Laura, who owns Ivy House in Texas, will save $7,000 in credit card fees this year. That's enough to take her family to Italy on vacation or buy five Apple computers for her staff.
How did she save this money? Laura asked me to review her credit card statements. I found that the credit card processor was charging her too much.
I then showed Laura that she could save $7,000 per year if she moved to Bridgeโs processing. She gets the same or better in-store processing services and saves $7,000.
I got a kick out of this AM's WSJ about companies fibbing their age to appear more hip. I've often tried to pen when Bridge as we know it came about. In 2007, I created Bridge's Smart Product syncing service. (We started with a whopping 8 brands and 2 retailers using this service! Today we have 120 brands and 260 retailers sharing products via syncing.) In 2011, we created the template store and gift registry that today 95% of clients use to sell products and host gift registries. I think that...
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August 9, 2017
August 9, 2017
David Hernandez shares some marketing tips in this week's HFN, including using influencers, reviews, and SEO. I'd add that David didn't mention an important feature: choice. Choice, also know as selection or inventory, is a major underlying factor for all other marketing tools. If there is no selection or a lack of online, then no matter how good ur marketing is--a customer can't buy online because the item does NOT exist online. Fundamentally your store has to have all items online in order to...
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August 5, 2017
August 5, 2017
How does your profit compare when selling an item online vs. in store? Today's WSJ shows that for brands (labels) that have physical stores, the profit online is greater. For retailers, the math shown would be different. The overall exercise in breaking down profit via different mediums is a good one and I encourage your business to do it. Ask: what are the costs associated with each channel that we sell thru.
Note: I think that this article's estimated marketing costs are too low. Marketing an ...
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August 4, 2017
August 4, 2017
How exciting when you open a magazine and see one of your beautiful brides and their handsome soon to be husband featured inside
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August 3, 2017
August 3, 2017
Laura, who owns Ivy House in Texas, will save $7,000 in credit card fees this year. John, who owns the store Glass Bazaar in Tennessee, will save $4,000. That's enough to take a family to Italy on vacation.
How did they save this money? I helped Laura and John cut their credit card processing fees. I like helping stores lower their fees because it helps strengthen their ability to compete with big box stores and Amazon.com.
John had this to say:
"We are happy with the credit card processing ...
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August 3, 2017
August 3, 2017
The Soho Galena Rectangular Long Cutting Board is one you'll reach for whenever you chose to make a dramatic statement when entertaining.
With richly textured handles, handsome styling, and substantial wooden surface the board enhances anything you serve on it.
Featuring contrasting metal handles resembling bound leather strips, it looks great on the bar or coffee table.
Made of an FDA safe, easy-care aluminum alloy. and polished wood.
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August 3, 2017
August 3, 2017
How important are reviews to your business? It turns out, very important. Read my latest column from Tableware Today magazine on the importance of reviews.
Turning Reviews Into Sales
Does this sound like you...You need a hedge trimmer so you click on Google, read a few reviews, head to Home Depot, and make a purchase. Youโre on a favorite clothing storeโs website. The pants youโre interested in have poor fit comments so you choose something else. The reviews for the family theme park say itโs dirty...
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July 27, 2017
July 27, 2017
Last chance to save on Vietri! Now through July 31st, receive 20% off your purchase of Vietri at Kitchen Collage.
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July 27, 2017
July 27, 2017
Kitchen Collage is excited to introduce a new teen section! Stop by our stores to browse our new items and find the perfect gift or back-to-school accessory.
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July 26, 2017
July 26, 2017
We're happy to announce all of our brides that are registered with us at Brown's Jewelry!! Aug. 5 Sarah Payne & Josh Maddox Aug. 15 Ashley Gausvik & Will Rice Sept. 3 Holly Langley & John Stewart Sept. 9 Kayla Deloach & Zac Kinsey Sept. 30 Lindsey Threlkeld & Kleber Santos Oct. 7 Kari Freeland & Brian Pieniazek Oct. 7 Tiffany Smiley & Cullen Toole Oct. 14 Amber Collins & Jeremy Achenbach Nov. 4 Susannah Brewton & Weston Robison Dec. 9 Katie Hofmann & Alex Collins Dec. 16 Allison Little & Josh Harrell Mar. 3...
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July 24, 2017
July 24, 2017
Welcome to the "new" Heart's Desire online! We know there will be "hiccups" along the way, but you have asked again and again for us to be online, so let's give this a go!
We will be adding more lines very soon, but for now, take a look at MacKenzie-Childs and Juliska! Be aware that if we don't have a piece in the store that you want to buy, we'll order it RIGHT AWAY and call you when it's in. You can pick up your purchase in the store at no cost or we'll be happy to ship to you!
Calling all you margarita lovers out there.....you've just gotta stop by and treat yourself to a box of one of THE most wonderful inventions ever! Whether you're in the mood for a margarita, frozen daiquiri, or blended cocktail, just keep these cups in the freezer so they are ready to go when you are!! Two to a box!
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July 19, 2017
July 19, 2017
What does Mindy do when it's 92 outside? Wear Barefoot Dreams of course! This is seriously will be the softest most comfortable article of clothing you own...
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July 17, 2017
July 17, 2017
I love when I see pictures of our beautiful brides opening their gifts from Royal Gifts! This definitely looks like a very beautiful Christmas in July Shower
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July 17, 2017
July 17, 2017
Hint hint: Share this on your Facebook Page
From The Knot: How to Write Wedding Vendor Reviews
It's easy to decide to write wedding vendor reviews (and we hope you do!), but when it comes to actually doing it, you might need a little motivation and guidance. But we promise, it's not as hard as you think. A good strategy is to set a reasonable goal for yourself. Maybe try to accomplish two or three a night, or take a few days to crank them all out. Whatever your game plan, follow these five ...
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July 16, 2017
July 16, 2017
"Websites are dead. The future belongs to platforms." This was my take away from a meeting with Coton Colors in Atlanta. A Coton Colors marketing director recalled how when she was at McGraw Hill publishers were aghast when someone said "Printed textbooks are dead." I think that declaring anything dead sounds a little dramatic, but it can be prescient and help people understand a larger trend.
The attached line chart graphic is something that I did a few months back. One of the chart lines ...
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July 12, 2017
July 12, 2017
Join Bridge in Atlanta. We'll be meeting with brands, retailers, and reps. We'll also be hosting an Indie Store vs. Amazon seminar tomorrow (Friday) at the Kitchen 2 Table showroom. See you soon.
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July 10, 2017
July 10, 2017
The New York Times and Wall Street Journal are teaming up to fight Facebook and Google in advertising, reports today's Times. They are doing so to gain better leverage when advertising via the "duopoly."
How are our industry's players collaborating to strengthen their position?
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July 10, 2017
July 10, 2017
Join us this week in our showroom during The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Marketยฎ and The Atlanta International Area Rug Marketยฎ. Lots of new to show you.
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