I stopped in at Half Price Books last evening and headed for the sale rack. Yeah, I am CHEAP. And sitting there on the lower shelf, as if waiting for me to arrive, were two copies of the best book ever written for retailers: 'Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping' by Paco Underhill, self-avowed Retail Anthropologist.
The Retail Bible, it's been called. The de rigeur textbook for countless students in business and visual courses at colleges across the country for years now. And one of my number-one resources. Paco studies stores and talks about what works and what doesn't, sure, but Paco also studies PEOPLE and how they shop. The resulting information is enough to make a business owner's head spin - and to help them get back on track, with helpful suggestions for changes that will result in increased visibility, accessibility, conversion, and sales of merchandise. Just what we all need right now, yes?
I know that this book will help you, no matter what you sell or where your store is or how long you've been in business - or what your situation is right now. All you have to do is make time to read it, and let yourself be open to the advice given within its pages.
So, of course, I grabbed those two copies and instead of the publisher's price of $25 per, I got them for two bucks each, and now I'm going to give them away - to you. Free! Just my way of expressing my gratitude and saying thank you to you all for visiting, reading, commenting, and letting me know when the resources I share here have been helpful to you. These are Hardback books, probably publisher overruns or leftover stock from some poor soul who went out of business because they didn't READ this book. (The paperback shown above is mine and I'm keeping it, sorry!)
How do you win?
Leave a comment on this post, with your name, the kind of business you are in (gift, fashion, home decor retail, event design, etc.) and make sure your name is linked to your profile, blog, website, or leave me your business or personal email. If I draw your name, I'll contact you for a shipping address - and send Paco's wisdom winging it's way to you.
Want another chance to win?
Post about this giveaway on your own blog, with a direct link to this post, and then comment here with a link to YOUR post. I'll enter your name again!
I'll be picking two names on the evening of Thursday, March 12. On Friday morning, I'll announce the winner's names here, and send them an email. Good luck!
Hi Deb!
ReplyDeleteWay to go...passion, encouargement, creativity. It's what we all need right now. Thank you, and I love the new look!
Deb
Garden Party:)
I step away for a moment and PRESTO! A new look and a giveaway. Love the lay out of your side bar info. and the wall paper, I have a thing for silhouettes. I think the best part of the remix/update is the one thing your not changing...you putting yourself out there. Thanks for a refreshing site.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a giveaway too, stop by.
Hi Deb - Well I surely need this book! I'm in the antique business like you guys. Our store is "The Roost" and we are in the largest antique mall in central Texas. There's a link on my blog.
ReplyDeleteLove your new look. :)Nancy
Sounds like a great book! I am going to start an event business after our next move!
ReplyDeleteErin
Pick me, Pick me!! I would love the book! What a great opportunity! I own a fashion boutique and would love any retail info I can get my hands on!
ReplyDeleteI ahve been watching Paco Underhill on all the cable news shows~ this book is definatley on my 'read list'
ReplyDeleteThanks for all you do Debi~ we have found your postive spirit very uplifting over at MMP, as I posted a link to one of your blog posts~ thx Sweets you're the best~ ox~S@C'estChouette
Will it help a dealer with a teeny, tiny booth in an antique mall?
ReplyDeleteDeb, I posted on my blog and snagged a photobucket picture of yours to use. Hope that's okay.
ReplyDeleteYeah! How exciting! A giveaway....
ReplyDeleteI also posted this on one of my blogs, http://rockyhilltennessee.blogspot.com/2009/03/quick-post-about-giveaway.html
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb!!!
Deb,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and would like to be added to your blog for us retailers. I hope you pick me for winning the book. I am closing my shop in 1 town and opening a new 1 in another town. So, I can use all help I can get. I own a gift shop called Legacies Gifts in WI.
Hi Deb! Just discovered your blog. Great posts. I sell crafts and would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteHugs :)
Irma
http://irmasrosecottage.blogspot.com
aialvarez7@aol.com
Hi Deb!
ReplyDeleteLove the new look. Read this book several years ago then passed it on. Would love to win a copy to keep. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Teresa
Adkins Decorating and Redesign