How to Keep Retail Profits Up After the Holidays

The shopping frenzy that surrounds the holiday season is coming to an end, but the busiest time of the year isn’t over yet. Retail businesses everywhere will soon see customers shift from “shopping mode” to “return mode”. If you aren’t prepared for this shift, you could end up losing a significant portion of your hard-earned holiday profits to returns and refunds. Guard those profits with our helpful tips for handling post-holiday traffic.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/how-to-keep-retail-profits-up-after-the-holidays

How to Promote Your Service-based Business this Holiday Season

This time of year, the focus is primarily on retail businesses. Most articles you read either in the news or on blogs like this revolve around the successes and challenges faced by department stores, outlets, or Mom and Pop shops. Do you feel like your service-based business is being lost in the shuffle?

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/how-to-promote-your-service-based-business-this-holiday-season

Black Friday 2019 Wrap Up

Much like the elusive Saint Nicholas himself, Black Friday weekend was here and gone in a flash, leaving holiday gifts in its wake. Most likely your customers didn’t enter the store with an empty sack to fill with gifts, but did they leave with armfuls of goodies? How did your store compare to your direct competition and larger retailers? Let’s review the successes, challenges, and statistics from the biggest holiday shopping weekend of 2019.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/black-friday-2019-wrap-up

Do You Want to Become a Registered ISO? Here’s How.

Are you dreaming of taking your business to the next level? You can work hard marketing your business, building relationships with your customers, and offering the best experience possible to every person you contact, but sometimes that still isn’t enough. It’s not your fault – you’re doing everything in your power to gain notoriety! Sometimes it’s simply just too difficult to compete with your larger, well-known competitors.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/do-you-want-to-become-a-registered-iso-heres-how

Last-minute Tips for Black Friday Weekend

Is your store ready for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday?

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/last-minute-tips-for-black-friday-weekend

Do You Have Enough Holiday Helpers?

The holiday shopping season is upon us! Your store is sure to become a busy place. Do you have enough team members to handle the holiday rush?

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/do-you-have-enough-holiday-helpers

How to Prepare Your Business for Small Business Saturday

As a small business owner, you’re most likely already gearing up for Small Business Saturday. This huge holiday shopping day fits snugly between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so eager gift-hunters can search for that special something all weekend long.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/how-to-prepare-your-business-for-small-business-saturday

Ten Tips for Marketing Your Business this Holiday Season

Did you know that holiday shoppers contribute to about 30% of the average retailer’s annual profits? According to the National Retail Federation, this year’s shoppers are expected to spend 4% more than last year during the months of November and December. That means holiday spending will increase to between $727.9 billion and $730.7 billion this year.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/ten-tips-for-marketing-your-business-this-holiday-season

10 Questions to Ask Your Merchant Services Provider

Partnering with a reliable Merchant Services Provider is an important part of running your business. Your Merchant Services Provider works as a liaison between your business, banks, and your customers to make sure you get paid and all data is kept secure. Essentially, when a customer swipes their credit card at your business, your Merchant Services Provider moves their funds into your bank account. It’s a very important role, and not a decision on your part to be taken lightly.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/10-questions-to-ask-your-merchant-services-provider

How Halloween Spending Affects the Economy

Happy Halloween! 

Did you know? The origin of this spooky holiday dates back to the ancient festival of Samhain, a Celtic tradition. When Irish immigrants came to America in the second half of the 19^th century, they brought along their traditions and helped to make Halloween a popular national celebration. Over time, Halloween has become one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States, especially for children and families who enjoy Trick-or-Treating.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/how-halloween-spending-affects-the-economy

Tips for Marketing Your Nashville Small Business

Especially in the Country Music Capital of the World, it can be a challenge to get your small business noticed. Nashville draws millions of tourists each year, but these country music and hot chicken enthusiasts may not be seeking the products and services you offer. At least, not until they see how you can help them.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/tips-for-marketing-your-nashville-small-business

How to Build Your Retail Store from the Ground Up: Part Four

Part Four: Encouraging Customer Loyalty

Is your retail store dream becoming reality? It’s exciting to see all your planning and hard work come together as you prepare to finally open those doors to the public. We know it’s been a long journey to get to this point, so take a second and pat yourself on the back. You’re almost there!

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/how-to-build-your-retail-store-from-the-ground-up-part-four

Are Customers Talking About Your Boston Restaurant?

If you own a restaurant in the Boston area, you’ve certainly got a lot of tasty competition. With fresh local favorites like succulent lobster rolls, crispy, flaky fish and chips, and hot, satisfying clam chowder, there’s nothing quite like Boston cuisine. You may see plenty of hungry customers come and go from your restaurant. They compliment the food and tip their server appropriately, but do you wonder what they tell their friends once they’ve left?

