Many years ago I joined a public speaking club called Toast Masters to learn some strategies on how to improve my public speaking skills. The biggest tip I received is that everyone loves a story. In fact, if you tell a story during your speech, people are more likely to remember the content than if you just use examples and statistics.

How does this pertain to retailers? I'm hoping you'll tell a few stories in your own store with signage. I know it can work…

I had posted a suggestion on our online forum to re-merchandise products that aren't selling in your store. In other words, try moving it to another location and change it up from a visual standpoint, perhaps using a new prop, stacking the display boxes in a clever design, signage, etc.

A retailer then responded that she tried my idea of moving the products to a new location and she added a "story card" explaining the details of how each was crafted. In her case, she was selling handmade necklaces from an African village. On the very first day she moved the product and told the story, she started selling the necklaces.

Even if you don't carry a lot of handmade products, you can still offer other information cards. Perhaps you have all natural/organic items, or those made exclusively in the USA… even ideas on how to use or display something can be helpful.

Start selling with stories, and let me know how it works for you.