Ooops Files |

Business 101

See all Business 101 articles

Article Thumbnail Three studies reveal surprising shift in social media use patterns
Mar 8, 2010
Three recent studies provide a window into a shifting social media market, with some surprising results. Could it be that middle-aged adults are actually using their mobile phones more than youth to access social media sites? Do you think social media users would rather give or receive product advice? SNEWS has the summary results and links to the studies.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Business 101 articles
Article Thumbnail Biz 101: Retail expert George Whalin weighs in with tips on adapting to a new world order in retail
Jan 29, 2010
Retail expert George Whalin spoke frankly with SNEWS about today’s evolving consumer, strategies that are making retailers money, and retail’s prognosis for 2010…. It’s not all rosy, but you already knew that. We share his thoughts and tips.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Business 101 articles
Article Thumbnail The SNEWS® View: Bitter employees post-company acquisition share woes with customers
Jan 29, 2010
Employees willing and eager to share their displeasure about their employer with their customers must be truly disgruntled. And that just isn’t good for business. Firing them isn’t a good choice since that’s akin to shooting the messenger.... Read about our latest shopping experience, and think about it.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Business 101 articles
Article Thumbnail Biz 101: Networking tips for finding a new job
Dec 18, 2009
As the U.S. unemployment rate hovers around 10 percent, a large number of Americans are seeking jobs, and networking has become a critical skill. But networking is a challenge for most unemployed people because it forces them to step outside their comfort zone. Check out the strategies to get ahead.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Business 101 articles
Article Thumbnail Biz 101: Strategies for a faster, stronger economic recovery
Dec 11, 2009
We may be headed toward an economic recovery, but recent headlines offer little encouragement that it’s going to be easy. Like an athlete who’s been injured, if we take the right approach to our recovery, we’ll be playing strong again quickly -- and there won’t be any long-term damage.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Business 101 articles
(Back To Top)

How To Sell Advice

See all How To Sell Advice articles

Article Thumbnail Fitness How-To-Sell Article Finder
At SNEWS® we want to make life easier for our retail friends, so we've developed this handy article-finder -- an index of our numerous Fitness How To Sell guides for retailers. With a quick glance, you can scan the chart to find the subject matter that fits your immediate training needs. Also, you can read a summary to make sure that the article provides the info you need for the job at hand. Simply click on the article headline link to access any article.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all How To Sell Advice articles
Article Thumbnail Outdoor Products How To Sell Article Finder
At SNEWS® want to make life easier for our outdoor specialty retail friends, so we've developed this handy article-finder chart for our numerous Outdoor How To Sell guides. With a quick glance, you can scan the chart to find the subject matter that fits your immediate training need. Also, you can read a summary to make sure that the article provides the info you need for the job at hand. Simply click on the article headline link to access any article.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all How To Sell Advice articles
Article Thumbnail How to sell: kettlebells
Kettlebells, those cast iron cannonball-like things with handles and a flat bottom, aren't exactly new. In fact, the Romans were swinging them around their bodies in training many centuries ago, and the Russians still have "girya," or kettlebell, competitions that date back to at least the turn of the century. A former Soviet Secret Services trainer and agent, Pavel Tsatsouline, who was also a nationally ranked "girya" competitor there, has been credited with introducing kettlebells and training to the United States on a broad scale.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all How To Sell Advice articles
Article Thumbnail How to sell: medicine balls
The medicine ball – basically a weighted ball -- is quite simple and one of the oldest fitness training aids in the world. It is a very versatile piece of strength-training equipment, especially useful for core training as well as plyometric training and can be used in everything from football-style exercises to games to sit-ups.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all How To Sell Advice articles
Article Thumbnail How to sell: home gyms
Home gyms have come a long way since the original multi-station setups of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. When customers come into your store, many may not even realize the possibilities in styles, configurations and options. You’ll need to devote time and attention to learning your customers’ needs and space requirements, while also educating them about what’s available.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all How To Sell Advice articles
(Back To Top)

