RETAIL is EASY
Yes It Is!
Doug Smoyer of Retail Strategies and I have parked many new cars side by side, but have always kept our licence plates (Retail and Easy) as reminders that retail success can be easy, even when things get tough.
I am proud to call Doug a friend. We started our companies at the same time 18 years ago, and against great odds at times have enjoyed great success by helping others succeed. We have seen the success of our clients in the face of many changes and challenges, including two hurricanes, a couple of wars and other setbacks.
In the begining of our companies, Doug did the “back room” while I did the “front room.” He advised retailers on how much to buy, and I did all I could to help them sell it all and more.
Today Doug helps them find the right locations, and I help them find and keep the right people. We have always been a team working completely independent of each other, with the same goals: the success of our clients.
Mahalo Doug for all that you do and have done. You have indeed earned the title that the belated and beloved Jan Berman and her Retail Merchants of Hawaii bestowed upon you many years ago. You are Mr. Retail!
September 4th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Hey Ron; do you remember me from when I worked at Sea Life Park in about 1992? You and Doug Smoyer came on board and combined to triple sales in our little gift shop. Any company working with you guys is surely going to succeed.
I live in California now and am no longer in retail, but I Googled you today when I heard some dude crying the blues about sales in his jewelry store. I’m glad to see you are still at it. I will put him in touch with you. Maybe you can help him some way from there.
September 4th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Ron Here;
Aloha Lloyd. I must confess that I cannot put a face to your name, but I do appreciate your kind words and will be sure that they are passed on to Doug. Sea Life Park has changed ownership at least twice since the days you refer to. A lot of dolphins have gone over the bar.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Oh yes, lots of changes at Sea Life Park since then, like higher prices and poorer service, especially in the gift shop you refer to. Shopping in there has become like shopping at a mini-Macy’s; total self service.
September 6th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
It’s getting more and more like a mainland rip-off. What happened to the Aloha? Is just all about money now?
September 6th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Retail… Easy??? Give me a break!!! Retail is the easiest business I know to lose your ass, especially with the high rents being demanded by the malls. By the time you pay employee benefits, taxes, your rent and other overhead, you are probably working 16 hour days for the right to be in business, no more!!!