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Greetings!
 The Christmas holidays may be months away, but most
retailers are already beginning to plan for the selling season that for
many represents up to half of all annual sales. There is no denying
that the holiday season is critically important to retailers.
During the month of July, Retail Alliance will be offering a complete
calendar of activities to help members get pumped up, geared up and set
up for the most important shopping period on the calendar. The days
between Thanksgiving and Christmas can make or break a retail
operation, and the time to start planning for a successful season is
now.
Thanks to the "Christmas creep," a growing number of consumers now plan
to start their holiday shopping before Halloween and are rewarded with
the ever earlier appearance of holiday décor and sales.
For its Christmas in July program, Retail Alliance will offer members
12 days of holiday specials throughout the month. This portfolio includes a
July 21 Retail 2 Retail "Race into the Holidays" at AIK, seminars,
training videos and more. If you can't get away from the store, you
can still benefit by taking advantage of opportunities available here
online!
Experts suggest that July may be the perfect time to begin planning,
starting with a brainstorming session to think of creative ways to
attract customers to your store. This might also include a calendar
outlining when to begin sending reminders and teasers to existing
customers or potential customers. If an increase in staffing levels is
evident, plan how to recruit seasonal workers. Outline the holiday
advertising budget to take advantage of discounts now. and Retail
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d'ART Center's Summer Invitational Art Exhibition
The d'ART Center kicks off this fun Summer Invitational on Friday, July 10, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. with and opening party, featuring great artwork, hot jazz by the Jim Newsom Quartet and a cool beer tasting!
The exhibition is on display in the d'ART Center's five sky-lit galleries from July 10 - August 31. This event is free and open to the public.
The d'ART Center is located in the historic Selden Arcade at 208 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510. For additional information please call d'ART @ 625 -4211 or visit www.d-artcenter.org
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Take Me Out To The Ball Game!
On the evening of July 17 Retail Alliance will be hosting a special "Christmas in July" night at the War Memorial Stadium home of the Peninsula Pilots baseball team. Tickets are FREE and going fast. This is a sure-fire way to start your weekend with a blast!
Call your local Sales Representative for tickets or drop us a line at (757) 466-1600.
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How Much Can You Save?
What would you call a member benefit that can save you 40-60% off your business credit card processing costs? Members who have taken advantage of the Retail Alliance endorsed First Nation Merchant Solutions (FNMS) credit card processing program call it an exceptional value. If you can reduce your credit card expenses, you have more money going to your bottomline.
For more information and a free analysis, contact your Membership Director or FNMS representative Doug Hynes. What do you have to lose: if FNMS cannot beat your current rate, you earn $500.
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Retail 2 Retail
 Tuesday,
July
7th
6-8 p.m.
Goodin
Realty
10 San Jose Dr Newport News, VA 23606
Join fellow retailers for an entertaining evening of networking and fun, complete with refreshments.
Retail 2 Retail takes place the first and third Tuesday of each month and is free to RETAIL ALLIANCE members.
To RSVP call Jen Webber at 757.455.9323
For directions to this R2R and to view upcoming R2Rs
click here
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Big News for Small Business
Norfolk-based Rowena's is named by retail consultant George Whalin as a
superlative enterprise in his new book, Retail Superstars:
Inside the 25
Best Independent Stores in America. The book, reviewed in the June 19
issue of BusinessWeek magazine, recognizes the value of location,
selection and competitive prices, but suggests there are more important
variables in the success equation.
Owner Rowena Fullinwider was named Retail Alliance's first Retailer of
the Year in 2008.
Business Week has more.
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