Digital Marketing for Retail: 3 Strategies To Try Today
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on October 17, 2024
The average American spends over seven hours per day surfing the internet — which makes it one of the best places to meet potenti...
3 Grocery Loyalty Program Examples To Inspire You
Cort Ouzts
By Cort Ouzts
on October 15, 2024
Think about how you feel when you get that last punch on a punch card for a free sandwich. Or how it feels to earn
How Much is a Liquor License? [ + 4 Things To Consider]
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on October 10, 2024
So, you’re interested in starting a liquor store? Great! Before you start ringing in sales, know that the liquor industry is one of the most highly regulated industries in the world. In the U.S., liquor laws vary drastically by state or county, wi...
How To Calculate Sell-Through Rate (+ 6 Tips To Increase Yours)
Cort Ouzts
By Cort Ouzts
on October 08, 2024
Does inventory reordering sometimes feel like a guessing game? You keep ordering products so that you don’t run out… but other p...
How To Open a Retail Store: 7-Step Checklist
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on October 03, 2024
Ask any small business owner and they’ll agree: the rewards of small business ownership are well worth the hard work.
3 Data Inventory Tools for Independent Retailers
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on October 01, 2024
Are you getting the most from your sales and inventory data? If you’re not using the right retail inventory tools, you risk struggles like dissatisfied customers,...
6 Tobacco Store Promotions To Test for Your Business
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on September 26, 2024
Sometimes, running a successful tobacco store promotion can feel like a gamble. You might put a bunch of time and effort into a promotional strategy just to get a lackluster return.
Mastering Inventory Storage: Tips, Tools, and Processes for Retailers
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on September 24, 2024
Most retailers know the importance of tracking inventory. However, understanding inventory storage is often overlooked. At the end of the day, they’re equally important. You need enough inventory to keep your cus...
What’s the Best Liquor POS System? 4 Top Providers
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on September 19, 2024
As a small business owner, you spend most of your day watching customers make decisions. They wander your aisles imagining different cocktail recipes, browsing your brands, and trying to figure out which tequila will taste best in a refreshing mar...
Passing On Credit Card Fees to Customers: A Guide for Small Retailers
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on September 17, 2024
Cash might have been king for a long time, but a Forbes study...
How Does Payment Processing Work? 6 Retail Basics
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on September 12, 2024
Every time a customer swipes a credit card or taps their mobile phone to pay for goods, the payment information goes through a payment processor.
What Is the Best Point of Sale System for Small Businesses? ANSWERED
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on September 10, 2024
Let’s face it: your entire operation relies on a point of sale (POS) solution — everything from inventory and sales to barcodes, labels, forecasting, and more.
Grocery Customer Loyalty: 5 Pro Tips & Tools
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on September 05, 2024
Did you know it costs a business almost five times as much to acquire a new customer compared to retaining a curr...
Sole Proprietorship Examples (+ 4 Essential Tools for Small Retailers)
Cort Ouzts
By Cort Ouzts
on September 03, 2024
Opening your own retail store is scary and thrilling all at once. You’ve taken your time
What’s the Best POS for Smoke Shops? 4 Software Options
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on August 29, 2024
Running a smoke shop without the right point of sale (POS) system is like trying to smoke a cigar without a lighter — it simply won’t...
The Best Credit Card Machine for Small Retailers: 3 Top Choices
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on August 27, 2024
In this day and age, it’s rare to find someone who has enough cash in their wallet to pay for a transaction over $20. In fact, a
How To Greet Customers in Retail: 6 Examples To Try
Cort Ouzts
By Cort Ouzts
on August 22, 2024
The few seconds after a customer walks through your door for the first time are make or break. You have just a brief moment to invite them in, thank them for stopping by, and explain why they should shop with you.
Retail Store Performance Dashboard: 6 KPIs and How To Track Them
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on August 20, 2024
Understanding and improving your store's performance is crucial for operating a successful retail store. A well-designed
After Trying NRS, Here’s Why This Liquor Customer Switched to POS Nation
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on August 19, 2024
If you need something, choosing the lowest-price option feels easy. But you know what they say: “Buy cheap, buy twice.”
Convenience Store Operating Expenses: 7 Costs To Budget For
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on August 15, 2024
Between rising inflation, increased labor costs, and changing customer demands, it can be hard to find a way to keep revenue and profits high.
What Is Perpetual Inventory? (+ Tips and Tools To Implement)
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on August 13, 2024
Inventory management is a crucial aspect of owning a retail business. To be successful, you need to have a ...
What’s the Average COGS for Retail? Everything You Need To Know
Cort Ouzts
By Cort Ouzts
on August 08, 2024
Imagine your store bustling with customers. Their carts are overflowing with items, and your checkout lines are constantly in motion as a steady stream of shoppers make their purchases.
What Is Safety Stock? Definition, Formula, and How To Minimize
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on August 06, 2024
Modern customers have more options than ever. If your retail store consist...
7 Liquor Store Promotions You Need To Try Immediately
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on August 01, 2024
What’s the only thing your customers love more than their favorite cocktail?
A Retailer's Guide to Cycle Counts: Best Practices for 2024
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on July 30, 2024
When your physical inventory doesn’t match your inventory records, three things suffer: your customers, your staff, and your bot...