Merchandising Know-How

See all Merchandising Know-How articles

Article Thumbnail The Lizard Lounge Way: Spring merchandising -- out with the old, in with the new
Mar 17, 2010
If you want your customers to feel good about spring and buying new products, you have to inspire them with creative merchandising in fresh, bright colors. The Lizard Lounge team has four great tips with superb visuals to help SNEWS readers navigate their way.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Merchandising Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail Merchandising Tour: Natural environmental display ideas from Winter Market
Mar 10, 2010
It was interesting to see how much barn wood, rough-finished wood and pallets were used in booths at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. It may be a reaction to the present state of the economy but, regardless of the reason, it worked. In this first of six articles from the Merchandising Tours at Winter Market, we have visual examples you can incorporate now in your store.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Merchandising Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail The Lizard Lounge Way: Holiday clean-up brings new consumers
Jan 15, 2010
A bit of imagination and even a sense of humor can turn that post-holiday look into something special. Think of a sale as a celebration that serves as a promotion to bring in shoppers who might not have been thinking of buying...and we have five top tips to use.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Merchandising Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail 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 Merchandising Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail Merchandising Tour: Making fixtures sized to fit hard-to-display products
Jan 4, 2010
It is not always easy to find the right fixture for a particular product, at the right price and in the right size. Cost is another consideration – fixtures can be expensive especially if they are custom made. Take a hint from Crumpler...
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Merchandising Know-How articles
(Back To Top)

Mystery Shopping

See all Mystery Shopping articles

Article Thumbnail 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 Shopping articles
Article Thumbnail 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 Shopping articles
Article Thumbnail 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 Shopping articles
Article Thumbnail The SNEWS View: Halloween shopping experience is frighteningly good
Oct 26, 2009
Although Halloween is a time of horror, ghosts and trick-or-treat, one retail store turned a shopping expedition into a real eye-opening treat.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Mystery Shopping articles
Article Thumbnail Business 101: Re-evaluate, re-create, re-visit to keep your retail biz humming
Oct 5, 2009
Does your store need to re-evaluate, re-create, re-emphasize, and re-visit? In late summer, a SNEWS shopper went into Sacramento Exercise Equipment in California -- but something was a bit off, not quite right. There's something to be said for intuition, and in the end, we -- and the store involved -- learned a whole lot more from this shopping experience...and we are sure you will too.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Mystery Shopping articles
(Back To Top)

PR / Marketing Know-How

See all PR / Marketing Know-How articles

Article Thumbnail Social media grows beyond tweets and friends
Nov 11, 2009
Master one social media trend and along comes another wave. But don't rest too long on your friends and your tweets. You bet there's more to come to optimize your brand's use of social media. See what new ways web marketing-savvy specialty retailers and manufacturers are finding to attract online customers and keep them around.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all PR / Marketing Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail Did you hear?... Did Sanuk really invent the Trade Show Booth?
Aug 28, 2009
Sometimes, a news release is just too funny, too creative, too well done just to have it tossed in among the many SNEWS® sees published each week. Such is the case with the latest release from Sanuk seeking to grab attention for its trade show booth and new products at the upcoming Action Sports Retailer show in San Diego.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all PR / Marketing Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail And why do you want to write about our product?
"He stared at me a moment. “Who are you?” he asked. I apologized for not stating I was with the media; though I assumed my media badge sort of made it obvious. After I explained where I was from (speaking in German, mind you, so misunderstanding was not an issue) and that I wanted more information about the tent, he stared at me for a minute again, and then asked simply, “Why?” Hmm, OK, I admit it is not often a journalist seeking to write about a product has to deal with someone wondering why…especially a representative of that company... "
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all PR / Marketing Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail SNEWS View: Drowning in catalogs and press kits -- what a waste
Jul 15, 2009
An alert reader sent us the photo below, showing three stacks of promotional materials for the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, all containing invites to come by a booth and check out the new wares. This is a specialty retailer who, like many, would honestly prefer to receive just one catalog or press kit for the store prior to any trade show. And, to make it worse...
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all PR / Marketing Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail Help, we’re buried in giveaways from trade shows…
Jul 13, 2009
"With the summer trade show season right around the corner, we’d like to get something off our chests – a one-size-fits-none t-shirt. At the risk of sounding curmudgeonly, we wonder how many of those XL shirts given away at shows end up headed for Goodwill, for the rag bin, or worse, in the trash. Often we hate to part with a shirt we’ve accepted because we love the company and likely love the message or image on the shirt itself. But when a shirt is so big one of our editors can fit four of her in it, and another finds the shirt down to his knees, there’s just no point. Unfortunately, it appears far too many companies don’t think about the chatzkies and other thank-yous and promo gifts they hand out at shows or pop into press boxes and send out."
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all PR / Marketing Know-How articles
(Back To Top)

