One Step Retail Solutions chatted with retail expert, Dan
Jablons of Retail Smart Guys, to learn about the best retail solutions for your
business! President of Retail Smart Guys, Dan comes with over 30 years of
retail experience and has worked with a leading POS provider, and top retailers
such as Diesel, Oakley, Tumi, Target and many others. Dan graduated with a
Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Production from Ohio State University and
has been making his mark in the retail industry ever since. We were very
fortunate to steal a moment from him, so we could pick his brain about what’s
in store for the future of retail.
What
makes you a retail expert?
I have over 30 years of retail experience, including
store management, buying, and operations management, as well as ample
experience in software and management tools used in retail stores, in over 14 different countries.
What
do you like best about the retail industry?
The excitement of working with people on the bleeding
edge of the market place. I love the creativity and excitement that independent
retailers bring to the marketplace!
How
can retailers increase sales?
There are two key components to help drive sales: email
marketing and a series of in store events. It is important to send at least two
emails a week to customers. It is also important to and have a series of
in store events that are fun and compelling and give customers a reason to go
shopping.
What
suggestions do you have for people looking into new Retail Technology?
Retail technology is vital because connecting a POS
system with strong planning systems allows inventory
forecasting, protects cash flow and maximizes investment. The biggest
investment is having the tools to manage what happened so you’re able to
prepare yourself for what is going to happen.
What
advice can you give a new retail business?
1. Make
sure you are buying for your customers and not buying for yourself.
2. Invest
in purchasing the best measurement tools so you can keep track of your sales
and inventory.
3. Recognize
that retail is a science and an art. Work with people that can assist you with
the science pieces as well as the art pieces.
What
are some new retail trends you’ve noticed in the industry?
There is tighter integration with customer demand to get
the right inventory, at the right place, at the right time.
What’s
the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?
Retail is detail. The solution of problems means digging
into details, to manage the demands in any retail store.
Thanks very much for your time Dan! We appreciate the
retail expert advice and look forward to working with you again soon!
