March 23, 2009
Ignore the Economy
The March issue of BusinessSolutions published a great article, "Ignore the Economy." Rather than paraphrasing what I want to point out, here is a clip from it (author, Mike Monocello):I’m not denying that the economy isn’t struggling. It’s now a sad reality. However, I don’t think things are as bad as most people think. I’m not alone. For instance, at the NRF (National Retail Federation) BIG Show 2009 in New York City, I had the opportunity to speak with more than 20 lead executives from a variety of manufacturers in retail. Nearly all of them told me they haven’t seen the type of recessionary slowdown the media and analysts have been stressing over. However, many of these executives also admitted their companies are being very cautious. Chances are, you’re in the same situation of cautiously waiting things out. My question is, how long will you wait and keep your business in a stalled state? Or better yet, why wait?He goes on to say that there is mounds of actionable information available to retailers to improve their retail business. One Step can advise you on a course of action if you need some help. We also provide free business analytics. Story source: http://tinyurl.com/d4kanw |
American Apparel's Profits Rise
| Our client American Apparel Q4 profit rises 30% Clothing maker American Apparel Inc's fourth-quarter profit jumped 30 percent, helped by growth in retail sales at its U.S. Retail, Canada and international business segments, but forecast 2009 sales below analysts' estimates. The company, which plans to open 25 to 30 stores in 2009, said it expects net sales of $575 million to $600 million in 2009 and income from operations in the range of $55 million to $65 million. The company -- known for its brightly colored basics, pro-labor policies and racy marketing -- posted a fourth-quarter profit of $3.9 million, or 5 cents a share, compared with $3.0 million, or 6 cents a share, a year earlier. www.onestepretail.com |
March 18, 2009
Clovers Natural Market Replaces POS System
| One Step Retail Solutions and Clovers Natural Market of Columbia, Missouri are happy to announce the implementation of CounterPoint SQL by Radiant Systems point of sale (POS) software in these popular mid-west markets. Clovers will be replacing all of their POS systems with Radiant Systems hardware and CounterPoint SQL software, supplied by One Step. Scott Kreisberg, CEO of One Step stated, 'We are pleased to be a part of this long-established, thriving natural products market and their continued expansion. We are always happy to support retailers like Clovers, who have the long term in mind, not only for themselves, but for the betterment of their customers and their community.' After going through a complete Needs Analysis with One Step Retail Solutions and a thorough demonstration of the software, it became clear that CounterPoint SQL had the features that Clovers was looking for, including integration of a scale at checkout. Clovers also found that One Step could give them a level of support that they had been lacking with their previous system and that the 23-year history and experience of One Step would assure them of a stable business partner for years to come. With two stores in Columbia, Clovers has been a part of their community since 1965 and specializes in organic produce, gourmet and specialty products, gluten free, sugar free, low sodium, frozen and refrigerated products, coffees, teas, books, incense, candles, with an extensive supplement selection including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and homeopathics. |
March 17, 2009
Retail Boom Forecast
| Phoenix historical economist forecasts surprise retail boom in 2009 A combination of legislative mandates, the Stimulus Plan, reduced competition and new consumer savings and income could result in surprisingly robust retail sales by the Fourth Quarter of 2009. H.L. Quist says, "I'm not an expert on retail but I do have an excellent track record of analyzing economic and political trends and forecasting future events. An unusual confluence of factors are coming together which could bring a pleasant surprise to the devastated retail industry." H. L. Quist is the author of "The Aftermath of Greed: Get Ready For The Coming Inflationary Boom." Read full press release: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/03/prweb2220824.htm This news was also posted on the company’s new Twitter account: http://twitter.com/onestepretail |
March 16, 2009
Retail Store Making Right Decisions