6 Best POS Systems for Retail Stores in 2024
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on July 25, 2024
A point of sale (POS) system is so much more than a way to accept payments. The right POS system manages the bulk of your retail business, from restocking and inventory tracking to
What Is Dead Stock? Meaning, Definitions, and How To Manage It
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on July 23, 2024
Everyone loves a good clearance section, but when unsellable goods take up space in your warehouse, they become a problem. That problem? Dead stock. Without proper
Why Is Grocery Inventory Management So Important? [+ 3 Best Tools]
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on July 18, 2024
For some grocers, few words are more terrifying than “inventory management.”
Weighted Average Inventory Method 101: Basics, Calculations, and Tools
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on July 16, 2024
Imagine trying to bake a cake without a recipe — a dash of salt here, a pinch of sugar there, maybe a sprinkle of baking soda. You may feel like you have the right pieces of the puzzle
What Are Chargebacks in Retail? (& 6 Ways To Avoid Them)
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on July 11, 2024
There were 238 million chargebacks in 2023. And at an average cost of $191 per chargeback, that adds up to a lot of lost revenue...
7 Best POS Systems That Integrate With QuickBooks
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on July 09, 2024
You want your store to work seamlessly for your customers, providing assistance, recommendations, and targeted service to every customer that walks in your door.
4 Convenience Store Trends To Get Ahead Of
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on July 05, 2024
There are two types of customers you’ll encounter as a convenience store owner.
8 Best Square Alternatives for Small Retailers in 2024
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on July 02, 2024
Think of your retail store like a duck on the pond: From the customer's po...
How To Operate a Grocery Store: 6 Tools for Success
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on June 27, 2024
What does it take to be successful in the grocery industry?
18 Essential Reports for Your Store Performance Dashboard
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on June 25, 2024
What do you do if you’re at a sporting event and want to know who is winning? You look at the scoreboard. For your
Content Marketing for Small Business: 4 Practical Strategies
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on June 20, 2024
Small business success hinges on your ability to nurture relationships with your community.
Best Inventory Management Software Solutions for 2024
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on June 18, 2024
Does inventory management haunt your dreams? If you’re still counting and managing your products manually, there’s no wonder it ...
O.T.B. Meaning: Formulas, Examples, & Definitions for Inventory Management
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on June 11, 2024
What’s the lifeblood of a retail store? Is it the location? The ...
What’s the Best POS System for Retail? Our Top 4 Picks
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on June 06, 2024
Long checkout lines. Inventory chaos. Frustrated customers.
7 Top Credit Card Machine Solutions for 2024
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on June 04, 2024
“With great power comes great responsibility.” You may know that as a line from Spiderman (or the French author Voltair...
7 Convenience Store Customer Service Tips
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on May 30, 2024
I bet you remember the last time you had a great customer experience.
POS Debit and Point of Sale Charges: Basics for Retailers
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on May 28, 2024
Merchandising, employee training, and vendor management. These are just a few of the small things that add up to big wins — or losses — depending on how you manage them.
5 Best Options for Cash Register With Card Reader
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on May 21, 2024
Are you tired of outdated cash registers that can't keep up with modern payment methods? As a small business owner, you need a reliable and efficient solution that can handle both cash and
How Much Does It Cost To Open a Liquor Store?
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on May 16, 2024
Trying to launch a new liquor store without an airtight budget is like making an old-fashioned without the bourbon — it just doesn’t make sense!
How To Manage a Gift Card System for Your Small Business
Cort Ouzts
By Cort Ouzts
on May 09, 2024
Did you know that over half of consumers opt for gift cards when shopping for the holidays or a birthday?
ANSWERED: What Percentage of Shrink Is Caused by Employees?
Cort Ouzts
By Cort Ouzts
on May 07, 2024
Retail shrink or shrinkage cost American businesses over $110 billion in 2022.
How To Improve Retail Inventory Management in 5 Easy Steps
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on May 02, 2024
Inventory management is more than a process — it’s key to your retail store’s success. More than that, every day your business is operating without a solid inventory strategy, it costs you time, money, and customers.&...
What Should Be on Your Inventory Reconciliation Report?
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on April 30, 2024
You’re doing a manual review of your store’s inventory. Your records show 100 units of one of your bestsellers, but your eyes only see 90.
3 Cashier Training Tips To Improve the Checkout Experience
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on April 25, 2024
The checkout process is the grand finale of your customers’ visit to your store.
How To Open a Cigarette Shop: 7 Steps to Success
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on April 23, 2024
You have dreams of opening your own smoke shop… but do you have the tools and know-how you need to succeed? Diving in without a plan for how to open a cigarette shop is a great way to get burned.
4 Point of Sale Reports You Can Use To Grow Your Small Business ASAP
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on April 18, 2024
As a small business owner, you’re the captain of your ship. You get to steer your store in the direction you want to go, charting your own path to profitability.
Level Up Your Merchandising: Garden Center Display Ideas for 2024
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on April 16, 2024
Over 80 percent of Americans have done some gardening in the past year. If your shop is struggling to bring in revenue and capture a s...
7 Top Digital Marketing Solutions for Small Businesses
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on April 11, 2024
Does the thought of digital marketing immediately overwhelm you?
How To Start a Hardware Store in 8 Steps
Cort Ouzts
By Cort Ouzts
on April 09, 2024
Hardware stores are a staple of many communities. These shops are the places contractors and do-it-yourselfers see as a valuable resource — or even a “home away from home.” And as home re...
