Retail

What is the appeal of retail? Though I didn't particularly enjoy my short stint as a Walgreens Service Clerk, I loved working at The Museum of Flight Store, and I continue to enjoy volunteering at the Northfield Historical Society store. I love organizing stock, and keeping numbers, obviously, but somehow there seems to be something more. How is it that I love folding T-Shirts for display, but not so much at home? Why do I like putting things away on the shelves, like it's a race (while still looking friendly to customers, of course)?

I was excited when I was first given responsibility of improving the Rice County Historical Society's gift shop. I've been working on improving the stock selection and display for the past few weeks, and will continue until I am satisfied with it. We've added some new items to the inventory, but we'll also need to continue to reorganize the displays and update prices to market to our customers.

How does a store sell its merchandise? It's selective marketing; similar to commercials. Children's items must be in low visual range, and have bright colors. For non-fragile items, children should also be able to pick up the toys and play with them; not have them hidden away behind glass or out of reach. Books should be organized by target audience, and by subject. Have you ever noticed that bookstores are organized nothing like most libraries?

• If you go to a bookstore to find a book about apartments and dwellings [613.53], you would probably be surprised to find yourself next to sex books [613.9]
• Bookstores also usually don't have their fiction simply sorted alphabetically by author. Booksellers know that people interested in murder mysteries are probably not the same people who are interested in manga or romance novels.

The books should be clearly divided by subject, and labeled. Customers don't want to have to use a code to find what they're looking for. Don't even make them use the alphabet! Have clear signage, and let intuition guide your organization. Display the top sellers or new items in an easily visible location. Let these top displays vary in price. Not everyone will want to buy the new leather-bound $50 collectors edition. Also proudly display your $1 bookmarks or booklets.

Happy selling!