The Gray Cat Blog
A comprehensive collection of blogs designed to assist small business owners and multi-unit operators.
Who are we?
That is a question I hear all the time from companies that are trying to better communicate to their customers. All too often, companies have grown in spite of the fact of not really...
The art of understanding your business from a financial perspective is a critical step for any entrepreneur. Knowing your business – financially – will provide the business owner the...
In-store marketing is a critical and oft-overlooked marketing strategy for any size retailer. Successful retailers make their customer feel welcome and comfortable in their store, building repeat...
For the multiunit operator, managing a retail real estate portfolio is tricky business. Keeping winning stores in tip-top condition – both physically and financially – is the key to...
So, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”
The key to group sales is to market your store and products as a turnkey solution for a large gathering. Finding key groups in which your...
In business, it is essential to know the path just traveled. Most organizations take a look back at the preceding 1-2 months to evaluate their financial results and attempt to make rhyme or reason...
Hurry, hurry, step right up!
It is time to play the game called “G & A Budgeting”. This is the game where heads are counted; budgets are sandbagged and perks are justified. It is an...
One of the most-asked questions I hear from store owners is “What sales volume does my store need in order to make money?” While it would be convenient to rattle off a sales figure off...
In today’s competitive economy, the fight is on for convenience store customers. While some tried-and-true c-store product categories have taken a hit in the past few years, one has continued...
Joining and becoming active in your local chamber of commerce is an excellent way to increase your store’s visibility within your local business area. In addition to meeting a number of key...
The conversation usually starts like this:
“So, do you know your customer?”
“Of course, I know my customers, most by name”
“Great, let’s communicate to them that...
One of the most significant changes in the labor market over the last decade is the notion of free agency within the marketplace. Gone are the days of staying with one company for the duration of...