| In a recent case study by One Step Retail Solutions on Pump Station in Santa Monica, CA, the store increased its sales 20% in the last three years. A second store opened up 3 years ago in Hollywood, CA, watching sales go up 83%. Two more stores are being planned to open up this year, 2009. Pump Station COO Cheryl Petran attributes their growth and continued success to point of sale technology which allowed them to forecast sales and manage inventory better. With better financial planning and profit goals, Pump Station owners have been able to gain insight into what is going on in their business and use the reports to make the right decisions. Ms. Petran feels they are out-pacing the economic downturn by forecasting smart and managing the inventory to her forecast. “Being proactive means forecasting, facing the reality of it and dealing with it,” said Cheryl Petran, COO of Pump Station. “If you can really look at where you think you’re going to be and be realistic about it, then you can survive. I have a POS system with history that I can use for expansion. With our POS system we can quickly evaluate if our decisions were good or bad. I learned many years ago to manage your inventory smart and manage your vendors smart.” Pump Station is continuing to expand their retail business, despite the changing economy. Note: One Step Retail Solutions installed Retail Pro point of sale software, robust POS hardware, and hand-held scanners. The system is integrated with POS QuickBooks. |
March 2, 2009
Technology Pavilion at MAGIC
| One Step Retail Solutions was in the Technology Pavilion at MAGIC in February. The pavilion offered free cappachino and a Wifi center. See photo montage: Here are some photos:    |
The Specialty Retailer Advantage
| With the recent government numbers showing specialty retailers down 19 percent, the focus for these retailers has shifted to being more promotional, buying smarter and not piling up on inventory. They are also making deals with vendors to get flexible deals. And they are moving toward improving their retail management technology in an effort to re-organize and become more efficient. In all the changes an independent retailer faces, bringing customers to their store is the primary goal. Obtaining loyal customers is bringing them back. When people walk into a store, they want to know the people at the store. It's about relationships and that is what separates the independent specialty retailer from the big-box retailers. In a recent Webinar with Kevin McAdam of One Step Retail Solutions, he talked about what a retailer should know about in surviving the current economy. He discusses retail Key Performance Indicators and how to read and interpret them, the various ways to use technology to increase profits, decisions a retailer has to make about their inventory, and how to overcome obsctacles during a recession. Watch Webinar "The Truth All Retailers Should Know About Surviving in the Economy in 2009". |
February 20, 2009
Strategies for Economics of Retailing
| There's a lot of talk about the need for retailers to shift their operating strategies due to the down economy. The necessity to evaluate retail business solutions and employ new tactics and strategic inititives with technology is more crucial than ever in order to meet today's challenges. The key areas for retail success hinge on the retailer's ability to control inventory, streamline purchasing and receiving, improve customer and vendor management, integrate accounting and eCommerce, and use reporting features that give them insight into their retail business. The most important approach to transform the business of retailing then is implementing a strategy that focuses on those key things. Lucky for retailers, a good POS software system like Retail Pro and CounterPoint have the features and tools that put a retailer in control. The landscape of economics may change, and a retailer needs to navigate through anything. If a retailer is using a comprehensive POS system, this is what they can leverage in not just the current economic climate, but in any kind of economic times. |
February 16, 2009
Lift Your Retail Spirits
| In an article "How to Lift Your Retail Spirits" by Matt Parmaks, he talks to retailers about getting back to basics to ensure retail success. We published this in our "Retail Buzz" in Dec. 2008, as we thought it timely to help retailers take a look at some things they can do to improve their business. If you subscribe to our quarterly publication, The Retailer Report, last month we published an article "Weathering a Storm In the Retail Business" by Kevin McAdam. This was actually a chapter in Kevin's eBook "Succeeding in the Retail Business During Economic Stress." Another related article that you might find helpful is What Retailers Can Do in a Down Economy by Scott Kreisberg. Successful strategies have proven to lift retail spirits because, all in all, when you're looking at solutions instead of the problems, you'll be much better off. |
February 4, 2009
Relax in our Technology Pavilion at MAGIC
