CrossCheck Blog

CrossCheck Blog

Check Processing & Payments Information

Stand Out From the Crowd

Posted by Kris Coughtry | Thu, Aug 18, 2011 @ 04:40 AM

Stand Out From the Crowd Think it's impossible to grow your business during a lackluster economy? Several national retailers are growing at a rapid rate and they are doing it in ways that businesses of all sizes can embrace. The 2011 Hot 100 Retailers from Stores magazine found a variety of national retailers that have thrived during our sluggish business climate by creating their own identity and standing out in a competitive market.

Taking our cue from top retailers in the Stores' list, here are three ways you can make your business stand out and grow.


  1. Focus on specific segments
    The number one retailer on Stores' list is Ascena Retail Group (formerly Dress Barn). While many clothing retailers have shuttered their doors in the past couple of years, Ascena saw 59.9 percent growth in 2009 to 2010. Their key strategy has been to create distinct market segments for each of their brands. Ascena's flagship store, now dressbarn, caters to 35-55 year old women looking for casual and affordable fashion. Their Maurice stores target a younger group (17 - 35 year olds) while their Justice stores target the 7-14 year old customer. This allows Ascena to create strong brand loyalty and differentiate their business from mass retailers and department stores.
  2. Pay attention to detail
    "Think Different" was the slogan Apple used to market their computers over ten years ago. That same idea has gone into their wildly successful retail stores and they have carried through their unique brand at the store level by a strict attention to detail that can't be matched. Everything from airy interiors, attractive lighting, a focus on personalized customer service and technical help through their Genius Bars are fine-tuned and consistent throughout the locations.
  3. Entice consumers to keep spending
    Online leader Amazon.com has been on the Hot 100 list every year since 2006 and at #2 this year, they don't really have to try harder. Their growth comes from grasping onto an expanding list of innovative new technology-based initiatives and making them easily available to customers. Music downloads, streaming video and a growing role as a publisher of e-books is helping Amazon create their own unique retail identity.

Are there ways to incorporate these tips into your own business plan? At CrossCheck, we offer several technology-based services designed to meet specific industry needs. Visit our Industry pages to see how these services can benefit your business.

Topics: Retail

Written by Kris Coughtry