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Mainstreet Fairness Act Introduced in Congress
Recently, the Mainstreet Fairness Act, a bill that would require Internet retailers to collect and remit sales taxes, was introduced simultaneously in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 5660) and U.S. Senate (S. 1452). The bill levels the playing field for brick & mortar retailers, and interestingly, according to this story, has the support of a company you might not expect - Amazon.com.
NSGA and HDA have written to our local Congressmen and Senators, and we encourage you to write your legislators to let them know you are on board to support the bill. Find their contact information here (Senate and House).
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Little Hiring Being Done by Small Business
In July 2011, according to a Harris Interactive Survey, 64% of small-business executives indicated that they were not expecting to add to their payrolls in the next year, and 12% said they were cutting jobs. More than half of the participants in the survey, contracted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, indicated uncertainty in the economy as the reason for not hiring. One third blamed lack of sales, while just 7% blamed difficulty in obtaining credit.
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How Do You Measure Your Store's Performance?
The Hockey Dealers Association just completed its first in-depth survey of members. Specific focus was placed on determining which metrics are most popular in measuring store performance.
Here are the results:
In addition, HDA recently did some research with members relating to personnel issues, and employee education was the respondents' main issue. In a short follow up, 60% of respondents said educating employees with better product knowledge was important. HDA will work to help fill this need and appreciates all of the responses to both of the recent surveys.
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Not-So Big Boxes
Many big box retailers are starting to adjust their strategies for growing sales. Up until now, it was thought that the larger the selection of product, the greater the store traffic and resulting sales. These large product selections required multi-thousand square foot stores.
But sales per square foot have been decreasing. Recent research has shown that too much selection results in analysis paralysis by the customer. As a result, the smaller mid-size boxes are slowly starting to replace big boxes. Even the big box retailers handcuffed with long leases are responding by sub-leasing space within their stores. Check out the NSGA website for some specific examples.
We think all of this means retailers need to think about potentially losing sales by providing too many alternatives in stores. What do you think? Check out the HDA LinkedIn Group and make your voice heard on this important topic.
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Network with Fellow HDA Members
Networking among dealers continues to be a benefit that we hear members want. HDA has recently moved its networking site to LinkedIn, giving members unlimited access. Non-members may use it for 30 days. If you are not a member of LinkedIn, you must first go through the quick application process with them by visiting www.linkedin.com.
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Most Popular Hockey Equipment
Searches on Ebay
(August 1, 2011)
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Not an HDA Member Yet?
The Hockey Dealers Associaton is entering its second year. The support of the members strengthens the sport and the industry. In addition, a platform has been created to allow hockey dealers and manufacturers to address issues.
Dealers and manufacturers are encouraged to join the fast growing membership base. Benefits have been created for both groups. Click here for more information or call 800-815-5422 x130.
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HDA Welcomes Its
Newest Members
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Patrick Cox,
Gibsonia,PA
Pure Hockey
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SAVE THE DATE
48th Annual
National Sporting
Goods Association
Management
Conference
&
14th Annual Team Dealer Summit
May 6 - 9, 2012
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Contact Us |
c/o NSGA
1601 Feehanville Drive Suite 300
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Phone:800.815.5422 ext. 130
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