| MAGIC Marketplace February 17, 18, 19 Las Vegas Convention Center Booth# 17031 North Hall One Step Retail Solutions is doing something new and exciting at MAGIC Marketplace this year and invites retailers to come by, get some free coffee and relax in their Technology Pavilion located in the North Hall, White section of Woman's Apparel. The Technology Pavilion is a large and comfortable space filled with cushy couches and chairs for retailers to get off their feet, take advantage of complimentary coffee at the coffee bar, and have Wi Fi access to download email. One Step staff will be showing the latest HP hardware, Panasonic security cameras, the new Quadrox security system, Retail Pro and CounterPoint POS software, and BizCampaign, a way to centralize and coordinate all your marketing functions. Contact One Step that you're coming! (800) 266-1328, or send Email to sales@onestepretail.com. |
January 15, 2009
Webinar: Truth About the Retail Economy in 2009
| One Step Retail Solutions is hosting a live Webinar, "The Truth About the Retail Economy in 2009 - How to Make this Year Your Best Year Ever" Date: February 10, 2009 Time: 11:00AM to 12:00PM PST. Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/720110200 Join retail expert and author Kevin McAdam for a 45-minute discussion on the cold hard truths about creating retail success during tough times. Find out:
Join Kevin McAdam for this fast-paced live webinar to find out how to make this year your best ever. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Reserve your seat now: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/720110200 |
December 15, 2008
Sports Apparel Case Study
One Step Retail Solutions performed another Retail Pro case study with Sportech, an athletic footwear and apparel store in Port Chester, NY. The store opened 16 years ago and manager Soung Kim talked about her experience with Retail Pro:See full case study at: http://www.onestepretail.com/profiles/sports_apparel.php |
Swimwear Case Study
| In a case study with Gone Bananas located in San Diego, CA, owner Tom O'Hara speaks about his experience using Retail Pro point of sale software. When asked about financial benefits, Tom said: "We have now grown to where we're one of the largest single operations of swimwear in the US. Sales and profits have increased to levels which we would have never dreamed of. We're also online now and have synched our online store to our inventory. This feature of Retail Pro makes the online sales aspect of our store much easier. We'll be seeing more sales through the Internet as well."Full case study at: http://www.onestepretail.com/profiles/beachwear.php |
December 8, 2008
Round Table for Retail Execs
| One Step Retail Solutions is holding an exclusive Round Table for retail executives. The topic is "Are You Crazy Enough to Expand in This Economy?" Kevin McAdam, author of "Success in the Retail Business During Economic Stress" will present a proven strategy that will enable retailers to open new stores and actually expand in 2009, despite all the doom and gloom economic headlines. This special open-mic Round Table is an excellent opportunity to speak with Kevin and other retailers about expanding while everyone else is trembling. December 10, 2008 11:00 AM (PT) Limited to only 25 attendees! Reserve your space now! Send Email with your name, company, title and email address and you will receive instructions to join the meeting: sales@onestepretail.com or call (800) 266-1328. |
December 4, 2008
New Book Release
 One Step Retail Solutions has released a new eBook, "Succeeding in the Retail Business during Economic Stress" by Kevin McAdam which offers insight and strategies for retailers suffering at the hands of a struggling economy. Looking at trends in retailing and current industry news spouting doom and gloom, Kevin McAdam gets to the bottom line with survival strategies that help retailers adapt to changing technologies and the new realities of the marketplace. “This book is very timely because of the current economic conditions, and Kevin really gets into the necessities of what retailers should do during challenging times,” says Scott Kreisberg, CEO of One Step Retail Solutions. “His strategies point out how retailers can not only survive, but thrive during these conditions. I can personally vouch for the validity of his strategies, since I passed on these strategies to him and have watched my clients remain profitable during three economic recessions over the past 20 years as a result.” This book is a compilation of articles from Kevin's column in a newsletter published by One Step Retail Solutions, advising its retail customers how to get through the economic climate of decreased sales numbers. Alicia Kreisberg, Chief Operating Officer at One Step claims, “Retailers will find this book very insightful, particularly because the approach and principles outlined in Kevin’s book are taken from the same practices we use at One Step with our clients. No matter what the economic climate is, we make sure that our clients have the tools to succeed.” Retailers will find in-depth methodologies for such matters as weathering a storm in the retail business, increasing sales through channels of retailing, having the right product at the right place at the right time, how retailers should focus on their core strengths, and adjusting a retail business to changing economic times. The eBook version is now available as a free download at www.onestepretail.com/retail/ebook.php. |
