It’s hard to believe that we started this blog almost exactly one year ago! The retail landscape continues to evolve at Internet speed, even for strictly brick-and-mortar stores. I rarely find a retailer who hasn’t tapped into the web’s power, either for online ordering or to keep track of the competition.

Looking back at 2007, here are a few of the blog topics that stood out in my mind, some web-related, some not:

• Are You Hitting the Right Notes with Customers? January 25: Industry studies show that the right music keeps customers in stores longer and keeps them in spending mode…Not sure what kind of tunes your customers like? Ask them. Give them a quick music survey form to complete and drop in a box.

• Online Reviews are Nothing to be Afraid Of; February 15: As this article in Business Week points out, letting your customers honestly critique your business can be a good thing…In this age of online social networking, the article says, “…63% of shoppers are more likely to purchase from a site if it has ratings and review.”

• Are You “Experienced”? March 28, 2007: Now I see in The New York Times (free registration may be required) that retail giants like Samsung are opening huge “experience” stores where they don’t sell a thing…I try to make every store our company designs an experience in itself. We do our best to get customers in your door. The rest is up to you.

• The Customer is Always Right, You Guys; May 10, 2007: Places like Vons, Cost Plus World Market and Coco’s are more helpful than before. They look you in the eye, listen to your questions and are eager to help. If these guys–I mean these staff members–can do it, so can your guys, gals and other valued employees.

I look forward to learning about more retail changes in 2008. There’s plenty of helpful advice online. I always encourage retailers to visit the competition as well as stores they admire. Analyze how they entice customers from the front windows to the back shelves, and then emulate them in your own style.

Even in this down economy, I’m still the optimist – I see nothing but good times ahead this year. We’ll soon announce some exciting news about how we can help you improve all aspects of your retail business. Whether you buy your fixtures from us is unimportant. We just want you to give you the tools for success. Because when you succeed, it benefits all of retail.

Happy New Year. You deserve it!