Preparing and stocking for recital season takes retailers months, even a year, of preparation. As recital dates approach, everything needs to be in place, so that dancers find their required gear—leotards, costumes, pointe shoes, hair accessories and beyond—at their fingertips. It’s an exciting season for retailers, too. While back-to-school usually generates the biggest revenues, recital … More »
Retailers share what goes into a successful pointe decorating event. At pointe shoe decorating events, old pointe shoes get a new life—and stores create memorable experiences for their customers. Dancers who embellish outdated pairs—which a store can display for all to see or which the customer takes home—will not only have fun but forever associate … More »
If managing inventory for back-to-school and holidays isn’t enough to keep dance retailers busy, competition season requires its own special attention. Costumes, shoes, tights, bags—these items and more are what ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap and contemporary dancers need once competitions roll around. Typically, checklists from local studios are the starting point. Retailers can then do … More »
Sure, gift cards almost sell themselves during the holidays, but retailers have recognized there’s more profit potential to be tapped in these plastic pieces. U.S. consumers bought an average of 6.5 physical gift cards last year, up from 5.9 the previous year, according to a recent First Data study. And all these gift cards are … More »
When to mark down items can be a tricky business. New seasonal inventory and shifting trends can determine that it’s time to bring prices down on certain items, and then there are those pieces that just won’t sell. Keeping stock too long takes up precious shelf or rack space needed for newer or seasonal items … More »
The busiest (and most profitable) time of year for dancewear stores is fast approaching, and late spring through early summer is a crucial period for retailers prepping for the back-to-school season. Stores start to clear out last season’s clutter, stock up and finalize staffing plans. To avoid getting stuck with any extra to-dos when the … More »
There’s no secret formula to selling basic leotards or more fashion-forward alternatives. Overall, basic leotards sell throughout the year, and fashionable ones can sell at various times—for performances or to add some bling to basic attire. Here’s how three retailers are mixing things up with basics and fashion year-round—from window displays to merchandising both in … More »
Outdoor apparel and gear retailer L.L. Bean is famous for its no-questions-asked return policy. But its annual sales easily top $1 billion—and its 50-some stores aren’t concerned about restocking items or losing hard-earned cash from credit-card merchant fees. Still, accepting returns can be a boon to small retailers—demonstrating to shoppers that service is your store’s … More »
By Tracy E. Hopkins
There’s no single, easy way to learn pointe shoe fitting—a lot of it, in the end, comes down to fitting, refitting, then doing it all over again. Today, retail fitters have to be precise, right down to knowing various styles and fits (which differ brand to brand), the fine points of padding, how the shoe … More »
