National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops: Annual Resale Conference.

*…But We’ve Always Done It This* Way!** Knowing what to change and how to change are important. Many owners are so busy doing work, they don't see what is in front of them—poorly planned procedures, too much handling, etc. Learn to stand back and observe. Changes must begin with the owner and be 100% supported by the staff then sold in a POSITIVE way to customers and consignors. Patti Acquisto, a NARTS Director/Past President and owner of Patti’s ReSale knows about change and has changed it all over her 35 years in resale.	"Stuff Comes In-- -- -- -- --Stuff Goes Out" This workshop is an overview of the necessity for a systematic approach to receiving and processing merchandise and point of sale. The blanks in the workshop title between the 2 statements are the keys to success. Learn how to limit the number of times items are handled to increase profits and employee productivity. Gary Creswell of The Salvation Army is a seasoned professional within the resale industry. Join him and fill in the blanks to success by using his techniques for productivity and profitability.
Displays Designed to Sell Learn to create dynamic displays spending little or no money by using what you have available in a unique and creative way. Melissa Baxter of Back By Popular Demand has used her formal training in graphic designer and retail displays to continuously increase sales in her furniture and clothing stores. Get advice on combining textures and colors sure to meet your customers' eyes. Utilize the space you have to promote slow moving or premium inventory to improve turnover.	Taking It to the Next Level If you are ready, willing and able to stop being a cheapskate because it's costing you money, then it is time to polish, promote and fulfill your shop's promise! If you are at the point of upgrading your store to enhance your reputation and set yourself apart from ho-hum resale shops, resale icon Kate Holmes—Too Good to be Threw—will guide you through the ways your investment can be returned in spades by spending reasonable amounts to upgrade everything in the areas that are right for you.
Raising the NFP Image If you think it is time to improve the customers’ image of your NFP store, build greater customer loyalty and in the end make more money doing it, this workshop is a must for you. You will learn what can set you apart from others... Make your NFP green, add a Website and use an email list for customer contact. Michael Nygaard of Arc Attic Treasures in Fargo, ND has over 20 years retail and management experience including 5 years with NFP stores.	Selling “Plus Size” can be a Plus! With the majority of the world battling obesity, the size of the average person has grown. Carrying plus size in your shop means you can outfit everyone. Sybil Merfeld of Positively Plus will identify the concerns and needs of the plus size shopper and what you can do to give them a pleasant shopping experience. Learn the art of “Big Business” for the plus size customer and turn your plus size area into a great shopping experience. Stylish shopping isn’t just for the smaller person.
Planning Effective Promotions Do you have a promotional plan or do you struggle to put together something at the last minute to try to attract customers? Joyce Phillips of Clothes Horse in Tulsa, OK will share how to plan promotions in advance for the whole year, including months that don't have holidays. Learn how to work with vendors for giveaways and promotional items. Joyce has a background in fashion merchandising and has been in retail for many years and can help you get organized.	Simple Changes for a Better Bottom Line Have you ever wished that you could implement a few small changes and see big increases in your bottom line? Gail Gill, from The Clothes Horse in Buffalo, NY will walk you through some of the little changes that have been making money in her 30 year old ladies’ and children’s shop. Learn about often overlooked points—"Keys to Profitability", "The Customer Experience" and "Utilizing and Empowering Your Staff"—and walk away with tried and true money makers for your shop.
Multiple Locations—Are You Ready? Are you considering adding another location? Explore the advantages and challenges of owning and managing more than one store. Learn when, where and how to expand without endangering your existing business. Tracy True Dismukes, MBA owns three locations of Collage Designer Consignment in Birmingham, AL. This experienced multi store owner is a former corporate bank management consultant and immediate Past President of NARTS.	7 Habits of Highly Successful Store Owners Why do some resale shops thrive and others fail? Take the steps to get on and stay on track to success. From the unique perspective of a multiple store owner, trainer and consultant to nearly 100 franchise owners and managers, Shauna Sloan from Kid to Kid has observed the traits and habits that make some owners highly successful. Learn from the mistakes of others rather than make your own. Copy the behaviors of the most successful owners in the industry and watch your business grow.