Hey there!
Who is your ideal customer? If you don’t know yet, it is time to craft your ideal store customer profile. At the end of the day, you are not going to get very far trying to please everyone or be in every single store across America. In fact, you will end up pleasing no one. By figuring out who your ideal customer is you can cater more to their needs and only approach the ones with win win-win potential. It is not about the quantity of stores but about the quality of stores that fits your brand. Only then will you be in a reorder business, and not have a one-time wonder order.

Here is a fun assignment to craft your ideal store partner:

1. Think of 3-5 ideal dream stores that you would like to be in. What do these stores have in common and call that store a name? Speak to that store (figuratively of course ;)
2. What kind of merchandise and brands do they carry?
3. How do they select their merchandise?
4. Do they feature a theme, such as eco-friendly, handmade or local products?
5. How will your product help solve a problem that the store faces each day?

Step into the mindset of a store owner or buyer. Really dig deep down and figure out how your product will enhance and complement what they already carry, not duplicate it.

This exercise may be easy for some but hard for others. It’s okay! Once you become clear on your ideal customer, you can start putting together a retail distribution strategy that makes sense and sell with ease. I can’t wait to hear some of your findings. Please post your comments here! :)

xoxo,

Grace Kang
Your Retail Product Mentor

p.s. A BIG, warm welcome to all of the new readers who joined our community! You are going to love the resources you will find here to help you make your product retail-ready… Enjoy!