Back-to-school (BTS) season is one of the busiest and most influential periods for retailers — second only to the winter holidays. But in 2025, this crucial sales window is being shaped by economic uncertainty, cautious spending, and an even earlier start. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 67% of families had already started their…
Tip List
Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding a Business
Crowdfunding typically involves getting a small amount of money from a large number of investors and can be a good way to raise funds for your business. It can provide multiple benefits, such as eliminating the need to satisfy a lender’s loan requirements, getting access to larger amounts of money, and more. However, some downsides…
13 Mobile Business Ideas to Start
Starting a mobile business is a smart, low-risk way to become your own boss, even without any storefront or large team. The most unique mobile business ideas to launch include food trucks, coffee carts, mobile pet grooming, tech repair, and pop-up retail shops. In this guide, I discuss profitable options across food, service, tech, and…
12 Visual Merchandising Strategies to Improve Your Store
Visual merchandising is the practice of displaying your product and organizing your store to drive sales, enhance your brand, and provide a stimulating and enjoyable shopping experience for customers. This article outlines a dozen game-changing visual merchandising techniques and how to implement them in your business. 1. Direct customer traffic with your store layout Your…
Social Media Marketing Tips That Actually Work
If I had a dollar for each time someone said social media marketing was simple, I’d have enough to open a bank account. Sure, anybody with a smartphone can post on Facebook or make a TikTok, but social media marketing goes beyond that. I know that because I’ve handled social media accounts for everything from…
Key Business Philosophy Examples to Guide Growth
A well-defined business philosophy can guide decision-making, inspire employees, and connect with customers. Here’s how successful businesses shape their philosophies — and how you can craft yours.
A business philosophy is the core set of beliefs that guides how a company operates, makes decisions, and interacts with customers, employees, and the community. It defines what your business stands for beyond just making a profit. For example, Apple prioritizes innovation and simplicity, Patagonia is committed to environmental responsibility, and Zappos is all about…
30+ Smart Pop-up Shop Ideas for Retailers
Pop-up shops are temporary stores that use cutting-edge strategies to target customers. They offer many benefits, including the ability to test new markets or products, create deeper connections with customers, and introduce your brand to new audiences. Plus, as digital costs are rising, this experiential marketing strategy could be a cheaper way to get more…
26 Best Retail Store Design Ideas to Increase Sales
Retail store design is everything a retailer does to set up their space when running a retail business. This includes determining the store layout, displaying products, and merchandising. The best retail store design is powerful and, if implemented well, can help grow your business and drive sales. Done poorly, on the other hand, it can…