Not only are there are seasonal changes to contend with, the mix of players is constantly shifting the competitive landscape. As the backdrop changes, you'll want to:
- Stay current on what's happening in the industry.
- Read about what competitors are doing.
- Figure out how to apply best-practice tips to your own business.
- Monitor trends on a local, state and national level.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Finding local resources
Many cities have a daily, weekly or monthly newspaper that tracks business and retail trends within their respective communities.I recommend: American City Business Journals has online and print editions covering local business issues in 41 cities.
Getting a national perspective
Retailing in general and its many niches get regular coverage from trade magazines.I recommend: Chain Store Age and its sister publication Retailing Today are good sources for national retail trends and the strategies of the major players and so is Stores, the magazine of the National Retail Federation. Convenience Store News and Women's Wear Daily cover the convenience and clothing markets. Topix.net collects retail news from all over the Net. Forbes tracks commerce and retail issues from a more national and global perspective and provides related stock-exchange information.
Pulling down reports and research data
Research firms watch consumers' retail behavior closely.I recommend: Plunkett Research Ltd. provides trend analysis, retail statistics and other useful information, but you'll have to pay a subscription fee to access it. MarketResearch.com has some information about the retail industry's spending on online advertising and links to other kinds of retail reports.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Besides reading news coverage of the retail industry, attending trade shows is a great way to get a look at the latest trends. The National Retail Federation's annual show and local gift shows are good windows into what's new on the shelves.
Sales Lead Generation - Hoover's®
Build lead lists using our database of over 32MM companies and 37MM decision-makers. Close more sales with targeted, qualified leads. Free Trial.
www.hoovers.com/leads
Build lead lists using our database of over 32MM companies and 37MM decision-makers. Close more sales with targeted, qualified leads. Free Trial.
www.hoovers.com/leads
Pre-Screened Home Improvement Leads: Real-Time Delivery
High-quality home improvement leads. You only pay for performance. Get more info.
HomeImprovement.Quinstreet.com
High-quality home improvement leads. You only pay for performance. Get more info.
HomeImprovement.Quinstreet.com
Retail and Consumer Service Sales Leads: D&B®
Get Unlimited Access to D&B's Business Database of Sales Leads. View Company Information, Build Lists & More. Free 7-Day Trial.
Free Trial | Learn More | Company Profile
www.selectory.com
Get Unlimited Access to D&B's Business Database of Sales Leads. View Company Information, Build Lists & More. Free 7-Day Trial.
Free Trial | Learn More | Company Profile
www.selectory.com
Retail & Consumer Services Database Software
Compare Retail & Consumer Services Database Software using Capterra's free, comprehensive directory.
Capterra.com
Compare Retail & Consumer Services Database Software using Capterra's free, comprehensive directory.
Capterra.com
Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
