http://www.snewsnet.com/ If it happens in the outdoor and fitness markets, SNEWS® is there so you can listen in. Always insightful, sometimes humorous, absolutely invaluable. No one covers the outdoor and fitness markets better than we do, period. In print since 1983, on the web since 2000, and now in audio for your listening pleasure. Interviews, special reports, event coverage, and more. en Copyright SNEWS® LLC, all rights reserved Tue, 13 May 2008 06:00:06 -0600 60 http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/11181.html The SnowSports Industries America (SIA) trade show in Las Vegas is always full of energy and edgy boarders. This year was no different except that SIA took a giant "green" step forward and included the EcoSource booth designed by Seattle companies, Utility and Dept. of Energy (DOE). The booth showcased green products from SIA exhibitors. It was packed with clothing, skis, boards, gloves, hats, waxes, creams and lotions, and more -- all eco-friendly. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/11181.html Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/10823.html In the current political landscape, the word "change" is used incessantly. It seems everyone is looking for change or, at least, mentioning it. Not to be outdone, here's a change for you. There's a new retail movement afoot to arrange and position displays that appeal to certain demographics at certain times of the day. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/10823.html Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/10433.html A trend is defined as "the popular taste at a given time." It may not be readily apparent, but there are definite trends in the visual merchandising field. A closer look reveals innovations in color, graphics, lighting and technology all designed to enhance store environments. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/10433.html Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/10341.html When it comes to clothing, color is the first thing that attracts customers to the rack. Most people know what colors they look good in and what colors they like. In fact, we all have an emotional response to color and that has a definite influence on what we purchase. That's why it is a good idea to group styles within categories by color. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/10341.html Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/10206.html Do you know how long customers stay in your store? How they move through your store? Or, the size of the average customer purchase related to location in your store? If you do, you can stop reading, but, if you don't, you'll want to read on to learn the methods of tracking customer behavior. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/10206.html Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09998.html There are a lot of insights on how customer behaviors and preferences influence their buying habits circulating around the web. Every so often, something pops up that is relevant to those of us in the outdoor industry. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09998.html Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09829.html Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is not the best place to find store fixtures. In fact, the official show directory didn't even have a listing for merchandising products. But, in spite of that, we found a couple of very good resources. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09829.html Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09786.html Feeling a bit nostalgic? One major emerging trend captures the desire to reconnect with memories of the past but in a contemporary way. The name of this trend story – modern nostalgia. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09786.html Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09661.html Lighting for retail is all about contrast and focus. Too much of any type of lighting reduces contrast and focus. To achieve the best lighting, balance ambient and accent lighting. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09661.html Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09448.html To succeed in today's competitive environment, retailers have to connect with their customers on an emotional and intellectual level. Competition is forcing them to differentiate. More and more, retailers need to communicate their values and their culture in new ways. Many are turning to their local arts community for inspiration. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09448.html Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09409.html Hard to believe, but trade show season is already here...again. As you sit through numerous line presentations, flip through countless workbooks, and write orders for what you hope will be well selling products, keep these key spring 2008 color trends in mind. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09409.html Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09254.html Take a look around your store. Is it time for a new paint job? If so, you have a lot of options to consider. However, working with color can be tricky. If you are going to stick with white, you may have fewer sleepless nights wondering what a fresh coat of paint in a not-so-basic color might mean for your sales. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09254.html Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09204.html Too often retailers neglect the front of their stores in favor of giving attention to the interiors. That's a big mistake as the storefront is the retailer's first message to customers. An attractive storefront communicates the store brand and seduces them into entering and experiencing what's inside. It's almost like a billboard that can be viewed even when the store is closed and it's your first chance to make an impression. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09204.html Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09071.html Here are the Retail IQ test answers from last week's 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). To score your level of knowledge, match your correct number of answers to the scale: 10 = A, 9 = B, and 8 = C. If you scored less than eight correct answers, you’d better get Paco Underhill’s book, “The Science of Shopping” and start studying archived stories in the SNEWS® Merchandising Hub section! http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09071.html Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09012.html 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! http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/09012.html Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/08945.html Whether you are designing a new store, remodeling an existing one or just rearranging your fixtures, one of your first considerations will be how you want people to move through the store. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/08945.html Fri, 25 May 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/08813.html Spring has arrived and with it, spring product. As you create displays throughout the season, here are some important spring 2007 trends to keep in mind. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/08813.html Wed, 09 May 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/08724.html Do you have a good handle on how customers perceive your store? You might want to find out, as recent studies have shown that just having satisfied or even loyal customers is not enough these days. As the marketplace becomes more competitive, shopper satisfaction does not necessarily mean an emotional relationship is being established. Retailers now have to develop customer advocates. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/08724.html Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 MDT http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/08190.html I’m sure you’ve noticed -- it’s getting to be a pretty crowded marketplace out there. Where a few years ago you used to have three choices, you may have closer to 30 now. This saturation surely weighs down the decision-making process. So, how do you wade through the deepening sea of product and emerge with sanity intact? Pay attention to the details. http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/08190.html Fri, 02 Mar 2007 00:00:00 MST http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/08135.html Is there anything worse than being out of touch, behind the eight ball, out in left field or just plain old fashioned? Your teenager can tell you exactly how in the know you are, and it's usually not good news. The trendy magazines publish those in and out lists to remind us how backward and uninformed we are. Don't feel bad. Did you know that hula hoops are back? Drop that in casual conversation at the dinner table! Not to be outdone, SNEWS® has its own merchandising-inspired ins and outs for 2007 and they're all about retail: http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/08135.html Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:00:00 MST