Marketing Tips, Tools & Consulting for Natural Product Retailers
askDebby.com PICKS
Retailers ask me all the time about products that I like (and use), products that I've seen at shows that hit my fancy, and vendors that I know are interested in supporting natural product retailers.
I this page I will be featuring "my askDebby.com picks" that you might find interesting and sometimes a bit entertaining.
NOTE: None of my comments are paid endorsements... just another way for me to share. Enjoy the adventure!
Wish to share a comment, arrange for askDebby.com to sample a product (I'd love to as long as it has great ingredients and is vegetarian), or ask a question? Please do
I this page I will be featuring "my askDebby.com picks" that you might find interesting and sometimes a bit entertaining.
NOTE: None of my comments are paid endorsements... just another way for me to share. Enjoy the adventure!
Wish to share a comment, arrange for askDebby.com to sample a product (I'd love to as long as it has great ingredients and is vegetarian), or ask a question? Please do
A company that truly partners with your investment!
As you kno
w I partner with companies that not only offer quality, science based, products but they go a step further in how they support retailers within our industry. It's great for a retailer to bring in new items but what about the partnership of helping those products sell?
I like to think of this as "investment partnering" which includes staff training, POP materials, educating consumers, creative event and marketing campaigns, social networking (marketing) that drive awareness (and sales), and my list goes on and on.
Over the years I've grown very fond of few companies that really "step-up" and think outside the box to offer education and support that goes above and beyond. This askDebby.com PICK is about one of those "sparklers" that I would like to say "thank you" to. (Remember, this is not a paid endorsement... it's how I honestly feel.)
Natural Factors. Thank you for how you have supported the industry in so many ways. The innovative products that you have brought to our shelves, the talented educators that you have made available to us, and how you've supported the Natural Products Association (NPA - our industry's association) to help us be able to thrive and
stay in business. I say "I" as a retailer since that's the voice I carry to you... thank you!
When I've presented creative marketing concepts for my retailer clients and friends ... you were always right there "Natural Factors" offering support. You have always allocated resources towards educating the consumer (and retailer staff)... for example: Dr. Murray ... what a great spokesperson for our industry.
Let's not
forget the show stopper at SOHO (the Southeast NPA annual region trade show and educational event) this past December when you surprised us by sponsoring John Gray, PhD, the best selling author of "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." John has written a new book "Mars on Fire, Venus on Ice" all about hormonal balance and about it being the key to life, love, and energy that was another home-run promotion that has supported tons of sales from our shelves.
Okay... I figured that I couldn't forget one of my favorite "marketable" products... PGX. Here's another example of your (Natural Factors) commitment to drive sales directly to natural product retailers. From Dr. Murray talking about controlling appetite to his mainstream following... to the
flyers that you distribute about Julia Havey mentioning that the product is available at Health Food Stores nationwide. (Julia has a real down-to-earth way of sharing about her weight loss and ideas on how to keep it off - a great resource to share with your customers!) If you haven't read her book... check it and her out - she is a hoot.
Click on the PGX flyer sample above to view it up close and personal!
Check out the website PGX.com that Natural Factors created for consumers. There, consumers become part of a community that is educated about the benefits of PGX and is encouraged to stay connected to its benefits. Brilliant!
We know that education is key in our industry - its what helps us differentiate ourselves from the mass market.
Successful retailers build their marketing campaigns around education whether it be in-store, out in the community, or via the social marketing opportunities that help us spread our circle of influence and knowledge. So one last time I say, thank you Natural Factors for being the kind of company that is committed to partnering with retailers!
If you are interested about learning more about "investment partnering"... I encourage you to contact your Natural Factors representative and let them know what marketing adventures you have coming up or how you can plug into some of their educational campaigns... it's worth your investment to check it out! If you don't know your representative's I've made this real easy... here's Natural Factors' USA telephone number: (425) 513-8800.
Enjoy the ride!
As you kno
w I partner with companies that not only offer quality, science based, products but they go a step further in how they support retailers within our industry. It's great for a retailer to bring in new items but what about the partnership of helping those products sell? I like to think of this as "investment partnering" which includes staff training, POP materials, educating consumers, creative event and marketing campaigns, social networking (marketing) that drive awareness (and sales), and my list goes on and on.Over the years I've grown very fond of few companies that really "step-up" and think outside the box to offer education and support that goes above and beyond. This askDebby.com PICK is about one of those "sparklers" that I would like to say "thank you" to. (Remember, this is not a paid endorsement... it's how I honestly feel.)
