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Employment Economy
The good news is that the economy is improving. The bad news is that as a result, some retail workers are thinking about leaving their current jobs.
According to a WorkInRetail.com survey, more than one-third (36 percent) of retail employers are concerned about losing their high performing workers, while the same amount (36 percent) of retail workers said it is likely they will start looking for a new job when the economy picks up.
So, are you doing everything you can to make sure the quality employees you have right now are the same quality employees you will have months from now?
What will keep them happy? Along with adequate pay and a satisfactory work/life balance, the survey revealed that a majority of employees were looking for a good work culture and the potential for growth — career advancement.
While not every employee can become a manager, all employees do have the ability to contribute in ways you might not have counted on a few months ago. Ask them if there’s a particular part of the job they enjoy the most.
If so, take the extra time to train them in these areas or sign them up for classes. It’s the inclusion of these extra responsibilities that not only make your job a bit easier, but that also give the employee a sense that they are contributing to part of the team.
Keeping the good employees you have can be as easy as letting them know they don’t work for you, but rather they work with you. |
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Mary Ellen Downing
Retail & Admissions Manager
Squal Lakes Natural Science Center
Holderness, N.H.
What makes your store unique?
Our museum store reflects the experience our visitors have when here. I have several items that I have designed myself using images of our own animals and points of interest here that people want to have as a reminder of their experience.
What is your retail background?
I was the gallery manager for an artist in Aspen, Colo., as well as a glass gallery manager in Aspen. This position was an opportunity for me to become creative, as it was evolving from a low-end toy shop to a museum store.
What is the most popular product you sell?
I sell a lot of T-shirts. I design them myself and seek good, boutique quality blanks that will showcase the graphics.
What trade shows do you attend?
NYIGF, New England Products and MSA.
What is your favorite part about working in this industry?
I enjoy being creative and designing products that are unique to our center, and I love seeing them well received by the visitor and as a good source of support for our non-profit.
What advice do you have for other retailers?
Stay mission based. Don’t try to compete with for-profit retail shops. Design and create items that are unique to your own center and make them of high quality. The consumer should have a good, quality item to remind him/her of the experience of your center.
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In which product category
is shoplifting most prevalent
in your store?
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NYIGF Offers New Eco-Friendly "E-Badges"
Beginning on June 9, all NYIGF pre-registrants will receive their "e-badges" - a personalized barcode sent by email - for the August 2010 NYIGF.
Inside Information - Special feature for Museums & More
Marcia Souers-Doell, product manager/developer for the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum explores how finding support and inspiration from museum directors assists in positive museum store communication - and the bottom-line.
New Stationery "Neighborhood" Debuts at Summer NYIGF
A new "neighborhood" of publishers and social stationery suppliers will debut at the summer 2010 New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), enabling buyers to quickly source and shop this popular product category.
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Cool Jewels
Each Mood Monkey necklace from Cool Jewels/Phillips International comes carded with “Mood Jewelry” header tags, detailing the meaning of each mood color.
Cool Jewels/Phillips Intl.
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Safari Ltd.
Safari Ltd. has added a 10-piece set of fossil replicas to its 2010 Toobs collection. Each piece is detailed with the look and feel of the original specimen and is packaged in a reusable acetate container.
Safari Ltd.
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Pumpernickel Press
Willow Tree greeting cards, available from Pumpernickel Press, feature the artistry of Susan Lordi combined with embossing on premium recycled paper. Made in the USA and available in two size cards and 28 designs.
Pumpernickel Press
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b.dazzle
The dedication of those who serve America is honored with the insignias of each of the five branches of the military in the United States Armed Services Scramble Squares 9-piece brainteaser puzzle from b. dazzle, inc.
b.dazzle
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