Fall 2018 Hardlines Strategies

ASK THE EXPERT

Even if retailers put their employees in charge of marketing, the owner can still monitor what’s being done before anything is published. Plus, that employee can take that project and make it their own. They may start contributing more of their own ideas, and they can put together a schedule of when they want to send out different e-blasts or publish different social media posts. What are some steps retailers can take to ensure they’re selling the right products? JD: Retailers should listen to their customers and watch what’s going on with their buying activities. They should ask them questions about the products they’re looking for. How many people are looking for that same item? Then retailers might be able to gain information about their market and have a better idea of what products to offer. They should also ask what people are using a product for. They can learn what different uses there are for different items and share those ideas with their customers.

Everyone is coming in looking for something. As you carry on a conversation with a customer, you can learn more about what they’re looking for and find out how to best meet their needs. How does Blish-Mize help retailers with their marketing efforts? JD: Blish-Mize offers tons of services. On our website, we have a list of our advertising programs. (Learn more in the tear-out card included in this issue!) We can create custom signage for a store or help customers put together personalized circulars. We also offer programs like AdExpress and Sign Studio, and customers can use these really simplified programs that are very interactive and easy to use. They can create statement stuffers or mass mailings, or the digital versions of these items to send out via email or post online. We have services to build and develop websites or social media pages. Our customers supply the information and maintain the page, but we can help get them up and running. The Buying Markets Blish-Mize hosts in Overland Park each spring and fall offer

the perfect opportunity for retailers to learn more about a host of things relating to their business, including marketing, and to help them find new assortments and new merchandising techniques. Our customers can call their sales representatives or the marketing department at any time, tell us what services they are looking for, and we will help them out. Just email us at marketing@blishmize.com. The support staff at Blish-Mize is always here to help. We want our customers to be successful in their selling, and we’re here to help however we can.

Scan this QR code to watch a video about the Blish-Mize Buying Market.

6 Fall 2018 • Hardlines Strategies