Tag: survey

How the Web Offers an Edge to Small Closeout Retailers

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“[Sixty-six percent] of independent stores opened their doors after large retail chains moved into their local communities, and 50% had the confidence to do so because of plans to offer unique items,” said Marc Joseph, President of DollarDays, who presented the survey results last week at the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition 2008 in Chicago.

“To find these unique products, retailers can look to the Internet,” Joseph told attendees at the session, “Product Sourcing: The Web’s Important Role for Retailers.”

“The Internet has evolved to make it easier for businesses to find wholesale suppliers,” said Joseph. “Many suppliers and wide assortments of goods can be found at such wholesale portals as WholesaleCentral.com, CloseoutCentral.com, GoWholesale.com, Wholesale411.com, TopTenWholesale.com, GetThatWholesale.com, WholesaleHub.com and WholesaleGopher.com.

“Small- and midsized retailers have certain advantages over big retailers in that they can work with small manufacturers that produce unique items, and because they can buy lots of closeout merchandise that may be too small for large retailers,” Joseph said.

“When buying closeout items, retailers should beware of counterfeit merchandise. Deal only with reputable vendors and be willing to turn down merchandise that is priced unreasonably low,” Joseph said.

Original article here: https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2008/06/19/how-the-web-offers-an-edge-to-small-closeout-retailers/

Survey Results Show Increased Gas Prices Hurting U.S. Small Businesses; Owners Seeing Change in Revenues

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More than 85% of small-business owners polled expect a change in revenue as a result of increased […] gas prices, with most of those already feeling the pinch, according to a survey conducted [by DollarDays] throughout the month of May.

DollarDays is a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors. The poll was featured on DollarDays.com and in the company’s online newsletter. The company frequently polls its customers about topical issues.

According to the results, 86% expect a negative effect on their revenue as a result of increased gas prices, with 71% already seeing a change. Eighty-three percent say they are very concerned about how these prices will effect their bottom line, and 86% say it’s getting harder to be a small business.

According to AAA statistics released at the end of May, gasoline prices are at a record $2.93 nationally, 34% higher than a year ago.

“Gas prices are already outrageous, and we’re headed into the summer and hurricane months where prices typically increase, so it’s no wonder that small-business owners are worried,” said Marc Joseph, President and CEO of DollarDays and author of “The Secrets of Retailing…or How to Beat Walmart.” “Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, so we’re helping our clients to better merchandise and market their companies to make up for decreased revenues. It’s a scary time.”

Survey results include:

  • 31% of small-business owners will have to lay off employees if their revenues continue to change, while 64% say they won’t;
  • 5% of employers are offering financial supplements to help their employees as a result of increased gas prices, while 93% aren’t;
  • 55% of the businesses will suffer if tourism decreases, while 43% will be okay; and
  • 71% of small-business owners have changed their personal travel plans as a result of gas prices.

Joseph encourages small retail stores to carry desirable and high-margin items to help increase profit. In addition, he highly suggests that small retailers offer their customers a website where they can buy items so that customers can shop without having to drive.

“Online stores are a great way for consumers to save money since they don’t have to pay for gas to drive to the store,” said Joseph. “It’s also smart for retailers, as they can expand their sales beyond their neighborhood.”

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

Grandmothers Also Primary Recipients of Mother’s Day Gifts

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Small-business retailers say that grandmothers, not just mothers, are […] beneficiaries of Mother’s Day gifts, and most people buy their gifts the week before Mother’s Day, according to survey results released today by DollarDays.

DollarDays is a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors. The poll was featured on [the company’s website] and gauged the Mother’s Day sales cycle for small businesses.

“The look of a traditional family is changing,” said Marc Joseph, CEO of DollarDays. “More and more people want to recognize those who have had an impact on their lives, regardless if their technical name matches the holiday.”

According to results, 43% of retailers say their customers will buy flowers for their mom or grandma, followed by cards (20%).

The survey also shows that most people buy their gifts in advance. More than half (53%) are buying Mother’s Day items one week in advance, compared to 6% that will buy the day of. In addition, 60% of retailers said Mother’s Day is a profitable holiday for their stores, although not as profitable as Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

Joseph adds, “While many consumers complain about celebrating these ‘Hallmark holidays,’ small businesses reap the rewards and so do our loved ones.”

This survey is part of an ongoing series of DollarDays questionnaires that gauge the attitude, opinion and general business conduct of small retailers nationwide.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

Unmarried Couples Buy More Valentine’s Day Gifts Than Married Couples

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Small-business retailers say they sell more Valentine’s Day gifts to people buying for their boyfriend or girlfriend, and most of the sales take place the week before Valentine’s Day, according to survey results released today by DollarDays.

DollarDays is a premier Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors. The poll was featured on DollarDays.com and in the company’s online newsletter.

“For years, DollarDays’ sales associates have helped retailers stock their stores with gifts and other Valentine’s Day novelties, but we were curious about their customers’ buying habits,” said Marc Joseph, CEO of DollarDays. “According to these survey results, Valentine’s Day is an important retailing holiday with specific demographics, and carrying unique items geared toward their customer can help stores compete against small and big-box retailers.”

According to results, 56% of retailers say Valentine’s Day is a big selling period for their store, with just over half (51%) saying it’s bigger than Mother’s Day.

The survey also shows that 43% are buying Valentine’s Day items for their boyfriend or girlfriend, compared to 26% for spouses and just 11% for friends. [Sixty-nine] percent of the store customers buy the week before Valentine’s Day.

“These statistics are interesting,” said Joseph. “Waiting until the last minute to buy a Valentine’s Day gift gives the unmarried sweethearts the opportunity to change the recipient of their affection. Retailers need to carry more lighthearted items that don’t put too much love pressure on a couple.”

In addition, retailers note that only 16% of customers complain about having to buy a Valentine’s Days gift compared to 82% who say they actually like shopping for this occasion.

  • 17% stuffed animals
  • 16% gift baskets
  • 15% flowers
  • 13% chocolate candy
  • 11% jewelry
  • 10% adult cards
  • 10% boxed cards for children

This survey is part of an ongoing series of DollarDays questionnaires that gauge the attitude, opinion and general business conduct of small retailers nationwide.

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.

U.S. Small-business Owners Oppose New National Holiday to Commemorate September 11th

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An overwhelming majority of small-business owners oppose instituting a new national holiday to commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed thousands of U.S. citizens and destroyed New York’s World Trade Center, a new survey shows. The survey, conducted from August 15-30 on DollarDays.com, shows that:

  • 23% of small-business owners think September 11 should be a national holiday, while 74% oppose it.
  • 30% of small-business owners say they lose money on national holidays.
  • 20% say they close their businesses on all national holidays, while 76% don’t
  • 25% would be willing to assume the cost of closing their businesses for the day to commemorate the unprecedented terror attacks, but 71% are unwilling to lose money on another national holiday.

“Small-business owners are clearly unwilling to foot the bill for another national holiday,” said Marc Joseph, President of DollarDays. “While our survey is not scientific, it does point out the burdens faced by small-business owners in these tough economic times.”

About DollarDays
Founded in 2001, DollarDays is the leading supplier of wholesale goods for nonprofits, businesses and betterment organizations. By sourcing affordable products, backed by exceptional service and meaningful community engagement, we strive to inspire and empower our customers to accomplish their missions to improve the lives of people around the world. Recognized as the City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office “2018 Product Exporter of the Year” and Internet Retailer Magazine’s “B2B E-commerce Marketer of the Year” for 2016 and 2017, DollarDays is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.dollardays.com.