Bill Crawford's Blog

Bad Ingredients - On YOUR Shelves??

bill.crawford@penton.com — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:29:00 GMT

One thing that sets natural food stores apart is the ingredients in what they carry. Maybe better said - one thing that sets them apart is what is NOT in the products that they carry. What do you do when one of your customers finds a product on your shelf with a "bad" ingredient in it?

Retailers - Responding to or Influencing Customers

bill.crawford@penton.com — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:56:00 GMT

Freshly back (but still a big weary) from a great Expo East in Boston, I am replaying two seemingly different conversations in my head. They were visits I had with two industry veterans whose opinions I greatly respect - but they appear to be taking very different positions on the role of retailers in the purchase decisions of their customers today.

Driving in the Fog = Business Strategy Lesson?

bill.crawford@penton.com — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:50:00 GMT

While doing some research for a course I teach on Strategic Planning, I came across a great article comparing strategic planning to driving in a heavy fog. The more I thought about it, the more perfect the analogy seemed to me!

Making a Good Impression

bill.crawford@penton.com — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:20:00 GMT

As satisfied customers are a retailer's best advertising (and as dissatisfied ones are the worst advertising), making a good impression on a customer is a key to retail success.

Finding The Right Staff

bill.crawford@penton.com — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:54:00 GMT

Finding the right staff for your store can be tough - and sometimes it is hard to see through the veneer that is put up during an interview. Most job searchers give predictable answers to predictable questions and we are hoping that we make a good decision.

What Is Your Title?

bill.crawford@penton.com — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:38:00 GMT

What is on your business card? (Or what should be there?)

NPA - Don't Forget The Regionals

bill.crawford@penton.com — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:43:00 GMT

My last post focused on the work that the NPA does for all of us - but I talked mostly about the national organization. They regional chapters are quite vital, as well.

Who Needs the NPA?

bill.crawford@penton.com — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:19:00 GMT

The NPA (Natural Products Association) is the oldest and largest trade association in the natural products marketplace. Sometimes, when an entity has been around for so long, it can be taken for granted instead of its contributions being seen for the value that they provide.

Independent Natural Retailers - Time for More of Them?

bill.crawford@penton.com — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:20:00 GMT

As natural and organic products are now thought of as "officially" being a part of the mainstream marketplace, what role do independent retailers play? In an interestingly parallel industry, small, local stores are resurging in an amazing way!

Is Newer Always Better?

bill.crawford@penton.com — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:04:00 GMT

I love new technology! I got a cool new phone this weekend - but have to wonder if newer is always better - or if it is just better some of the time.