How Does a Barcode Scanner Work? 5 Things To Know
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on April 04, 2024
When you think of point of sale (POS) hardware, perhaps the first tool you think of is a barcode scanner.
Essential Payment Processing Hardware for Independent Retailers
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on April 02, 2024
Long checkout lines are the bane of every retailer.
11 Key Performance Indicators Grocery Stores Should Track
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on March 26, 2024
Do you know how you’re doing on your key performance indicators (KPIs)? You may not have yet identified your target KPIs if you’re like
7 Creative Garden Center Marketing Ideas for 2024
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on March 19, 2024
Your garden center is full to bursting with the plants and products of the season, and you’re ready for customers to flood through your doors. But with big box stores competing for ...
6 Lightspeed Alternatives for Small Retailers
Cort Ouzts
By Cort Ouzts
on March 12, 2024
Ringing up sales. Tracking inventory. Driving traffic. As a small retailer, your point of sale (POS) system pulls double-duty — or triple-duty. The right software keeps your day-to-day op...
5 Top Options for a Small Business Credit Card Terminal
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on March 05, 2024
As a small business owner, you know the payment processing shuffle all too well. Customers want convenience. You want reliability without costs spiraling out of control.&nb...
5 Ways To Build Your Small Business’ Online Presence
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on February 29, 2024
How would you rate your small business’ online presence?
How To Increase Sales With a Grocery Store Layout Strategy
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on February 27, 2024
Is your grocery store layout leading customers into dead ends instead of your most profitable aisles?
2024 Retail POS Software Hotlist: The Best 9 Retail POS Solutions Right Now
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on February 22, 2024
As a savvy small business owner, you know the rightretail POS software can make or break your business. Sure, it has to have al...
What License Do I Need To Open a Vape Shop?
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on February 20, 2024
Don't let confusion around licensing regulations let your vape shop dreams go up in smoke.
How To Increase Sales in Retail: The Top Promotional Tactics
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on February 15, 2024
Promotions are effective methods for increasing sales, elevating customer satisfaction, and encouraging lasting brand loyalty. However, deploying effective sales promotions is...
Small Liquor Store Interior Design: 9 Creative Ideas
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on February 13, 2024
Want to move more bottles and win over new customers? Craft a liquor store interior as rich as your wine offerings.
What Is Inventory Shrinkage in Retail? 8 Ways To Prevent It
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on February 08, 2024
There are nearly 152,000 small specialty retail stores in the United States. And every year, they lose a combined $45 billion in retail in...
6 Strategies To Improve Grocery Store Operations
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on February 06, 2024
Are operational bottlenecks squeezing the profits out of your grocery business?
Top 5 Retail Industry Trends To Watch in 2024
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on January 30, 2024
Brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce alike had a tough year last year. Growth dropped to
5 Best POS Systems With Retail Credit Card Processing
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on January 23, 2024
Just nine percent of today's Americans prefer to use cash for purchases. The other 91 percent? Credit and debit cards and other
Build a Retail Marketing Strategy in 5 Simple Steps
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on January 16, 2024
Some say retail makes the world go ‘round. In fact, it’s currently estimated that retail sales will be up to $5.23 trillion by the end of this year in the ...
Inventory Scanner Gun: 5 Top Options for Small Businesses
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on January 09, 2024
Inventory management is one of the most critical parts of running your store. Between storage cost, vendor management, count times, and the cost of inventory...
What Is a Good Inventory Turnover Ratio for Small Retailers?
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on January 02, 2024
You can either have fast sales and happy customers or stagnant stock and tight cash flow. Which are you choosing?
Inventory Reconciliation 101: How To Reconcile Inventory in 5 Steps
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on December 26, 2023
Is your business plagued by frequent stockouts, frustrated customers, and inventory management chaos? It might be time to get serious about reconciliation.
How To Implement Barcode Inventory Management: 6 Tips and Tools
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on December 19, 2023
Without a proper handle on inventory, you’ll always be chasing your tail. Disgruntled employees, unhappy customers, and slim profit margins will be the norm. Isn...
Improve Your Sales With 8 Small Hardware Shop Display Ideas
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on December 12, 2023
Going up against big box retailers can feel like an uphill battle. But you can level the playing field and drive more foot traffic by focusing on the customer experience and creating some incredible displays.
Speeding Up Your Grocery Store Checkout Line: 6 Tips for Efficiency
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on December 05, 2023
Do you often hear toes tapping and audible sighs from your customers as they stand in long checkout lines at your store?
Creating a Wine Inventory System: 7 Tips and Tools
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on November 28, 2023
Do you know what’s sitting in your storeroom right now? Are there bottles of expensive wine gathering dust in your back room instead of in your customers’ wine cellars? You’re in the right place!
Age Verification Systems: 5 Top Solutions for Liquor Stores
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on November 21, 2023
If you sell liquor to a minor, your store will face steep consequences. Fines, license suspensions — you may even have to close your doors for good.
4 Convenience Store Trends To Increase Sales & Profitability in 2024
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on November 16, 2023
Do you want to be ahead of the pack or behind the times? You have a choice. And right now, convenience stores have an opportunity. Emerging trends will always affect how businesses run. Some of these trends are more important than others, ...
