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If you’re anything like me, you receive dozens of e-mails everyday. Whether you take the time to read or delete every single e-mail the minute it comes in, that takes time, and time is something that many retailers are often in short supply of. E-mail, the Internet, etc. are great tools when used properly, but they can also be the biggest time sappers of all.
So how can you maximize your time and avoid getting sucked into lurking links and the “ping” of your inbox? While the following tips may seem restrictive, they’re actually quite freeing once you get used to it. When you’re not constantly scattered and distracted by new messages, you’re free to focus on the tasks at hand.
- Consider turning your e-mail off, or at least making it silent, for a certain amount of time each hour. By assigning a specific window of time for the task — be it the last 15 minutes of an hour, the top of every three hours, etc. — you will no longer interrupt your workflow with a sense of urgency from unread mail.
- When you’re checking your e-mail, just check your e-mail. That sounds obvious, but it’s easy to get lured into browsing links embedded in a message — basically invitations for distraction. Respond to what you have to and make notes about other actions you can take after your allotted e-mail period is over (research those new links, make phone calls, etc.).
- By all means, unsubscribe from anything that offers minimal professional value. If it’s something that proves to be more of a distraction—even a pleasant one—than a tool for productivity, have it sent to your private e-mail and access it on your own time.
In our highly connected society of instant communication, it may seem a bit counterproductive to limit the amount of time spent with e-mails. However, with a little experimentation, you might find yourself dealing with quantity over quality. And if you ask me, that’s time well spent. |
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Lou Algarotti, VP of Retail
Downtown Aquarium - Houston
Please describe the souvenir shop(s).
The store has two entrances. The guest exits out of the white tiger exhibit into the retail shop where we feature white tiger themed product. The other entrance is off of the main lobby and flows into a folded apparel presentation on nested tables. We typically merchandise by theme, maximizing the display of each category. We want our merchandise to tell a story, so full, neat and impactful presentations are a must. We feature a unique selection of souvenirs, apparel, toys and other aquatic merchandise to compliment our entertainment and dining experience.
In addition to the shop, we have outdoor kiosks where we feature our best sellers.
What sells best in the store and why?
Our guests love T-shirts and apparel and can’t walk out of the store without something that says to friends and family that they have visited the famed Downtown Aquarium. Guest also like our plush toys as a remembrance of their visit.
Plush toys are a very important classification and are afforded a good amount of floor space; T-shirts are folded on nested tables while cut and sew garments are hung; toys are pegged or shelved in a mass merchandising presentation.
What do you do to keep customers coming back?
We participate in the Houston City Pass program. This allows both tourists and locals the opportunity to visit a variety of Houston-area attractions for one low price.
We also offer school, family, scout and outreach programs. Visitors can spend the night at the property and learn about wildlife. Behind the scenes programs allow guests to be a marine biologist or a zoologist for a day and we also offer a Sea Safari camp. Birthday parties are also very important to building repeat traffic.
Have you noticed any recent trends?
Guests are looking for new and different items that are that are uniquely from the Downtown Aquarium and Houston Aquarium-themed as a reminder of their visit.
Plush toys have experienced solid growth this year and we’ve worked hard to drive that business. Also, we have had good luck with items at higher price points.
Any advice you would give other specialty store managers?
Offering your customers a unique shopping experience and merchandise that supports the experience of your attraction is the key to success. |
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How would you gage consumer interest in U.S.-made product?
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Cool Jewels Black and White
No need to read between the lines, these Zebra charm bracelets from Cool Jewels by Phillips International are a “must have” for any shops that carry wildlife jewelry.
Cool Jewels/Phillips Intl.
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Nut'N But Natural
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Pennsylvania Dutch Candies
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Baby Zoo Friends Play Balls
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Something New Popped Up
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Up With Paper | |
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