The upcoming minimum wage increases are causing a lot of consternation on the part of many independent retailers. In our WhizBang! Retailers Facebook group, someone asked, “What are you going to do about it?” There were over 200 comments, which means it’s a topic that needs to be addressed. So, in this episode of Real Retail TV, we’re going to talk about how to think about the wage increases and even more importantly, what you can do about it.

Do you sometimes feel like a hamster on a wheel who is running, running, running, and can’t get off? Or maybe like a juggler with too many balls in the air? This episode of Real Retail TV will teach you how to solve your big problems once and for all!

This episode of Real Retail TV, shares predictions for retail in 2021. It goes without saying that 2020 was an interesting year and 2021 will prove to be one also. Trends that we saw forming in 2019 will only accelerate in 2021. Watch now to discover what those trends are and what they mean for you.

You don’t need to be told that planning and goal setting for 2021 is going to more difficult than it’s ever been. Today’s Real Retail TV will explore the idea of moving away from setting the traditional financial goals and focusing instead on process goals.

You’ve heard the old saying, “The customer is always right.” But, if you have been in retail for any amount of time, then you also know that really the customer is not always right, but the customer is always the customer. Today, we’re going to explore a counterintuitive way to deal with customer complaints and difficult customers.

If you’re a brick and mortar retailer, you’ve got to love holiday returns. In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll learn 3 reasons why.

It is really important to bring your inventory levels down as low as possible before the end of the year because you want cash. Cash is king, particularly during a pandemic. So, today, you’re going to discover 10 ways that you can start to strategically bring your inventory levels down. BONUS: 5 of those ways require no discounting of your merchandise at all!

We can all acknowledge that this is going to be an incredibly tricky holiday season and that the next several weeks are going to be, well, uncertain. And while several of the past episodes of Real Retail TV are about how to keep yourself motivated, one of your challenges is also to keep your team motivated. So, today, we’re going to take the mystery out of motivation.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, we’re going to explore the importance of momentum and some techniques that you can use to keep your momentum going through this tricky holiday season.

Normally, there’s a negative connotation that comes with the term, “survival mode.” In today’s Real Retail TV, we’re going explore how “survival mode” can be a good thing.

As you know, we are in the middle of a pandemic and we are probably on the verge of a horrible surge of the coronavirus. This surge will put tremendous pressure on everyone and it is important that we as people who deal with the public are understanding and compassionate. But, it is also really important that you take care of yourself, your mental state, your employees, and their mental states.

So, if you have customers that repeatedly treat you and your team poorly and influence you in a negative way, then this episode of Real Retail TV is for you!

You’re probably tired of the pandemic. I’m tired of the pandemic. Your customers are tired of the pandemic. We don’t want to think about it. We don’t want to talk about it. We don’t want to deal with it. Unfortunately, as independent brick and mortar retailers, we have to. And starting to deal with it now is critical for this all-important fourth quarter. So, for this week’s Real Retail TV, I am going to share with you six things that I think are absolutely critical to start thinking about right now.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll discover an important distinction that will be invaluable to you as a store owner!

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll discover how to get more done in your business, in less time, while feeling less stressed.

A huge shift in retail selling happening this holiday season. Watch and discover why it’s important and how to be proactive about it.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll discover the critical importance of proactively building your average ticket this holiday season.

In today’s episode, you’re going to discover an incredibly valuable tool to keep you fresh, focused, and moving forward this holiday season.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll discover what I think might be the most important thing for you to do this holiday season.

Today’s episode of Real Retail TV talks about a bandwagon you better get on… omni-experiential retail! It is the future of customer engagement.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, we’re going to explore the critical importance of having a deep bench this holiday season. Not exactly sure what that means? Watch now to find out!

As entrepreneurs, we often think we have to be superman (or superwoman!) but you don’t! If you’re feeling burned out and stressed about your business (and maybe even a little guilty about those feelings) then this episode of Real Retail TV is for you.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, I am going to share with you something I learned the hard way so hopefully, you don’t make the same mistake I made. It was just a subtle shift that made all the difference to my business.

If 2020 has taught us anything it’s that the unknown and unexpected can strike at any moment with unanticipated consequences. In this episode of Real Retail TV taken directly from the 2020 [VIRTUAL] Retail Success Summit, you’ll learn 3 ways to prepare your business for when S%!# hits the fan.

Even though the current selling environment is topsy-turvy and you HAVE to look at selling in a new, updated way the core concept of helping your customers get to the Perfect Purchase remains the same. In this episode of Real Retail TV taken directly from the 2020 [VIRTUAL] Retail Success Summit, we’ll reimagine selling.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’re going to discover 10 super actionable ideas that you can put to use in your store right away. Using just one could make a HUGE difference in your business and life!

Confidence is the single most important personality trait any retailer can possess. Many people incorrectly think confidence is something you “have,” but it’s not, it’s something you develop. In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll learn how to steadily increase yours!

One key factor in running a successful business is motivation. I’ll share what motivates me because it will help you gain clarity on what motivates you.

In this episode, we’ll talk about a dynamic that is a constant battle for many retail store owners and the current pandemic has made it even more difficult!