What Is POS Security? 5 Ways To Protect Customer Data
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on November 14, 2023
One breach of your point of sale (POS) system could damage your business and customer trust overnight. Your POS system handles sensitive details like payment card data, names,...
Tobacco Store POS: 6 Must-Have Features + Benefits
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on November 09, 2023
You'll be left behind if you don’t invest in and level up your business. That might sound harsh, but without tobacco store point of sale (POS) software, you’re missing...
4 Ways To Stand Out for Small Business Saturday 2023
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on November 08, 2023
Our favorite day of the year is quickly approaching!
The Basics of Selling Tobacco: Laws, Regulations, and Requirements
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on November 07, 2023
Maybe you’re a cigar connoisseur or a pipe collector. Maybe you’ve just checked the margins and know selling tobacco is a good business. Either way: You’re dreaming of opening a tob...
104 Small Business Resources & Tools You Need in 2024
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on November 03, 2023
Being a small business owner means being an expert in a wide variety of areas.
9 Best Retail Management Solutions: Top Tools, Techniques, and Tips
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on October 31, 2023
Managing a retail store is like juggling a dozen balls at once.
Open Source POS Software: 9 Pros and Cons [+ Top Providers]
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on October 27, 2023
Free is expensive. The saying is a chestnut for a reason. It can be costly to open a small business, and you're looking to save money wherever you can...
4 Tips To Prepare Your Small Business for Cyber Monday 2023
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on October 26, 2023
While there are people who still prefer in-store shopping sprees, there are just as many (or more) who are now dedicated to online holiday shopping.
4 Retail Holiday Promos To Offer Your Customers in 2023
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on October 25, 2023
It’s that time of year. The weather is getting cooler and people are reaching for their sweaters and seasonal lattes.
How Much Does a POS System Cost? 6 Factors That Impact Price
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on October 24, 2023
What’s the average cost of a house? Hard to answer, right? Sure, you can get a ballpark figure based on location, but there are so many other factors to consider.
6 Black Friday Deal Ideas for Your Small Business
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on October 20, 2023
Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year.
4 Best Cloud POS Systems for Retail [Benefits + Top Vendors]
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on October 19, 2023
The cloud has revolutionized countless industries in the last decade. Retail and small businesses are no exception, especially when it comes to their point of sale (POS) systems
4 Inventory Management Tips To Streamline Grocery Store Operations
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on October 17, 2023
Out of stock products, wilted vegetables, and expired produce. This doesn’t exactly scream “Come in!” to your customers, does it? Yet, your grocery store can easily fall into these pitfalls without efficient
How To Manage a Retail Store: 6 Steps to Success
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on October 10, 2023
Have you ever left a store thinking, “Wow! The organization was flawless, the store was so inviting, and the customer service was exceptional!”
8 Inventory KPIs Every Grocery Store Owner Should Track
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on October 03, 2023
A famous quote from Marcus Lemonis says, “If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.”
5 Essential Inventory Management Software Features
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on September 26, 2023
Before modern technology, inventory management was a nightmare. Spreadsheets and sticky notes could only get you so far. It was commonplace to waste money on excess stock...
5 Tips for Using Retail Analytics To Boost Your Profits
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on September 19, 2023
Can you imagine being a retail store owner 30 years ago? Managing inventory manually with spreadsheet programs. Making orders to suppliers in multiple different tools. Flying blind when it comes to customer preferences.
What Is a Point of Sale Transaction? [ANSWERED]
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on September 14, 2023
In the world of retail, the term “point of sale (POS) transaction” is widely used. But what does it really mean? And how does it impact your business?
ANSWERED: What Is Contactless Payment? (+5 Reasons You Need To Know)
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on September 12, 2023
In modern retail, 51 percent of U.S. adults u...
5 Top Corner Store POS Software Options To Try Right Now [FEATURES & REVIEWS]
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on September 07, 2023
If you’re the proud owner of a small corner store, you know that keeping things running smoothly is essential to your success. You also know that keeping track of inventory and sales can be daunting. But thanks to modern point of sale (POS...
What Is Retail Automation? (+5 Benefits for Small Retailers)
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on September 05, 2023
Remember when it took nearly a minute to connect to the internet? Dial-up internet was the newest technology on the block in the 1990s — now, I bet you can’t even remember the last time you heard those tell-tale robotic tones.
Grocery Store Checkout: 6 Expert Tips for Quick & Convenient Shopping
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on August 31, 2023
Imagine you’re a customer. You’ve just spent 30 minutes browsing a store and finding the items you like. Then you get to the checkout counter, and you’re met with a slow and clunky point of sale (POS) system. Would you readily return to the store ...
6 Inventory Management Software Features Grocery Stores Need To Succeed
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on August 29, 2023
As a grocery store owner, it might not shock you to know that grocery stores in the US waste 80 billion pounds
5 Things You NEED To Know About Omnichannel POS
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on August 24, 2023
54 percent of consumers say that they’ll look at a product online and buy it in-store over the next year. That number wi...
6 Differences Between Cash Registers and POS Systems You Need To Know
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on August 22, 2023
It’s hard to say goodbye to something that’s been a part of your store since you opened, right? You might relate to this if you’re thinking of upgrading your cash registe...
Small Grocery Store Business Plan: 6 MAJOR Mistakes To Avoid
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on August 17, 2023
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of writing a business plan, this might put your mind at ease. Paula Nelson, business pioneer and speaker, once said, “The best business plans are straightforward documents that spell out the...