October 20, 2008
Free Webinar for Retailers
| Announcing...The Roll-up Your Sleeves, Time for the Cold Hard Facts, Make Sure You Survive the Economic Downturn FREE WEBINAR. "How to Adjust Your Retail Business to The Changing Economic Times" Date: November 12, 2008 Time: 11:00 AM (PT) For: Retail business owners and managers With our hand on the pulse of retail, we told you back in March what you needed to do then to thrive in the coming economic downturn. Many retailers took this to heart and are growing and expanding. What can you do now that the economic bad times are here? Adjust. Find out how in this hard-hitting, no holds barred, confront the facts, 1-hour webinar. Join Kevin McAdam, author, speaker, Vice President of One Step Retail Solutions and co-founder of the Retail Technology Resources Group for this new retail-business-owner specific, 1-hour time investment, survival course. In this webinar you'll find out about:
Be quick! RSVP now...Go to www.onestepretail.com/webinar Registration is free, but required. Limited space- only 200 spots available! |
October 7, 2008
Retail Pro Business Partner Award
| Retail Pro, Inc. announced its awards for Global Business Partner of the Year and Global Top Sales Award at its annual Business Partners Conference in San Diego, California. The winner of both awards was One Step Retail Solutions. “Once again, One Step Retail Solutions has proven itself to be an outstanding business partner and brings to its clients, some of the leading specialty retailers in the world, the benefit of excellent advice, service and support,” said Retail Pro’s Ken Sapp, Senior Vice President for Global Sales. In accepting these awards, One Step COO Alicia Kreisberg stated, “This is definitely a team effort and we think our team is the best around. We also know that our success is based on the fact that our purpose is to improve how retailers run their business by using technology to boost efficiencies and collect valuable information that can help them make the right business decisions. We give each retailer personalized attention and ensure the technology they chose fits their individual business needs." One Step Retail Solutions has been Retail Pro’s Global Business Partner of the Year for the last two years and was also awarded the Inc 5000 award for 2007, as one of the 5000 fastest growing companies in the US. |
August 26, 2008
New Retail Survival Test
| One Step Retail Solutions has just launched an online Retail Survival Test to help retailers measure their store's future success in the economic downturn. The retailer will find out how healthy their store operations are and what their chances of making it through the next few years of business and come out the other side thriving. Take the Retail Survival Test and see how your store measures up against the leading survival indicators and success predictors. You'll receive a score and analysis of your store's results by email immediately following the test. Take test now >> |
August 18, 2008
Retail Pro 2008 Users Conference
| Retail Pro users should be getting ready to rock 'n roll at the 2008 Retail Pro Users Conference in San Diego, CA next month from Sept. 14 through Sept 16 at the Hard Rock Hotel. Anyone who uses Retail Pro will find this year's conference highly informative and a must attend event. Focusing entirely on current users and potential users, Retail Pro will deliver an exciting, educational, and eye-opening conference. To register, go to www.retailpro.com/2008uc Call us at One Step Retail Solutions to let us know you're coming! (800) 266-1328 or send email to sales@onestepretail.com. |
August 4, 2008
Coming to MAGIC and MRket
| One Step Retail Solutions will be at MAGIC Marketplace and MRket this August and wants to show retailers how POS can give them an advantage through down-turning economies and increase the chances for success. MRket - August 24-26 The Venetian Hotel in Venetian Ballroom in Las Vegas We're in the MRket Zone in WiFi Lounge MAGIC - August 25-27 Las Vegas Convention Center & Las Vegas Hilton Booth # ME-2627 in Central Hall Contact One Step for a no-obligation discussion with a retail expert to find out how POS could make the difference in whether you will still be operating next year or in the next five years. Call (800) 266-1328 or send Email. |