This Real Retail TV comes from the 2018 Retail Success Summit. In it, you’ll learn about the WhizBang! Retail Marketing System.

This Real Retail TV comes straight from Bob’s keynote at the 2017 Retail Success Summit, you’ll discover the 3 phases of retail growth.

If you want to be great it is up to you! In this Real Retail TV, you’ll discover the three types of retailers and which one you need to be for greatness.

This week’s video message is different than my typical Real Retail TV but I think it is a very important statement about my core values and our core values here at WhizBang! Retail Training. Please take a moment to watch it now.

Learn the common-sense secret that successfully sold over $3 MILLION of yo-yos and can be used easily in any retail business, plus more retail tips in this episode of Real Retail TV!

The information in this Real Retail TV is especially important right now during the pandemic when it’s so critical to engage every single customer.

In this Real Retail TV, I’m going to tackle a tough question: Should you require your team and customers to wear a mask while in your store?

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll discover four reasons why the future of independent retail has never been brighter. Watch it now!

Foot traffic is down so it’s critical that you focus on maximizing each interaction with your customers. Watch this Real Retail TV to find out how.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll discover the meaning of sonder and the importance of empathy especially now during the pandemic.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’re going to learn about the 3 different types of retailers. Do you fit into one of these descriptions?

This episode super important if you feel like giving up. In it, I’ll share 3 things you can start with if you are determined to get through this pandemic.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, I’m going to share with you an absolutely amazing way that you can tap your team into your decision-making process.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’re going to discover a great technique I recently learned for dealing with annoying people or problems.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, we’re going to explore how to make decisions during this uncertain time where things are changing daily, if not hourly.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, we’re going to talk about the single, most important thing you need to do in uncertain times! Learn what your huge competitive advantage is right now during the spread of the coronavirus.

In this Retail Retail TV, you’re going to discover the simplest (and best) customer loyalty program for independent, brick and mortar retail stores.

All shoppers have stuff going on that you don’t know about. You need to use your heart while helping them get to their Perfect Purchase.

In this Real Retail TV, you’ll discover how to break the bad habit of selling your customer what you like instead of what they want to buy.

This week’s episode of Real Retail TV will teach you the ultimate retail selling system to help you create a service culture that SELLS!

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll discover the 3 stages every independent retail store owner goes through as they grow and how you can move on to the next stage.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, I’m sharing my keynote from the 2018 Retail Success Summit, It Starts With You – Leadership, Management, & Creating A Culture Of Excellence.

Check out this episode of Real Retail TV to discover my Down & Dirty Get It Done Planning Process. It will help even the busiest store owners get a plan down on paper and have a road map to follow!

During the final Real Retail TV episode of 2019, I’m going to talk about why I flipped the script on my 2020 goals and why I think you should too!

Are you a brick and mortar retailer? Then watch this Real Retail TV right away! In it, we’re going to talk about why you should love holiday returns.

This Real Retail TV is the final episode in a two-part series on beating burnout. Burnout can happen anytime but you have to work harder at managing during the holidays.

This episode of Retail Retail TV is super important to watch now during the busy holiday shopping season. In it, we’ll talk about the little things that chip away at you making you feel burned out and what you can do about them.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, we’ll discuss why you should ask your customers about price points when they are shopping with you during the holidays.

In today’s episode of Real Retail TV, we’re going to explore the differences between your regular, year-round customer and your holiday customer.

In today’s episode of Real Retail TV, we’re going to talk about common distractions retailers face and how they are sucking away your time and your focus.

In this week’s episode of Real Retail TV, I’ll teach you how to turn holiday shoppers into year-round, life-long customers. Don’t miss it!

You need to be a great coach this holiday season if you want happier employees, happier customers and to make more money. This episode will show you how!

Christmas is almost here, so in this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll discover the most efficient and effective way to maximize your holiday season. 

In this episode of Real Retail TV, we’ll talk about the important lesson surrounding the memories you’re making every day in your store.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll discover a simple daily habit that can make a huge difference in your business and your life.

Get ready to learn a super important distinction that will be invaluable to you as a store owner in this episode of Real Retail TV!

In this episode of Real Retail TV, Bob Negen talks about what to do when you learn just how hard it can be to own a retail store.

If you want to have a GREAT store and you are ready to work hard to make it happen then this episode of Real Retail TV is for you!

In this episode Real Retail TV, you’ll learn my strategy to get the maximum blend of relaxation and inspiration out of your vacation reading list.

In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll learn, why promotions are so important, how they work, and how the different dynamics all fit together.

If you ever get caught in the trap of running too many discount-driven promotions in your store, then this episode of Real Retail TV is for you.

In this episode, you’ll discover four simple statistics that you can use to manage your team and make big increases in your retail store’s sales!

This episode is for EVERYONE who works in retail: owners, managers and team members. You are awesome, you make a difference, and you deserve a giant pat on the back for all you do.

This special episode of Real Retail TV taken was straight from the Retail Rumble at the 2019 Retail Success Summit. In it, you’ll learn why having a robust calendar full of exciting things happening in your store is so important!