What Percentage of Revenue Should Be Spent on Payroll?
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on August 15, 2023
Getting payroll right or wrong can make or break your business.
Entice Late Back-to-School Shoppers With These 3 Practical Promotions
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on August 10, 2023
Back-to-school season is quickly coming to an end — but that doesn’t mean it’s time to pack up quite yet. No matter the occasion or holiday, there’s always a group of last-minute shoppers that’s a bit behind the crowd.
Retail 101: What Is Cash Balancing? (And Why It’s Vital in Preventing Theft)
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on August 08, 2023
“There’s got to be a better way to do this.” Ever find yourself muttering these words under your breath at the end of a hard day? You’ve got the day’s takings, coins, bills, and receipts, and you’re struggling to reconcile sales data with ...
3 Easy Ways To Prepare Your Retail Store for Back-to-School Season
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on August 03, 2023
It’s here: Back-to-school shopping for first-time students, high schoolers, and folks headed off to college!
ANSWERED: How Much Does it Cost To Open a Boutique?
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on August 01, 2023
Have you ever walked into a chic boutique and thought, “I’d love to open my own boutique”? From the carefully curated collections to the personal interactions with customers, the allure of being your own boss is hard to resist.
Cost to Revenue Ratio [Definition, Importance, and What's a Good or Bad Ratio?]
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on July 28, 2023
Do you ever feel like your retail store is hemorrhaging money but you can't pinpoint the leak? You're not alone!
Opening a Florida Liquor Store? The Florida Liquor License Requirements You Need to Meet
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on July 18, 2023
Opening a liquor store can’t be that complicated, right?
Winery Branding: 6 Steps to Making Your Store Stand Out
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on July 11, 2023
Are you ready to uncork success for your winery?
How To Attract Customers to Your Store — 6 Ideas That Really Work
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on July 04, 2023
Build it, and they will come… is actually just a misquoted line from a film.
How To Price a Product for Retail: 5 Steps to Success
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on June 27, 2023
Imagine this scenario: You’ve spent months, even years, perfecting your designs and bringing your products to life. You’re ready to open your retail store! Then someone asks, ...
[7-Step Guide] How To Open a Boutique Online
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on June 20, 2023
Statista estimates that by 2027, retail e-commerce revenue will reach $305.2 billion. If you want...
ANSWERED: How Much Is a Liquor License in NY? [Updated for 2023]
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on June 13, 2023
New York is a people magnet. Some 61 million people will visit the state this year alone. From bustling restaur...
5 Retail Pricing Strategies to Sell More and Delight Customers
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on June 06, 2023
Selling any product without knowing its worth is like taking a road trip without plotting a course to your destination; you might drive in circles or reach a dead end. You can’t pluck numbers out of thin air. Setting the manufacturer’s sug...
The Best Tablet POS System for Your Retail Store: 5 Top Solutions
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on May 30, 2023
Can a device you play Angry Birds on really help run your business? Yes! In fact, point of sale (POS) software can turn your tablet into a mobile, handheld POS system. With cu...
Gross Profit Margin vs. Net Profit Margin: Which Is More Important?
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on May 23, 2023
Gross profit? Net profit? We just want more profit! And you’re not alone. Every small business owner wants to increase their profit margins, but looking at gross and...
How to Increase Inventory Turnover: 6 Ways to Optimize Your Inventory
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on May 16, 2023
If you want to grow, you need to sell. That means not only do you need a well-stocked store, but you also need to ensure the rate at which inventory arrives and leaves your shop floor contributes to
Lightspeed vs. Shopify: Which E-Commerce Option is Best for Retail Stores?
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on May 09, 2023
As a small business owner, you always look for new ways to reach customers and grow your business. For many businesses, e-commerce is a natural fit for the b...
Lightspeed vs. Square: Which POS is Best for Your Retail Store?
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on May 02, 2023
Is your current point of sale (POS) system missing the mark? Maybe the checkout process is too sluggish, or the inventory management tools are subpar. Or perhaps it’s simply m...
The 6 Best Alcohol Marketing Strategies to Implement for Your Liquor Store Right Now
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on April 25, 2023
As a liquor store owner, you know that standing out in a crowded market can be challenging. Don’t want to stand outside your store dressed in a bottle of wine costume or sandwich board sign? Good news: You don’t have to!
9 Differences of E-Commerce vs. Retail: Can You Do Both?
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on April 18, 2023
You’re sure that, with an online store, you can expand your retail business and reach more customers than ever before. It’s a tempting idea, but before you dive in, what are the differences between e-commerce and retail, and can you manage both se...
8 Must-See Tips and Ideas for Retail Customer Service Training
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on April 11, 2023
Retail customer service training may be the most important differentiator for brick-and-mortar stores in today’s omnichannel world. How effectively your employees engage shoppers in your store can make them into customers for life — or send them f...
Best POS System for a Thrift Store: 5 Top Solutions
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on April 04, 2023
As a thrift store owner or manager, you’re no stranger to bargain hunters – you see them in your store every day! But when it comes to running your business, investing in the cheapest point of sale (POS) solution probably isn’t the s...
5 Best Liquor Store Inventory Software in 2023
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on March 30, 2023
Would you expect a cellphone from 15 years ago to keep up with the current market? Absolutely not. So, why don’t we give our business software investments the same care and consideration as our mobile phones? That’s a trick question: We sh...
