Saks Fifth Avenue just launched a new website. Since more than 600 stores rely on Bridge Store to power their websites, I decided to compare the new site, which likely cost millions of dollars, to an indie retailer's Bridge Store software. An indie store pays pennies compared to Saks' millions, so the Saks site must be a million times better, right?
After a careful review, I'm happy to share that our indie stores have the better website. And, it sort of 'saks' for Saks that it spent millions ...
Read More
Two congresspeople are sponsoring a bill to help indie business fight abusive ADA lawsuits, shares Anne Flynn Wear, a writer for Furniture Today.
I know businesses that have been targeted by lawyers seeking to cash in on the ADA law. The defendants, even after they 'fix' their website, often have to settle for thousands of dollars.
The ADA was not written with websites in mind (the law was created in 1990--well before the Internet), and the law doesn't allow businesses a grace period to ...
Read More
Today's NY Times shares that many businesses are decreasing their office space footprint as they let employees work from home.
We are entering a new and unusual time post-COVID. More and more people will be working from home, further encouraging companies to decrease their amount of office space. I think this is a good thing for the most part, as it will open up jobs for people who don't necessarily live near a company's office. It also allows people to work from the comfort of their own home...
Read More
Part of my job is to review registry software. I ensure that it works well for retailers, registrants, and gift-givers (family and friends). I also assess whether it offers good value (price vs results).
A retailer recently shared with me that it uses the service MyRegistry.com. I reviewed the retailer's site and how a customer would make a registry purchase via MyRegistry.com. For privacy purposes, I changed the name of the store in the screenshots shown.
A sandwich wrapped in foil is so yesterday. Today, urban picnickers and zero-waste fans bring their home-made snacks and purchases to ensure a completely clear conscience. Beeswax wraps and compostable carry nets are here to stay – and are genuine, everyday alternatives to plastic. Bento boxes for the office, inspired by the Japanese lunch carrier, are typically divided into several compartments. These make a great addition to more traditional snack and sandwich boxes. We also want more ...
Read More
Today’s WSJ shares how IKEA underfunded its website and this led to frustrated and furious customers who can’t track orders or do many expected actions on its site.
Meanwhile, Best Buy’s massive web investments paid off: it retained 90% of its revenue through the pandemic.
View Post
Many businesses are struggling during the state-mandated shelter-in-place orders. One industry that is weathering the storm well is technology. Technology companies often deliver services digitally, which obviously makes them ideal to side-step these orders--but they often utilize another feature that makes them profitable now and in general: subscriptions.
Scott Galloway, a business leader and host of an online business class called 'The Sprint,' recently brought to my attention the ...
Read More
Costa Nova and Casafina commit to 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging
Costa Nova and Casafina proudly announce the use of 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging in the US.
First orders with “plastic-free” packaging were delivered at the beginning of April, for both B2B and B2C customers. The biggest change to this new policy is the use of eco-friendly starch peanuts to use as void fill.
Startch TM peanuts are an environmentally-friendly ...
Read More
Retailers have asked us about selling via Facebook. For starters, you can easily share your products from Bridge to your Facebook account. Your Bridge account is the ideal resource to pick from thousands of products and share them via social media.
Facebook does offer options to let visitors buy within Facebook, and this route often 'Facebook Marketplace.' Please note this warning about selling via Facebook Marketplace: you will not get paid until 15 - 20 days after you ship the ...
Read More
March 26, 2020
March 26, 2020
We are here and ready to help you with your gift for weddings, showers, birthdays, births, oops I did something wrong, or just because gifts. We will wrap your purchases beautifully and bring it out to the car! Just call 864-229-4000 or email us at http://www.thayersfurnitureandfinegifts.com. You can also text me 864-993-9913.
During these interesting time, we truly appreciate your support.
Thank you, Taylor Tucker
...
Read More
March 16, 2020
March 16, 2020
To our dear friends of Parkleigh,
Yes, it is actually happening. Parkleigh is making the very difficult decision to temporarily close our doors in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
We know this is the most responsible decision we can make for you, our beloved customers, and also for our beloved staff.
For the time being, we will remain just a phone call away, and we will have a minimal staff on hand to take a phone order, or if you are simply seeking a friendly chat. Our website will remain ...
Read More
February 11, 2020
February 11, 2020
Beatriz winning last night Tableware International 2020 Award of Excellence in the outdoor tableware category for her Nube melamine designs at the Ambiente Fair, in Frankfurt, Germany.
The prestigious awards were judged by a panel of 27 industry experts, retailers and designers from all over the world, France, Germany, Russia, Greece, England, New Zealand and many, more.
By her side are Paul Yeomans and Mairead Wilmot, manager and editor of Tableware International ...
Read More
Atlanta Seminar Offers Selling Strategies for Independent Stores Casafina and Vietri will host Bridge’s Jason Solarek in their respective showrooms
Allison Zisko // Editor in Chief
January 15, 2020
Jason Solarek, Bridge CEO, and Matt Hullfish, Casafina’s national sales manager, at a seminar last year.
ATLANTA—Tabletop brands Casafina and Vietri are collaborating with e-commerce platform provider Bridge on two training sessions at the International Gift & Home ...
Read More
November 8, 2019
November 8, 2019
From 2,000 stores to 182 stores—that’s how much Sears, the storied retailer that also owns Kmart, has shrunk in just 5 years. That’s a reduction of 90%.
Remember when people said the retail apocalypse was over-rated, or over? With the currents affecting Nordstrom, Neimans, Barneys, and Macy’s, I believe that we’re still in the midst of the storm. And, even after these other retailers close, the remaining ones will have to spend $1.50 for every $1 they take in to compete against Amazon. So, will...
Read More
Good news: Bridge will pay10% of your advertising costs.
For example, if you pay $1,000 for a Tableware Today ad, we’ll give you $100. If you pay $2,000, we’ll give you $200.
Benefits:
+ Save money. Make your advertising budget go further.
+ Sell more. When retailers join you on Bridge, they report selling 13% more product.
+ Show more of your product on your retailers' websites.
Shown here are two examples:
+ Waterford print ad in Tableware Today.
+ ...
Read More
September 27, 2019
September 27, 2019
New MAGNOLIA Fabrics!! No reason to drive to find fabric, we have thousands!
Maker Scarlett Markham is actually a former Parkleigh employee! She developed her line, Flour Pail Kids while working here. We thought our customers would be as amused by it as we are by Scarlett. Her quirky sense of humor mixes nostalgic icons with the edge of today to inspire her work. What could be more full of Rochester spirit than a tiny Genny Beer pin? Her Rochester icon t-shirts are also a stand out among others around town. When Scarlett isn’t designing or doing one of her jack-of-all-...
Read More
July 22, 2019
July 22, 2019
✨Books✨Books✨Books✨ Looking for Decorative Books? Look no further! We have just what you are looking for ? Available in Tupelo and our Oxford Spaces at Sugar Magnolia and The Mustard Seed.
View Post