This special episode of Real Retail TV taken was straight from the Retail Rumble at the 2019 Retail Success Summit. In it, you’ll learn 3 of fabulous ideas shared to make you a better, happier, and more confident retailer!

Bundling products is a great way to build your bottom line and increase profits. Learn why in this episode of Real Retail TV!

Confidence is the single most important personality trait any retailer can possess. Many people incorrectly think confidence is something you “have,” but it’s not, it’s something you develop. In this episode, you’ll learn how to steadily increase yours!

The “Emotional Bank Account” is a marketing concept that most people don’t think about, but is absolutely critical to your retail marketing success.

I am often asked, “what are the best hours for my store?” Here is my answer…

Just as a chef wants to find the best chicken to create the finest chicken dish, you must find the best people to build the best team. This episode is titled “Good Chicken” and it may change the way you look at all your future prospective employees.

Pop Up Shops: Temporary retail stores in malls, at community events and consumer shows have TONS of potential. Yet, many retailers don’t get all they can from the work they do. This episode shows you how to make the most of every Pop Up you host!

One key factor to running a successful business is motivation. I’m very clear about what motivates me, and so I’m going to share it with you here today. Not because I’m some wise sage, but because hopefully, by sharing my motivations with you, it will help you gain clarity on what motivates you.

Every year, there are four months that have five Saturdays, and that fifth Saturday represents an opportunity for you to have a promotion. And of course, you can do whatever you want. You could have a customer appreciation. You can have a store wide clearance. You can have buy one get one’s. You can just use the fifth Saturday for an excuse for any type of promotion. But on this episode of Real Retail TV, I share my favorite promotion to use on these fifth Saturdays.

On this episode of Real Retail TV, we’re going to talk about inspiration. Going into my trip to Colorado, I was tired and a little burned out. I was just going through the motions. As you know, I’m really passionate about helping you become more successful, but I wasn’t feeling it. And after a couple of days, out in Colorado unplugged from our business, I started to feel inspired, I started to become fired up again. On today’s episode I’m going to talk about the importance inspiration has on fueling that fire.

Today I’m going to be sharing with you the four pillars to successful independent retail: culture, relationships, experiences, and fundamentals.

Today I’m here in the farmers market of my hometown of Grand Haven, Michigan, and I’m going to talk about three different things that three different people are using that you can apply to your business.

I am here at the Independent Garden Center Show. And in this episode of Real Retail TV, I’m going to talk about the value of trade shows.

When finding great retail employees as a retail store owner, you need to recognize that there are great people everywhere. You just need to put on your recruiting hat, keep on your recruiting hat, and always look.

Now more than ever, it’s important to go in to trade shows with a plan. Watch this new episode of Real Retail TV and learn how to navigate trade shows like a pro and avoid simple trade show buying mistakes.

Every customer has a unique story. Taking time to listen, without judging, is the best way to lead them to a Perfect Purchase.

Most of us face dozens of stressful moments every day. Dealing with them quickly and efficiently is critical to your happiness and success. In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll learn a simple, highly-effective technique that’s perfect to use every day on the floor of your retail store…or anywhere!

Do you know what are the 4 worst words you can use in retail? Uncover this simple selling technique to make sure you and your team are not making this huge mistake when greeting customers. This episode of RRTV contains an invaluable retail tip.

It may seem counterintuitive, but this is one retail tip that really works! When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, it’s a good sign that you don’t need to do MORE. You need to step back and do LESS.

Every marketing campaign has several elements that can either make or break its success. In this episode, Bob shares how sometimes even the tiniest tweak or modification can make a dramatic difference in your results.

Learn the common-sense secret that successfully sold over 3 MILLION dollars of yo-yos and can be used easily in any retail business, plus more retail tips in this episode of Real Retail TV!

Major retail tip: to be the best salesperson you can be, it’s key to remember that everybody has a story. Everyone who comes into your store has something going on in their lives that you don’t know about, but that may be relevant to the process of getting them to a perfect purchase. 

Change – in life and business – is inevitable, but how we respond to change is what’s really important. In this Man On The Street edition of Real Retail TV, Bob shares some retail tips on how to deal with change and keep up with the times.

Is your store a disaster? Does it look like a hurricane devastated your displays? In this episode of Real Retail TV, you’ll learn retail tips that show you exactly how to create order from chaos by using an opening and closing checklist taken from the store operations module of the Retail Mastery System.

Mindset matters when it comes to the growth of your retail business. Get into the right headspace with retail tips from Bob’s personal experiences to help you start looking at your retail business through new lenses in this episode of Real Retail TV.

When you’re trying to help your customer find their perfect purchase, it’s important to remember that IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU! In this episode of Real Retail TV, discover retail tips on how to guide your customer to what they really want to buy, and not necessarily what you’d like to sell.

As the owner or the manager of a retail business, every once in a while you’ve just had enough. Every once in a while, you have to fire a customer. And in this episode of Real Retail TV, I’m going to share with you exactly how to do it.

As an independent retailer, being savvy about maintaining, and increasing your margins is a critical part of running your business. In this episode, Bob will teach you four strategies to make more money by significantly increasing your margins.