Today’s Idea of the Day: Explore a draft beer program (Howlers/Growlers). Growlers are a great way to gain a loyal craft beer following and expand your beer offering without taking up more cooler space. Plus, you ensure repeat business and earn great margins on the beer and the bottles. If you have an idea to…

Today’s idea of the day: Remove or forbid the use of the error correct key on the cash registers. That means theft. Error corrects and voids should be warning signals. Make it store policy that shift managers must approve error corrects and voids and provide documentation of these transactions. Plus, when applicable, use video monitoring…

Today’s idea of the day: Analyze scan data frequently! Fewer SKUs mean more sales. Analyzing scan data will help you know what your customers are buying. Run velocity reports that set minimum sales standards. If a product falls below your standard for a month, look to rotate it out in favor of a higher-selling SKU.…

Today’s idea of the day: On all candy, bigger sizes are better because they bring better margin and higher sales. Especially when it comes to merchandising candy items at the front counter, always go with the bigger king-size bars and multipacks. From the customer perspective the price difference is negligible, but for the retailer, the…

Today’s idea of the day: Use warehouse programs and discontinue any duplications with DSD (direct store delivery). Do you have an idea to share? Email Senior Editor Erin Rigik Del Conte at [email protected]

Today’s idea of the day: Utilize shelf tags and other signage to identify EBT-approved products. Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, is used in all states to issue food stamp benefits to recipients. Recipients are issued an “EBT Card” similar to a bank ATM or debit card to receive and use their food stamp and cash…

Today’s Idea of the Day: Review your insurance coverage ahead of a data breach. Hackers are running amok. Today, the saying goes, it’s not IF your chain will be breached, but WHEN. Are you prepared? Check your insurance policy for coverage in the event of a data breach. Make certain you are covered in the…

Today’s idea: Pay off scanning for items like propane to reduce tying up inventory capital.  For slower moving, but important high-margin items, such as propane, fire wood and even flowers, look to cut deals with suppliers to pay off scanning. That means you are billed at the end of the week or month based on…

Today’s idea of the day: Incorporate the fundamentals of billboard marketing and design in outdoor advertising to maximize potential. Here are some ways to maximize outdoor advertising success: Remember you are communicating with driving and distracted people on the move. Be brief but focused with ONE idea. Make it a big idea that’s relevant to…

Today’s idea of the day: Use clear trash bags inside store so you can see what employees are carrying out of the store. Simply using clear trash bags is one way to curb employee theft before it begins. If you use black or opaque trash bags, you might think an employee is carrying trash out…