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/are-customers-talking-about-your-boston-restaurant

How to Build Your Retail Store from the Ground Up: Part Three

Part Three: Marketing and Merchandising

If you’ve been following our blog series, How to Build Your Retail Store from the Ground Up, you’ve had a busy few weeks of construction! We started with the foundation (your business plan), then built the frame, walls, and roof (choose a location), and today we’ll look at adding the figurative paint, décor, and furniture with marketing and merchandising.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/how-to-build-your-retail-store-from-the-ground-up-part-three

Ideas to Help Cut Costs for Your Wilmington Business

Cost Cutting Ideas for Wilmington Businesses

If you recently opened a shop or started a business in the Wilmington area, you’ve got a good thing going for you! Wilmington’s three island beaches and beautiful riverfront attract many vacationers each year.

This means plenty of new customers in vacation-mode who are looking for ways to make their time in your area memorable. While this is good for immediate business, it can make the off-season tricky. Without a stable influx of tourists, your profitability could suffer.

The best way to fight the slump is to acknowledge its inevitability and plan for a dip in revenue. In this post, we’ll help you in that planning process by highlighting some ideas for cutting the costs required to run your business.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/ideas-to-help-cut-costs-for-your-wilmington-business

Cornerstone of Hope: Where No Grieving Person Journeys Alone

EMS is proud to support our Cleveland community in a variety of ways. Over the years we’ve collectively donated our time and talents, our services and knowledge, toys, supplies, food, and have sponsored outstanding organizations through monetary contributions. One of these outstanding organizations that EMS has sponsored for many years is Cornerstone of Hope.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/cornerstone-of-hope-where-no-grieving-person-journeys-alone

How to Build Your Retail Store from the Ground Up: Part Two

Part Two: Choose a Location

Online retailers have the advantage of being accessible anywhere at any time. However, studies have shown that 55% of shoppers prefer to purchase from a retailer with a physical location. You just can’t replicate the experience of shopping in a store through a computer screen or mobile device. This gives you, the new business owner a distinct advantage. Capitalize on that with a great retail store location that attracts your customers and encourages them to visit over and over again.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/how-to-build-your-retail-store-from-the-ground-up-part-two

How to Build Your Retail Store From the Ground Up: Part One

Part One: Create a Business Plan

Have you ever experienced a burst of creative genius, fabricated something lovely, and had someone say, “Wow! You should sell that”? It’s a great feeling, to know that something you consider a hobby could become a way to make some extra cash. You start selling a few pieces here and there, and people seem to really enjoy what you create. As demand for your creations starts to grow, you wonder, “What if I opened my own retail shop? Could it be possible?”

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/how-to-build-your-retail-store-from-the-ground-up-create-a-business-plan

Why You Need a Responsive Website for Your Pittsburgh Business

The city of Pittsburgh is known for more than its steel industry and Heinz ketchup. It’s also considered a hub for technology and innovation. If you’re operating a small business in the Pittsburgh area, you’ll need a modern website with an attractive and responsive design to stay relevant and competitive.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/why-you-need-a-responsive-website-for-your-pittsburgh-business

How Does Cryptocurrency Work? Simple Explanations for Your Business

Crypto Doesn’t Have to be Cryptic

Are you interested in accepting cryptocurrency payments for your business, but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice?

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/how-does-cryptocurrency-work-simple-explanations-for-your-business

Why You Should Move Your Business to Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio is one of the best places in the nation to build your small business and grow a healthy workplace culture. We may be a little biased, but truly, Cleveland is a great place for businesses, families, and fun! Allow us to illuminate some of the possibilities for you and your employees in Cleveland.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/why-you-should-move-your-business-to-cleveland

Don’t Overspend When Starting Your San Antonio Restaurant

Everyone knows the phrase, “Everything’s bigger in Texas”, but does that include the costs to start a restaurant in the San Antonio area? It doesn’t have to!

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/dont-overspend-when-starting-your-san-antonio-restaurant

Why Your Small Business Should Join a Local Chamber of Commerce

If you’re looking for ways to increase sales and grow your business, joining a local chamber of commerce may be the right option. In this post we will explore the missions of various chambers and the benefits of becoming a member.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/why-your-small-business-should-join-a-local-chamber-of-commerce

How to Launch a Small Business in Tampa

Tampa is a spectacularly sunny, smart place to launch a small business. In fact, Florida ranks 1^st in the United States for lowest income taxes, and is rated #1 by Forbes for economic growth prospects. So, how do you get started? Maybe you have this great idea, but no clue how to bring it to life. Allow us to help. Follow this ten step guide to get on the road to small business success.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/how-to-launch-a-small-business-in-tampa

How to Keep Your Seasonal Business Profitable All Year

How Seasonal Businesses Can Stay Profitable Year-Round

If you have ever wondered how to use seasonal marketing to increase sales, you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll offer tips on marketing seasonal products along with ideas on how to keep a seasonal business in customers’ minds year-round. 

As the seasons change, so do consumer anticipations. When Memorial Day hits, people excitedly expect their favorite ice cream shop to be open.

As the leaves start to change, candle lovers purchase their favorite fall scents like warm apple pie and sweet cinnamon pumpkin. Once snowflakes start to cover the ground, beer connoisseurs look forward to their favorite Christmas Ale.

All of these seasonal sensibilities affect what your customers are looking for and how they will spend their money.

source https://www.emscorporate.com/news/how-to-keep-your-seasonal-business-profitable-all-year