Retail College

See all Retail College articles

Article Thumbnail The Lizard Lounge Way: Spring merchandising -- out with the old, in with the new
Mar 17, 2010
If you want your customers to feel good about spring and buying new products, you have to inspire them with creative merchandising in fresh, bright colors. The Lizard Lounge team has four great tips with superb visuals to help SNEWS readers navigate their way.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail College articles
Article Thumbnail Merchandising Tour: Natural environmental display ideas from Winter Market
Mar 10, 2010
It was interesting to see how much barn wood, rough-finished wood and pallets were used in booths at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. It may be a reaction to the present state of the economy but, regardless of the reason, it worked. In this first of six articles from the Merchandising Tours at Winter Market, we have visual examples you can incorporate now in your store.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail College articles
Article Thumbnail SNEWS Sales Tools & Advice Article Finder
Mar 2, 2010
We at SNEWS® want to make life easier for you, so we've developed this handy chart to help you find our many Sales Tools & Advice articles published since 2003. From Mastering Basic Sales Skills to the psychology of consumers, we have something for everyone in the SNEWS Retail College Sales Training Classroom.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail College articles
Article Thumbnail Fitness How-To-Sell Article Finder
At SNEWS® we want to make life easier for our retail friends, so we've developed this handy article-finder -- an index of our numerous Fitness How To Sell guides for retailers. With a quick glance, you can scan the chart to find the subject matter that fits your immediate training needs. Also, you can read a summary to make sure that the article provides the info you need for the job at hand. Simply click on the article headline link to access any article.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail College articles
Article Thumbnail The Lizard Lounge Way: Holiday clean-up brings new consumers
Jan 15, 2010
A bit of imagination and even a sense of humor can turn that post-holiday look into something special. Think of a sale as a celebration that serves as a promotion to bring in shoppers who might not have been thinking of buying...and we have five top tips to use.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Retail College articles
(Back To Top)

Sales Know-How

See all Sales Know-How articles

Article Thumbnail SNEWS Sales Tools & Advice Article Finder
Mar 2, 2010
We at SNEWS® want to make life easier for you, so we've developed this handy chart to help you find our many Sales Tools & Advice articles published since 2003. From Mastering Basic Sales Skills to the psychology of consumers, we have something for everyone in the SNEWS Retail College Sales Training Classroom.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail Consumer Reports calls out things consumers hate about retailers -- ouch!
Nov 25, 2009
In a full-page “Dear Shopper” ad that ran in the Nov. 24 edition of USA Today, Consumer Reports put the spotlight on things consumers hate most about retailers and what CR calls "pushy holiday-season practices." SNEWS has some ideas about how outdoor and fitness specialty retailers can stand out when consumers seem to be expecting the worst.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail Health & Fitness Business ’09 education: SNEWS Fitness Forum covers ‘State of the Industry’ and retail tips, Joe Marcoux discusses 4 R’s of Retail
Aug 21, 2009
As a part of two educational offerings at the recent Health & Fitness Business show, the 5th annual SNEWS® Fitness Forum offered tips and discussion from seasoned retail experts with a State of the Industry report, while Joe Marcoux talked his 4 R’s of Specialty Retail. Both took place at the Aug. 6-7, 2009 show in Denver.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail Outdoor Retailer Summer Market '09: Selling requires showmanship, says OIA Breakfast speaker
Jul 27, 2009
At a Best Buy in Ohio, there's an employee who thinks he's a super hero. No, really. He calls himself Kevin Peggy and "flies" around the store (well, runs actually), swooping in to save customers from one shopping dilemma after another. Kevin's a weird cat, no doubt about that. But outdoor industry folks could learn something from the blue-shirted crusader, said sales expert and street performer Carr Hagerman, who spoke at the OIA Industry Breakfast July 21 during Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Know-How articles
Article Thumbnail Power Players' Lounge: Product innovation -- balancing delivery of innovation vs. risks
Jul 22, 2009
On a recent trip, I had time to think about product innovation in the outdoor industry and came to a few simple conclusions. First, you need to be able to accept a certain amount of risk. Second, you have to have the utmost faith in your supply chain and manufacturing capabilities to be able to meet delivery timelines and quality control expectations. Finally, and perhaps the most obvious, is that you have to be able to justify the costs, risks and efforts of bringing new product to market on time that will actually SELL.
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Know-How articles
(Back To Top)

