Promo that Works

According to a recent article in Convenience Store News magazine, price promotions, signage, and "shippers and in & out displays" were the most effective promotion methods in 2008 and 2009. Price promotions were the top method, but signage made the greatest leap in ranking among the top three methods between 2008 and 2009.

Fire up the computer and start cranking out those signs!

--The Retail Muse

Now's Your Time

A recent report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) suggests that retailers should "think small" and target local markets as consumers continue to reign in their spending in the tight economy.

With the relationship and promixity that campus stores have with their markets, NOW is the time for you to shine! Focus on your core, target and take care of your customers, and nurture the relationship you have with your campus community.

Now is the time to invest in your business--while the "big guys" are trying to regroup and determine a new approach!

--The Retail Muse

Show Your Stuff Campus Stores!

VMSD magazine is calling for entries in their annual Retail Renovation Competition. Campus store projects have placed in this competition in the past, so consider nominating your project if you have completed it in the past year.

Learn more from the online VMSD magazine article.

--The Retail Muse

Highlights from CAMEX 2009

CAMEX 2009 comes to a close today and there were many highs throughout the week.

- Attendance was good--despite the economy. That meant plenty of networking and sharing of ideas.

- The buzz on education was that it exceeded all expectations! Handouts and presentations from select sessions will be available on www.camex.org in a few weeks. Watch the CM newsletter for the announcement.

- Audio recordings of the sessions are available for purchase through the new CAMEX TO GO program. You may order online at by visiting the CAMEX TO GO site.

- Complete CAMEX coverage (content highlights, awards, and more) will be covered in the CM newsletter over the next several months.

- The Trade Show was vibrant this year with exciting new things in clothing, as well as new offerings in gifts, technology/accessories, and more. Continue to check out the Trade Show exhibitors online at http://www.camex.org/directoryfloorplan.asp

Thanks to everyone that attended for a great CAMEX experience this year. We hope to see you in Orlando, March 12-16, for CAMEX 2010!

--The Retail Muse

Just Tell Me How It Works!

Looking to figure out some of the new social media (or just about anything else, for that matter)? Try out the "Explanations in Plain English" channel YouTube. To get you started with Social Media (Face Book, Twitter, etc.), try the following:

- Social Media: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpIOClX1jPE&feature=channel_page

- Social Networking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a_KF7TYKVc&feature=channel_page

- Twitter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddO9idmax0o&feature=channel_page

If you're still not impressed, try "Zombies in Plain English": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVnfyradCPY&feature=channel_page

--The Retail Muse