Run specialty stores are a unique part of the retail landscape. Despite a quickly changing market and constant evolutions to how consumers shop and make purchasing decisions, run specialty stores have survived—and even flourished—over the last decade. Here’s why:
- High level of customer service with staff who offer deep product knowledge and expertise.
- Community connections. These stores sponsor races, give back to local organizations, and are very much a pillar of their communities.
- Running stores tend to be managed by passionate individuals whose top priority is serving the customer.
Run specialty stores excel at creating powerful and memorable experiences, which often results in return customers. But once that customer is acquired, retaining them can be a challenge. So, let’s explore what large retailers are doing to retain customers:
- What are the big stores doing with loyalty programs and database marketing that smaller stores can adapt?
- Target and Amazon are major players in the health and fitness space. What are they doing that smaller stores need to be aware of? What are some of the key trends that will occur in retail in the next five years?
- Beauty brands excel at retail-brand partnerships. When you walk into Macy’s or Saks, the folks behind the counters are usually trained and paid for by the cosmetics brands. What are some of the best partnerships between beauty brands and retailers that run stores can learn from?