The Ooops Files

See all The Ooops Files articles

Article Thumbnail 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
Article Thumbnail 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
Article Thumbnail 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
(Back To Top)
Products and Trends
GearTrends New Products Marketplace
Raptor 6 Raptor 6
Mar 1, 2010
The Osprey Raptor 6 is great for that after work spin on the local single track. It will carry all your essentials, including basic bike tools and a stretch woven front pocket will carry an extra layer. * 2-liter HydraForm™ Reservoir Included
Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace
ESCHLER e3: FLASH coldblack® ESCHLER e3: FLASH coldblack®
Aug 14, 2009
The new FLASH fabric which utilizes the coldblack® technology by Schoeller. It allows dark textiles to no longer absorb, but reflect heat. Thus, coldblack® reduces heat build-up and provides reliable protection from UV-rays.
Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace
Women's Nio Amphi Roll-up Pant Women's Nio Amphi Roll-up Pant
Feb 18, 2010
Best Uses For The ExOfficio Nio Amphi Roll-up Pant: Backpacking, Camping, Everyday, Fishing, Hiking, In-Transit, Lounging, Outdoor Work, Paddle Sports, Resort, Stay Dry, Sun Protection, Urban Exploration
Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace
Most Viewed Stories
Seven D.I. Dawn Patrol employees die in Bataan road accident
Mar 12, 2010
Read story
Ardica issues safety recall for Mountain Hardwear jacket heating systems
Mar 15, 2010
Read story
Mystery Shopper: Thin product selection, lack of fitting tools doom footwear sale
Mar 12, 2010
Read story
Merchandising Tour: Natural environmental display ideas from Winter Market
Mar 10, 2010
Read story
ROTY winner Dynamic Earth has inspired Springfield, Mo., to embrace green building
Mar 15, 2010
Read story
Community Chat
"Risk- a good reminder " by Keith Reis (03/16/2010 09:12 MDT)
Comments
"Cardboard display material " by Eryn Willard (03/12/2010 12:27 MST)
Comments
"cardboard display " by eco bag gal (03/11/2010 13:17 MST)
Comments
Join the conversations -- Ideas, Community. Becoming a member of the community is free.
Click here to activate your membership now. Dark Blue Triangle
Industry Releases
GoLite Receives Apparel Magazine’s Sustainability All-Star Award
Mar 18, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Buff, Inc. Announces Sponsorship of Pro Skier, Mountaineer Kim Havell
Mar 17, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Horny Toad Announces Winners of 2010 Toad Sales Scrum
Mar 17, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Liberty Mountain and Beal Form US Partnership
Mar 17, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Ocean Minded’s Dean Randazzo Wins Masters of Pro Surfing
Mar 17, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
SNEWS Headlines
Canoecopia signals better days ahead for paddlesports market
Mar 17, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
The Lizard Lounge Way: Spring merchandising -- out with the old, in with the new
Mar 17, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
Outdoor financials: West Marine narrows Q4 loss, plus Outdoor Channel, Garmin, Suunto names president
Mar 17, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
SNEWS Reader Poll
Log in to view or participate in user polls.
Featured Content
The Lizard Lounge Way: Spring merchandising -- out with the old, in with the new
Mar 17, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Tools & Advice
Mystery Shopper: Thin product selection, lack of fitting tools doom footwear sale
Mar 12, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Tools & Advice
Merchandising Tour: Natural environmental display ideas from Winter Market
Mar 10, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Sales Tools & Advice
Trend Reports
‘Wearable Technology’ showcase introduces sports/fitness products and technologies of the future
Mar 8, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Product Trends