The TLC family welcomes new members TLC Melville W.A.

Jason & Tania bring some bright, new and positive ideas to the TLC group. The Melville store would have to rate as one of Australia’s most profitable stores. Only 85sqm however every sqm counts. 

They believe TLC will give them strength and structure whilst still having the ability to adapt to their market.     

We look forward to assisting Jason & Tania with further growing and expanding their business.

Jason & Tania

BTS catalogue Page 1

BTS Catalogue Page 2

BTS promotion starts Monday, 12th Jan in QLD and 19th Jan in WA.

What a great December. Whilst I am still awaiting final sales data most TLC stores proved that good retailers can be successful during difficult times.

Our store in Southern River proved to have a remarkable December trade. Here are some results -Gifts up 89%    Cards up 29%,    Stationery up 40%     Mags up 22%     Lottery up 29% 

I was pleased to hear stores such as Runaway Bay, Springwood, Gladstone, Noranda, Canningvale, Baldivis, Rockingham, Midland all up an average of 10% in December. With the Lotto mega draw to fall in Jan 09 data, it is a great result. (Still awaiting data from other stores)      

Of particular note TLC Rockhampton located in Northside Plaza, has reported growth of approxmately 20% compared to Dec. 2007. Jarrod decided to join TLC when his marketing group fell short on his expectations. Through his and staffs hard work, store refit and direct marketing to the majority of Rockhampton area he is reaping the benefits.

Well done to all stores - keep up the great work!

Mike

Today at TLC Runaway Bay we had our 2nd best day in terms of total dollars taken. 85% of sales were lottery related. That is lotto purchase or lotto plus other. You can check this in your reports in POS Browser. What did take me back a little was 40% of sales were put on a card, credit or debit. It begs the question that with margins as skinny as they are, should we be charging a small tribute for using EFT.

Our competitor down the alley doesn’t charge nor do they offer as many syndicates as we do. We have managed to take the high rollers in the centre but would we push them away? This is not about making extra money but covering a cost that people seem to take in their stride. As far as I know majors don’t charge a fee but most servo’s do. Discussion on this point is very welcome.

Brad

In 2009 we need to establish ‘famous’ department in our stores. The market will always be rife with speculation as to how long mags and papers have in our shops. What will get us more in terms of members and sales dollars is to establish key markets in our shops.

Look at JB Hi Fi, they have 3 keys areas of business DVD’s, music hardware and electrical. They also sell games, car steros etc. Each department is clearly defined. Products are easily seen and the consumer can navigate the store without too many problems.

How can we learn from these guys? Each area has a department leader/expert. Well trained staff answer most questions without referring to anyone else. They keep to their core, traditional lines and just do it better. They keep up with new lines but rarely are the first. Mistakes are made by others first. Prime example is the Kodak print booths. JB haven’t gone near this but rivals have.

Focus on key departments, Have someone in charge or leading expert and train staff to answer the questions people have.

Brad

Nick joins the winning team

We are please to announce TLC Newsagents has now expanded into NSW. 

Nick of QVB and Fodbase News (prime Sydney CBD locations) has joined the TLC family.

Most group member will remember Nick as part of the winning team at the TLC Golf Day in November this year.

When we asked Nick what he was expecting out of the TLC group,

“Structure, someone strong to give some assistance and direction when we need it”.

Helen and I have spent two days earlier this month, planning ang preparing for some changes and improvements for 2009.

Mike

We are now getting to the point where the Christmas cards are getting to a set and forget situation. You will need to tidy and condense but your display now needs to be settled. I have suggested in earlier blogs that you need make sure different product etc is up but now you should be at the point where 100% of your stock is on display.

It is also vital that you use associated product in and around the area of xmas cards. Eg sticky tape, cello, tissue, carton cutters (if easily placed), batteries, sticky dots (encourage parents who don’t lable gifts so they know who is who).

Brad

TLC extends a warm welcome to Jarrod Black and the team at TLC Rockhampton. Most people would be aware that Jarrod has worked for Hallmark and was a member of a marketing group. Over the past week Brad and I have spent a few days with Jarrod and his team on refitting his store.

We have just completed a revamp of his magazine department and expect an improvement in sales whilst stock levels have been reduced by approx to $15,000.00   

Jarrod will be a valuable contributor to the TLC group. New store photos available soon.

Christmas Catalogue Page 1

Christmas Catalogue Page 2

- When opportunity is available – hand out the catalogue to customers roaming the store

-  Ask customers if they received catalogues in mail (we need to know if it works)  

- Have your best staff rostered on the busiest and most important days (days before Xmas) 

- Dress up store - get into the festive season

- Santa hats for all staff

- Xmas music in store

- Sound bears – keep playing them - you will be surprised how it works

- Ensure your store is inviting and presentable

- Customers Service is paramount – Can I help you is not service,  A friendly hello or good morning as a welcome and have a great day or see you again, or even “Merry Christmas” on conclusion is good service. If customers ask for an item or product – take them to the product and show them where it is and possibly better and more expensive alternatives.

Other helpful tips… 

Janet

With Christmas fast approaching you should, today, look at the following few pointers so as to seperate you from the crowd in selling your Christmas cards.

1. The next 7 days you should sell most of your boxed cards. If not out on the shelf or table then do so. By late next week people will start looking for more individual cards.

2. Start getting out all red, green, clear, white cello and tissue. Use hooks and cover the sides of your card outpost to hang these items. They are a good add on impulse sale.

3. Get all your roll wrap out and on show if not already.

4. Move all higher price point loose cards to the top of your displays where possible. If people want a cheap card have it on the bottom couple of tiers.

5. If you have a large area for Over Seas Christmas then reduce and replace with general.

Just a few tips for this weekend. Make sure you have someone hovering around the cards as you will pick up additional sales. It is not unusual for people to bring up to 20 loose cards to the counter. Help these people and they will keep coming back to you.

Brad