5 Best Barcode Systems for Retail Shops
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on March 28, 2023
We’ve all seen hundreds and thousands of barcodes as consumers. But even though they’re prominent in the retail experience, we’ve likely never thought of what makes up a barcode in the first place.
5 POS Register System Features to Use in 2023
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on March 23, 2023
Are you really making the most of your POS register system? Most retail point of sal
Overcoming the 5 Most Common Problems with POS Systems
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on March 21, 2023
You’re interested in investing in a small business retail point of sale (POS) system, but you know a snap decision could lead to buyer's remorse. For this reason, it's a good idea to take the time to research point of sale system options. ...
Lightspeed POS: 5 Pros and Cons
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on March 16, 2023
If you’re investing in a point of sale (POS) system for the first time, you’ve probably done some preliminary research on the top solutions partners for your business. Th...
6 Customer Appreciation Day Ideas for Retail You Can Use All Year
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on March 14, 2023
How can you show your customers how much you appreciate them? As a retail business, there are countless ways to show your customers that they are valued and appreciated. And a happy customer base helps build
The 7 Best Grocery Store POS Systems in 2023 [Pricing and Reviews]
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on March 09, 2023
Grocery stores rely on one system to manage their massive inventory, track purchases of products by barcode, quantity, and weight, speed up checkout, and manage vendors: their POS system. Grocery store
The 6-Step Retail Spring Cleaning Checklist for 2023
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on March 07, 2023
It’s the time of year for spring cleaning — out with the old and in with the new! And just like you need a personal reset, your
What is the Average Liquor POS Price in 2023?
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on March 02, 2023
What is the average liquor point of sale system (POS) price? If you’re thinking about investing in a POS system for your growing liquor store, you can’t overlook some of the associated...
How Much Does it Cost to Open a Small Business in 2023?
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on February 23, 2023
How much does it really cost to open a small business? From finding a location, to hiring employees, there are plenty of costs that you must absolutely budget for. Unfortunately, most business owners and managers face serious setbacks when...
3 Top Liquor Store Promotional Ideas in 2023
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on February 16, 2023
Are you interested in driving more foot traffic to your liquor store? In recent years, owners and managers have doubled down on their investments in promotional items. And for good reason! According to
[Liquor Store Industry Analysis] Top 10 Liquor Store Trends to Know in 2023
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on February 14, 2023
As a liquor store owner, you know how quickly the industry can change, and how competitive it is. Every day, you're battling against big box retailers and online marketplaces, all...
How Much Is Small Business Insurance? Here's Our Breakdown
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on February 09, 2023
Running a small business can be a challenge — but the rewards far outweigh the risks.
Review of the 5 Best POS Hardware Vendors for 2023
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on February 07, 2023
Did you know that finding the right POS hardware can help your business grow? It's no secret that modern POS hardware can dramatically shape the customer experience. Try thinking about it this way – when was the last time you visited a
4 Must-Have Features of a Hardware Store POS System
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on February 02, 2023
Running any retail business can be a challenge — but if you own a hardware store, you understand the needs of a high-volume business with unique inventory.
The Complete Guide to Retail POS Systems for Small Business
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on January 31, 2023
This year, savvy business owners and operators will make a serious investment in technology to streamline business oper...
4 Tips to Become a Successful Small Business Owner
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on January 26, 2023
How do you define success?
ANSWERED: How Much Does it Cost to Open a Tobacco Shop?
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on January 24, 2023
You’ve got the vision: leather chairs, polished wood, cases of glass-front humidors lining the walls of your shop, and the jingle of the doorbell announcing new customers — but now, are you wondering how much opening a tobacco shop costs? ...
5 Customer Loyalty Program Ideas to Run This Year
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on January 12, 2023
What does it take to drive repeat customers to your small business? The importance of repeat business cannot be overstated. In fact, according to ...
5 Amazing Grocery Store POS Systems [Pricing and Reviews]
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on January 10, 2023
If you're searching for a grocery store POS system, there are a few things that you'll need to consider. With so many different grocery store POS systems out there, how can you make sure you've made the right purchase for your unique business?
The 6 Best POS Systems for Small Businesses in 2023
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on January 03, 2023
As a small business owner, you’ll take easy wins where you can get them. Think of a point of sale (POS) system as an “easy” button for your business operations. From managing employees and inventory, to tracking sales and more, small busin...
5 Best Cloud-Based POS Systems for Small Businesses
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on December 20, 2022
Customer expectations are constantly changing. Is your business evolving to keep up with them? The hard truth is your legacy point of sale (POS) system may not be agile enough to keep up with the expectations and requirements of the ...
6 Resources for Small Business Owners To Use in the New Year
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on December 19, 2022
A new year is a fresh start — and an opportunity to level up your business operations.
How Much Does a POS System Cost? [Averages + Influencing Factors]
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on December 15, 2022
You’re a smart small business owner, which is why you’re here, asking how much a point of sale (POS) system costs. As an industry-leading point of sale (POS) provider...
7 Tips on How to Choose a POS System
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on December 13, 2022
For any type or size of merchant, the point of sale (POS) is by definition a mission-critical system. Regardless of how your customers come into your store, they all end up at the same place, the point of sale. Imagine giving your ...
Best POS System for Farmers Markets: 5 Top Options
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on December 08, 2022
A recent study indicates that only 19 percent of all payments ...
