Blog of insight
Tell Me What You Do NOT Want To Buy
Leveraging Negative Feedback: A Path to Customer Satisfaction​ Have you ever noticed that sometimes when customers are browsing through our store, they might make negative comments about products or displays? It’s a common scenario, and one that often leaves employees feeling unsure about how to respond. However, what if I told you that these negative…
What Retailers Are Saying About 2025
A Look Inside the Latest Survey—Straight From the Front Lines Earlier this spring, we sent out a survey to hear how you’re doing. Not just in numbers—but in reality. What’s actually happening inside your stores, what you’re hearing from your customers, and how this year is shaping up with all the curveballs flying in—tariffs, freight,…
Trust Is Still Your Superpower—Even in a Tough Market
National Small Business Week was May 4–10, 2025—and while we might not get parades or ticker tape, we do have something more valuable: the trust of the American consumer. At a time when uncertainty is everywhere—especially with rising tariffs making headlines again—small businesses are still standing tall in the eyes of the public. According to the latest…
Exciting New Beginnings: Welcoming Licensed Brands to Melrose International
2025 is going to be an exciting year for Melrose as we celebrate 40 years and bring in some big-name licensed collections. We are thrilled to announce that we’re expanding our catalog and our showrooms to include an array of iconic licensed brands—each with their own exclusive collection—bringing your store even more unique, high-quality products…
Utilizing AI for Tradeshows and Trending
As trade show season approaches, retailers are gearing up for the excitement and opportunities that come with exploring new trends and making strategic buying decisions. Whether you’re on the hunt for the next big thing in Christmas décor or looking to refresh your product lineup. ChatGPT4o can be a powerful tool to streamline your preparation,…
Retail Renaissance: How Independent Stores are Winning with Superior Customer Service
Residing in the heart of downtown Chicago offers me a unique vantage point as the head of marketing and sales, allowing me to closely observe and interact with both big box retailers in the Loop and independent stores on the Northside. Intrigued by the burgeoning “retail renaissance” and the noticeable pivot of consumers towards independent…
Navigating 2024 Holiday Season: What Retailers Need to Know
As we gear up for another holiday season, it’s time to face some hard truths. The retail world is changing fast, and the challenges for 2024 are more complex than ever. If you’re in the trenches like I am, you know that prepping for Q4 isn’t just about stocking up on inventory and decking the…
Karl Venvertloh Appointed as President of Melrose International
Quincy, IL, 17-June-2024 – Melrose International is excited to announce the promotion of Karl Venvertloh to the position of President of Melrose International, effective today. This marks a significant milestone in the continued growth and evolution of Melrose International. Richard A. Mettemeyer (Rich), who has held the dual roles of President and Chief Executive Officer…
