Pass It On! So many storeowners we’ve talked to have benefited from having a mentor, including the free mentoring services at Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), the nonprofit association partnered with the Small Business Administration. But what about being a mentor? For National Volunteer Month this April, SCORE volunteer Jeanne Rossomme, owner of RoadMap … More »
Ready for Fall? Summer hasn’t even arrived yet, but dance retailers are already looking ahead with anticipation to fall and the back-to-school season. Students will be pouring into your stores to buy the leotards, shoes, tights and tempting extras they need for dance class. And you’ll be ready, because most of you take in the … More »
Gaynor Minden has introduced two new “nude” colors for its satin pointe shoes—cappuccino and espresso—and the company has been getting enthusiastic and appreciative feedback. As Annellyse Munroe, Ailey II alum, wrote: “Now—because the color of my Gaynors complements my skin tone—I no longer have to dye my shoes.” Not having to spend time on the … More »
A Gift That Keeps on Giving As each new crop of young dancers signs up for their first class—and comes to their local dance store to get outfitted—storeowners know they have another opportunity to gain a customer for life. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, if all goes right. Knowing what local teachers like … More »
COLOR OF THE YEAR Who doesn’t welcome new beginnings? Spring is not far off, with its fresh yellow-green buds—and Pantone’s color of the year for 2017 is a zesty yellow-green shade called Greenery. Beyond its association with foliage, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says that “‘Greenery’ bursts forth with the hope … More »
When You’re Making New Year’s Resolutions Don’t forget to include yourself! Naturally, you have dreams for your store: to grow, to invigorate your marketing, fine-tune your inventory, rethink your displays and take your customer service to the next level. Take time to work on your business, not just in your business. But think, too, about … More »
Stress Relief for the Holiday Season Retailers have a triple challenge when it comes to the holiday season: You want to promote your store as a destination for perfect gifts for dancers—offering shoppers extended hours, gift-card purchases and in-store gift-wrapping. Plus you need to take care of any year-end tax and financial business. And you … More »
Retail Superhero? It’s tempting to want to please every customer who walks in the door, but as any seasoned storeowner will tell you: Focus pays off. Retail expert Leslie Groves puts it this way: “No need to be a retail superhero. Pick your strengths and build on them; you don’t have to be everything to … More »
SHOES, SHOES, SHOES Shoes are in the spotlight this month, and rightfully so. Shoe sales are where brick-and-mortar stores often have an advantage: You can offer customers skilled hands-on help in getting the right fit, and a successful fitting often leads to repeat business—and sales. In “Selling Pointes,” two retailers known for their pointe shoe … More »
HOLIDAY PREP TIME! Back-to-school is still buzzing, and it’s already time to think about the holiday season. (Wipe brow here.) Believe it or not, one in five holiday shoppers is already checking items off their list, according to Russell Research; 80 percent plan to start shopping before Thanksgiving. So September is the perfect time to … More »