3 Elements of a Convenience Store Marketing Plan
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on December 06, 2022
What are the most important elements of a convenience store marketing plan? Even the most seasoned professionals struggle to build a bulletproof marketing strategy. As a business owner or manager, you probably don’t have time to pour over ...
Liquor Inventory Software: Top 5 POS Providers for 2023
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on December 01, 2022
Finding the right inventory software system for your liquor store business is hard. But the success of your business depends on choosing the right one. How much time are you wasting manually managing inventory? It’s a labor-intensive proce...
Grocery Checkout: The Definitive Guide To Optimize Your Checkout Experience
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on November 29, 2022
How long do you wait in line before you start to feel your blood pressure rise? If you're like most people, it doesn't take long. While having fresh produce, high-quality meats, and all the right foodstuffs is essential, your store's check...
Small Business Cash Flow Management: The Ultimate Guide
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on November 17, 2022
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: if you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business. Two of the most important numbers a small business owner must know are total cash in and total cash out, otherwise known as cash fl...
Holiday Scheduling: Your 6-Step Plan to Perfect Staffing and Happy Employees
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on November 15, 2022
The holiday shopping season presents numerous challenges and increased busyness for any retail business. One of the most critical issues? Holiday scheduling for staff. Inventory, promotions, and sales are all top of mind for retailers acro...
Brick-and-Mortar vs. E-Commerce: Which is Best?
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on November 10, 2022
With the rapid rise of e-commerce, you might be wondering if it’s worth having a brick-and-mortar store.
What Is Smart Inventory in Retail? 4 Reasons Your Store Needs This Capability
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on November 08, 2022
Is managing your retail store inventory time-consuming and cumbersome? Some retail store owners have learned the hard way that managing in...
6 Proven Holiday Promotion Ideas for Small Businesses
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on November 03, 2022
The holiday season is upon us, and making the most of it is crucial to ending your year on a high. Imagine this scenario. You send out a personalized email with gift ideas and promotions. Your customer makes their way to your...
Web-Based Retail POS Software: 5 Pros and 2 Cons to Consider
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on November 01, 2022
The world of retail is continually evolving. Are you leading the charge or just along for the ride? 70 ...
Cigar Shop POS System: Stand Out in the Tobacco Industry
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on October 19, 2022
Thinking of opening a cigar shop? Now is the right time. People are buyi...
Convenience Store Management Software: Top 5 Providers [Features and Pricing]
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on October 12, 2022
As a convenience store owner or manager, you know how difficult inventory management can be. Depending on the size of your convenience store, managing multiple products with varying SKUs is a massive undertaking
Preparing Your Retail Store for Cyber Monday
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on October 04, 2022
Readying your retail store for the holiday rush?
4 Ways To Make the Most of Small Business Saturday 2023
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on September 26, 2022
The holiday season is the busiest season for retai...
[GUIDE] How to Open a Small Grocery Store in 8 Steps
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on September 21, 2022
One thing is for sure: people will always need food. Grocery stores are the perfect place to stock up on the essentials for the week. They’re convenient, customers know what they’re going to get, and due to the demand for everyday items, o...
5 Features of a Lawn and Garden Center POS System
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on September 12, 2022
Lawn and garden centers sell unique products, ranging from power tools to pine straw — and these items present different challenges to business owners than traditional retail inventory.
How To Make a Convenience Store Profitable in 7 Simple Steps
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on September 07, 2022
As a convenience store owner, you know profitability is key to a successful business. But how do you make a convenience store more profitable? People see convenience stores as one-stop shops. You’re usually open late, if not 24 hours a day...
Cash Registers for Small Business: Are They Worth it?
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on September 07, 2022
Small business owners keep things simple — maybe you’re a one-person show, or manage a 20-person team of stellar employees. And if you’ve been using a traditional cash register to run your retail business, it might be difficult to understand the i...
8 Practical Marketing Ideas for Small Grocery Stores
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on August 31, 2022
Marketing a small grocery store can be a challenge. You are competing against larger stores with more resources and need to find ways to get your name out without breaking the bank. Technology is fast becoming a necessity for groce...
5 Fall 2022 Trends to Try at Your Retail Store
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on August 29, 2022
The retail industry is dynamic — it’s constantly changing.
Encouraging Customers to Support Small Business: 4 Fresh Ideas
Spence Hoffman
By Spence Hoffman
on August 22, 2022
Running a small business is rewarding — but it’s also hard work.
Considering Grocery Store Inventory Management Software? Here's What to Look For
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on August 18, 2022
When running a successful grocery store, inventory management is vital. Gone are the days of manual inventory management. With today’s modern consumer in mind, inventory management is a different ball game. It’s more than a storefront – yo...
How To Get a Tobacco License [4 Steps]
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on August 16, 2022
A key part of success in any business? Planning ahead. When opening a tobacco store, planning ahead means pursuing a tobacco license. You can’t sell cigarettes or tobacco products in most states without a license – so before you start sett...
The Guide to Grocery Store Profit Margins (and How To Improve Them)
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on August 11, 2022
Profit margin. Do those two words make you break out in a sweat? You might have read that grocery stores and supermarkets have some of the lowest profit margins – and it’s tr...
