I'm looking for some ways to get the local lunch crowd into our bookstore, which sells used books, CDs, DVDs, videos, and books on tape/CD; a small number of new books; kids' gifts; and other gift items/stationery/cards. Many of our customers don't have much to spend (which works out because our books are priced very low), but nearby is a law firm, a couple of big corporations' local offices, a bank, etc. I don' t know if the employees even know we exist. Any ideas on how to get them in here to pick up a birthday card or used CD or small gift for a friend? We're located in the downtown area of a medium-sized city. There are very few places to shop in the downtown business area.
posted by trillian on Mar 29, 2013 - 21 answers

I'd like references and information for how a marketing consultant can leverage his location in a big city to help small retailers who are trying to enter the market. [more inside]
posted by drea on Jan 14, 2013 - 0 answers

In my town, there's a Shell station on one corner of the intersection. On another corner of the same intersection, another Shell. There're also two Woolworths right across the street from each other, and two Pizza Huts. Why? Does anyone out there have any idea? I mean, any ACTUAL idea, not just supposition? Maybe someone who works in marketing, or urban planning? Also, are there any resources I could read that explain these kinds of business decisions? I've looked online and can't find any information. Thanks very much.
posted by staggering termagant on Jan 8, 2013 - 19 answers

What do we need to do to prepare for and take fullest advantage of an upcoming magazine article that's going to feature our small, family-owned retail business? [more inside]
posted by webhund on May 20, 2011 - 11 answers

What is the name of the industry / sector that designs retail store layouts etc. in order to encourage impulse buying and maximise profits?
posted by FuckingAwesome on Mar 26, 2011 - 9 answers

What are some great low budget, but effective ways of announcing the opening of a new local brick-mortar retail store? [more inside]
posted by webhund on Feb 11, 2010 - 9 answers

In 2010, what role does the printed "mail-order" catalog play in small retail businesses who have an on-line store as well as a brick-and-mortar shop? How much does it contribute to either new sales or existing customer retention? [more inside]
posted by webhund on Jan 2, 2010 - 8 answers

Does anyone know how to effectively (and economically) market a women's shoes and accessories retail store in London, UK? [more inside]
posted by gadha on Sep 11, 2008 - 3 answers

How many printed materials (signs, posters, etc.) are used in a retail environment in a typical week/month/etc.? [more inside]
posted by jbickers on Nov 14, 2007 - 2 answers