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What do I think, Welcome

Tell me more. The more you share with us, the more I can put into my crystal ball.
Who are you?? Where are you?? Did you have a Business Plan before you started??
Why did you open this store?? What was your background??

and more, LUCKIEST

What do I think, Thanks for sharing a little more, BUT you need to tell us more.

where are you?? Where is the store located?? In a mall or on a strip??
Why did you open this store?? What is your background??

Help me help you

Welcome Moreno! So the stuff isn't flying off the shelf, huh?

Are you happy with the traffic coming through the store in general? My first thought might be that there is someone in town who is selling items for less. Maybe it's time to do some comparison shopping so you know what the competition is charging. Is there is a local wal-mart or chain store that would potentially be offering prices that you can't compete with?

My second thought is that, as you know, we are in the midst of a pretty cruddy economic climate. It's possible that people are simply choosing to forego the knick-knacks and do-dads this year until they know whether their job is safe. In that case, all you can say is that you picked a tough time to open and its out of your control.

If you want to entice customers to buy, maybe you can do some sort of special sale? There are a million ways to do it...I always like the Hallmark thing where if you spend some amount, you get a special novelty item for free or at a discount price. Or maybe you can just do a "spend $50 and get any item that is priced $10 or less for FREE" type of thing. Or maybe a free gift (like an x-mas ornament) with any purchase.

I hope that helps! Best of luck!

Moreno

What concerns me the most is that if people don't ask about the price tags then it probably means its not the price thats an issue
Have you tried hanging signs about your store offering special sales?
Something along the lines of "on dec 23 special 25% off of all candles!"
It might be because your products just look expensive (in which case it could become a sort of a motto...)

What about having an event? something like a community even that requires participants to pay money, but all of the income goes to a local charity? just something to increase awareness and give you some publicity

There are numerous ways of increasing awareness.. even without sales and discounts.. be creative

Jmes
http://www.lookuppage.com/users/jamesbrass
brassjmes@gmail.com

A new store (you say you've been open less than 3 weeks), will get lots of lookers (especially if you're in a high traffic area like next to a Wal-Mart). These folks aren't shopping for anything, they're just curious. This time of year, your type of store will also get lots of lookers who ARE shopping for something, but they don't know what -- they're just checking to see if you have it (whatever it might be, they think they'll know it when they see it). So, yes, what you're experiencing is probably to be expected.

The important thing is to make all of those first time visitors feel welcome. You want to be sure the lookers you're getting now become buyers eventually -- you want their browsing experience to be pleasant, and you want them to remember you for all the right reasons (because of your friendliness, unique selection, reasonable prices, a special offer, etc.) and come back again when they are doing more than "just looking." Good luck!

Hi Moreno,

I'd try some public relations; consider press release of store opening. It would be great if you could get a write up in the newspaper in the accent/arts section - probably your target market. Consider advertising in periodicals that you read yourself especially if its a local edition.

Lastly, next time someone compliments your store; nicely thank them and ask for some constructive input. Are there items that they liked better than others and oh by the way what is holding them back from purchasing. Phrased the right way its not pushy but will help at least decide if its a price issue.

Don't give up!