When discussing those affected by the most recent downturn in the economy, mall department stores have surely been among the hardest hit. So called anchor stores such as JcPenny, Dillards, Sears, and Belk are just a few of the big name retailers that before the downturn could be found in most malls all across America, yet now have left huge gaps in retail space as they were forced to make some unfortunate decisions regarding the number of stores they could maintain. Thankfully it appears that there very well may be some light at the end of the tunnel as one recent report suggests that shoppers are slowly but surely making their way back to the malls and bringing with them a much needed influx of cash. According to Fortune, anchor stores reached a milestone of sorts in 2010 by increasing their market share for the first time since the 80′s. President of Customer Growth Partners Craig Johnson explained that although the growth was small it was having a huge impact on the industry saying “Even though it was only a tenth of a share point, for department stores, that is a huge change. This is a real turn in the market. We’re optimistic that the momentum is just gathering.”
This recent upward tick doesn’t just represent a significant event for big name stores such as Macy’s and Nordstrom’s, consider that for every anchor store located in a mall there are typically 10-20 smaller business who have been experiencing the same economic issues but with much more dire consequences due to the lack of a larger corporation to help them stay afloat. If you are one of those mom and pop style small business owners who have somehow managed to make ends meet until the shoppers return, then now more than ever you need to make sure that when they walk through your doors they are hit with some of the most amazing designs they have ever seen.
From full scale portable showcases, to custom designed fixtures, to enticing window displays, Godfrey is here to help you answer the call off all those consumers who are finally making their way back to those very same malls that once cherished so dear. Don’t wait for those stores around you to do it first, get a jump on the competition and be ready to see you sales rise thanks to a little bit of redesigning from Godfrey.
You walk in and the greeter at the entrance thanks you for stopping by. She offers to show you around, but you tell her you’re just browsing. There’s a bit of music playing in the background and some outside noise filtering in as you look through the various racks and shelves. After finding a few items you like, the cashier smiles then reminds you to leave your contact info on the way out in order to receive special offers in the weeks and months to come. As you head for the exit, you thank the greeter and comment on how nice the experience was before rejoining the crowd outside. This scenario happens every day at millions of retail and outlet stores all over the world, but what makes this experience different is that instead of a shopping mall it’s happening at a convention center during a trade show.