How Much is a Tobacco License? [Costs & Criteria]
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on August 09, 2022
So you want to sell tobacco? You’re in good company. Although smoking has declined in the last decade, a new generation of consumers needs somewhere to get their traditional and next-generation tobacco ...
5 Back-to-School Shopping Deals To Promote Right Now
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on August 08, 2022
Back-to-school season is back again — and it’s one of the busiest for retailers.
Find the Best Point of Sale System for Grocery Stores [Features, Reviews, Pricing]
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on August 04, 2022
Is your attention pulled in multiple directions daily? If you answered yes, you’re likely a grocery store owner wearing 17 hats. You have much to consider, from hiring and ...
[ANSWERED]: How Profitable Is a Smoke Shop?
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on July 28, 2022
Now is the time to open a smoke shop. Bold claim? Perhaps. But the United States tobacco market continues to grow year over year. Estimated at $75 billion in 2021, it's predicted to reach $78.3 billion in 2022. People are buying cigarettes...
The Definitive Guide: What is a Good Convenience Store Profit Margin?
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on July 12, 2022
American businessman and Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis once said, “If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.” For convenience store owners, one of the most important numbers you need to know is your profit m...
How Much Does it Cost to Open a Convenience Store? The Complete Guide
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on July 07, 2022
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? Opening a convenience store can be a very profitable business venture, but it also comes with a number of costs. In this guide, we'll break down all the expenses associated with openin...
9 Customer Incentive Ideas to Try in Your Retail Store ASAP
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on July 01, 2022
Are customer incentives effective for growing your business or just useless gimmicks? First, some numbers to consider: 75 percent of customers favor companies that offer rewards Arou...
Your Point of Sale Data Is a Goldmine. Here's How To Make the Most of It
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on June 29, 2022
If we offered you one tool that could increase your store’s profits by 10, 15, or 20%, would you want it? Of course you would! But here’s the thing. If you use a modern point of sale (POS) system, you already have this tool available. It’s...
How Much is a Liquor License in Texas? [License Types and Costs]
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on June 23, 2022
How much does a liquor license cost in Texas? It’s a difficult question to answer. If you’re opening a liquor store in the Lonestar State, it’s a required expenditure that you’ll need to budget for. If you fail to
9 Must-Have Features of a Convenience Store POS System
Dan Albrecht
By Dan Albrecht
on June 16, 2022
In the last few years, a new breed of convenience store point of sale (POS) systems has emerged. These new POS systems offer advanced featu...
Upgrading to a Liquor Store POS Cash Register? 9 Features to Look For
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on June 14, 2022
Are you searching for a new liquor store point of sale (POS) system or replacing a legacy system?
Cloud vs. Server POS System: 14 Pros and Cons to Consider
Gina Obert
By Gina Obert
on June 09, 2022
Beginning your search for a point of sale system? It may seem like an easy decision at first glance, but once you begin your search, you’ll find that there are thousands of competitors and feature sets to sift through. To save you co...
Liquor Store E-Commerce 101: How To Sell Liquor Online
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on June 07, 2022
Selling food online is simpler than ever. Selling liquor is a different story. Consumers are spending more time online and, in turn, spending more money. Forecasts estimate that US e-commerce sales will cross
Curious About SaaS POS Systems? [Definition + Features + Use Cases]
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on June 02, 2022
Is your store connected to the cloud? If not, it might be soon. The go-to for many brick-and-mortar businesses has been legacy point of sale (POS) systems. Data, including transaction records and inventory, are saved on local servers, from...
GUIDE: How To Use Your Point of Sale Analytics To Increase Profits
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on May 26, 2022
Your point of sale (POS) system is capable of more than you know. The best POS systems aren’t just a tool for processing transactions. They collect data, track sales, and generate detailed reports from those transactions.
6 Retail Checkout Counter Ideas for Higher Sales & Happier Customers
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on May 24, 2022
Nobody likes waiting in line. But if they have to, at least give them the best experience possible. Although online shopping is booming and has been for several years, retail stores still attract many consumers who enjoy physically shoppin...
Cloud-Based POS System for Retail: 6 Features to Look For
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on May 19, 2022
Do you remember the first time you bought a computer? If it’s like most people’s experiences, you probably had a general idea of what to look for but didn’t know the nitty-gritty specs or features that would make one computer stand out from anothe...
Cloud-Based POS vs. Traditional POS: How to Make the Right Choice
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on May 17, 2022
Retail store technology has significantly evolved over the last decade, and point of sale (POS) systems are at the center. As customer preferences and the technology they use change, so have POS systems. But small retail business owners ar...
Automated Inventory Management: Why It's a Critical Feature for Retailers [EXAMPLES]
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on May 12, 2022
When you think of the “essentials” for small business success, what makes the list? A great location, a product people want, and maybe even the ability to sell online. Those are all crucial factors, but there is one “un...
Still Using Excel Liquor Inventory Tracking? Here's a More Accurate Alternative
Brian Sullivan
By Brian Sullivan
on May 10, 2022
There’s an old saying in business: “If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.” The most important numbers to track for liquor store owners are inventory counts for all their products. Moving inventory isn’t just a reven...
9 Must-Have Features for Your Next Small Business Retail POS System
Graham Hoffman
By Graham Hoffman
on April 20, 2022
There’s an antiquated view that retail point of sale systems are a lot like shampoo. There are many different brands, and even though each bottle has a different “must-have” ingredient, they all do the same thing.