CONSULTING

I get it. You’re busy, maybe even overwhelmed. You do it all and there just isn’t enough time in the day to tackle everything on the list, much less think about whether the physical space of your store is working as hard as you are to bring those dollars in.

That’s why I’m here. With over 25 years in retail, I have tried and true strategies that will stop your store from losing money. That’s right. For every square foot that’s not maximized for effective selling, you’re leaving money in the pockets of your customers.

Think of me as the fairy godmother of retail. Instead of a magic wand, I come with sustainable solutions tailored just for you. When we’re done, your store will have products that are begging to be bought and you will feel empowered, in control, and clear on how to maintain your new direction.

Be it on-site or virtual, my consulting sessions are brief, concise and to the point. We review shop layout, fixturing, merchandise categories, display strategies and how all these elements effectively support your shop’s success.

“Natalie’s ability to walk into a space and immediately see the pinch points, the potential and everything in-between is a real gift. Sharing her insight through her workshops, one on one consultations help business owners optimize their operations and be more successful.”Karen Peterson, Ind Project Director, Canada Line Rapid Transit, Vancouver, Canada

PACKAGES

ON-SITE VISIT WITH Q&A

Perfect for retailers looking wanting a starting foundation for success
Learn more

ON-SITE VISIT & REPORT

Get all your questions answered along with a detailed plan to take action
Learn more

VIRTUAL CONSULTING

Ideal for out-of-town retailers looking for assessments and recommendations
Learn more

SIGN TEMPLATES

Optional add on to maximize your message and brand through silent selling
Learn more


ON-SITE VISIT Q&A

This package provides a retailer with a starting foundation. Verbal analysis and recommendations for the following are discussed:

  • Retail Image and ID

    Your retail image and identity sets your business DNA. Does your store name and logo support the image you would like to convey? How well does this target the right market segment and effectively communicate your product selection and expected price points?

  • Sign Hierarchy

    Does your in-store sign hierarchy consistently send forth the correct message? As shoppers are programmed to process information in stages, are your in-store signs located in ideal spots or do your customers miss your message? Sign silently sell! Are your facilitating sales?

  • Store Layout and Traffic

    An effective layout ensures customers fully penetrate your entire selling space. The goal of any good layout is to maximize selling opportunities by efficient utilization of space. Addressing any challenged areas is key to getting customers to shop throughout!

  • Fixturing plan

    A good fixturing plan forms the solid foundation for effective product presentation. Showing merchandise in their best light requires fixtures that not only support product values but also make it simpler for your store team to merchandise.

  • Product categorization

    Organizing your products in such a way that makes shopping easy is a goal retailers have to promote a healthy business. Choosing how to categorize is key to supporting product values. Some may choose to categorize by end-use and function, some by brand. Even some, may choose to do a combination of both.

  • Adjacency Planning

    Understanding where the ideal location will be for Core vs. Peripherals not only enhances the shopping experience but it makes a big difference in sales performance. The goal of multiple selling can also be realized by choosing the best adjacency plan for merchandise categories.

    Retailers often discount the power they have in choosing the sequence in which customers view their categories. Being cognizant of how customers are exposed to certain categories, retailers to a certain extent may influence how customers shop their selling space.

  • Hands-On Display Demonstration

    Working in your own store environment, display strategies are put in place, allowing your team to learn the basic how-tis and whys of effective product presentations.


ON-SITE VISIT Q&A WITH RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT

This package provides a retailer with a documented plan to put into action. This package includes:

  • One hour site visit to take photos of the selling space

    Learn and understand about the current state and what can be improved.

  • Assessment & Recommendations Report

    The report includes the following:

    • Retail Image and ID
    • Sign Hierarchy Placement
    • Store Layout: Rough Diagram
    • Sample Fixturing Plan (draft/not to scale)
    • Product Categorization
    • Adjacency Planning
    • 1 Sample Planogram for Wall
    • 1 Sample Planogram for Floor Unit

“Natalie’s approach to retail is superior! Her eye and understanding of product layout and planning effectively captures the customers attention and buying pulses that result in quality sales transactions. I say “Quality” because it actually addresses a customers needs and wants through showing how it can add value to their lifestyle – Simply Outstanding!”David Lui, Vice President, North West Company, Canada

To maximize project efficiencies the recommendations report will be emailed. The fee above is exclusive to Vancouver Lower Mainland. Travel times extra for out of town locations.


VIRTUAL CONSULTING

Out-of-town retailers may benefit from consulting packages through Virtual Consulting. Send in photos of your shop as viewed by customers – as they walk in, views to the left and right, as well as back sections of the shop. Upon receipt of these photos, an Assessment & Recommendations Report will be sent back via email. This package includes:

  • Assessment & Recommendations Report

    The report includes the following:

    • Retail Image and ID
    • Sign Hierarchy Placement
    • Store Layout: Rough Diagram
    • Sample Fixturing Plan (draft/not to scale)
    • Product Categorization
    • Adjacency Planning
    • 1 Sample Planogram for Wall
    • 1 Sample Planogram for Floor Unit

Click here to see a recent successful virtual consultation project done with The Mad Potter in Houston, TX.

“Natalie Tan’s passion for excellence continues to exceed all expectations. Natalie is dynamic with her enthusiast approach using strong business acumen to increase top line sales based on seasonal changes, needs and trends. Service is one of the best! She has become our go to merchandising sensation!”Erin & Steve Racioppi, Owners, The Mad Potter

SIGN TEMPLATE DEVELOPMENT

This is an optional add-on to any of the consulting packages. Sample signs and a Sign Template CD will be made using Microsoft Publisher. Logos are requested in a .jpg format.

  • Retail signs

    • Category Sign
    • Unit Topper
    • Price Signs: Quarter and Shelf Talker
    • Operational Sign
    • Sale Sign (3 sizes)

  • Food Unit signs

    • Feature sample poster
    • Sample counter sign
    • Sample table tents
    • Take-Out/Delivery Menu sample

    Food styling and photography is available at additional cost.

“Natalie’s organization, professionalism, and ability to stay on schedule impressed us and in the end her design and display strategies delivered! In the four months following the redesign of the store, our sales were up 25% from the previous year at that location, and only 16% at the other two. The best part is, we were able to do all of this remotely!”Erin & Steve Racioppi, Owners, The Mad Potter