Natural Factors. Thank you for how you have supported the industry in so many ways. The innovative products that you have brought to our shelves, the talented educators that you have made available to us, and how you've supported the Natural Products Association (NPA - our industry's association) to help us be able to thrive and
stay in business. I say "I" as a retailer since that's the voice I carry to you... thank you!When I've presented creative marketing concepts for my retailer clients and friends ... you were always right there "Natural Factors" offering support. You have always allocated resources towards educating the consumer (and retailer staff)... for example: Dr. Murray ... what a great spokesperson for our industry.
Let's not
forget the show stopper at SOHO (the Southeast NPA annual region trade show and educational event) this past December when you surprised us by sponsoring John Gray, PhD, the best selling author of "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." John has written a new book "Mars on Fire, Venus on Ice" all about hormonal balance and about it being the key to life, love, and energy that was another home-run promotion that has supported tons of sales from our shelves. Okay... I figured that I couldn't forget one of my favorite "marketable" products... PGX. Here's another example of your (Natural Factors) commitment to drive sales directly to natural product retailers. From Dr. Murray talking about controlling appetite to his mainstream following... to the
flyers that you distribute about Julia Havey mentioning that the product is available at Health Food Stores nationwide. (Julia has a real down-to-earth way of sharing about her weight loss and ideas on how to keep it off - a great resource to share with your customers!) If you haven't read her book... check it and her out - she is a hoot. Click on the PGX flyer sample above to view it up close and personal!
Check out the website PGX.com that Natural Factors created for consumers. There, consumers become part of a community that is educated about the benefits of PGX and is encouraged to stay connected to its benefits. Brilliant!
We know that education is key in our industry - its what helps us differentiate ourselves from the mass market.
Successful retailers build their marketing campaigns around education whether it be in-store, out in the community, or via the social marketing opportunities that help us spread our circle of influence and knowledge. So one last time I say, thank you Natural Factors for being the kind of company that is committed to partnering with retailers!
If you are interested about learning more about "investment partnering"... I encourage you to contact your Natural Factors representative and let them know what marketing adventures you have coming up or how you can plug into some of their educational campaigns... it's worth your investment to check it out! If you don't know your representative's I've made this real easy... here's Natural Factors' USA telephone number: (425) 513-8800.
Enjoy the ride!
MUST HAVE Signage Supplies 
Over the years I have personally made or supported other in preparing and displays thousands and thousands of signs - all sizes and shapes.
askDebby.com has become a well visited resource for down loading retail merchandising and sale signs and now it's time to make sure that you have the support information to go along with the templates that you've collected.
Below you'll find must list of must haves. Please note that I receive no compensation from offering these suggestions. These are items that I have been using and offering as suggestions to retailers for years. No strings attached, I just want to show examples of what has worked for me and tons of others!
Heavy Duty Pouch Laminator
www.usi-laminate.com
model: HD 1200
Debby's Note: I used this model of laminator for over 10 years (with a 7-store chain) and left before it's life ended. I purchased one just after that hand have had it in my office since 2000 and it's till running strong. It's a terrific machine designed for a retail work load. Well worth your investment.
Laminating Pouches
www.usi-laminate.com
I have always used the Opti-Clear 9" x 11.5" letter size - today there are a lot more choices. If your signs are inside and could possibly have a reflection you might consider a matte finish. These are my thickness suggestions:
5 ml Heavy Duty Pouches (long lasting and very firm)
3 ml Thinner Pouches (able to bend easier)
Debby's Note: To make signs long lasting and water proof be sure to cut each sign out and then lay multiple signs down on the laminate material leaving spaces in between each sign allowing the heated laminate to seal each sign completely.
A little more work - but makes your signs last a very long time.
Another Debby's Note: Be sure to round the edges of signs that can come in contact with customers and staff since the laminated material becomes very rigid and the point are very sharp. The rounded edges seem to h
elp the signs last longer - not as easy to get bent up corners.
Signage Display Supplies
Get the FFR-DSI Yellow Pages Product Catalog
www.ffr-dsi.com
800-422-2547
Any kind of fixture that you could possible need for displaying signs, posters, banners, etc., can be found via FFR-DSI. I find that by having the printed catalog (Yellow Pages) for viewing and then ordering online is the perfect way to go. They also have a sampling program with purchase.
This should help get you started!
Let me know if you have any questions.
Over the years I have personally made or supported other in preparing and displays thousands and thousands of signs - all sizes and shapes.
askDebby.com has become a well visited resource for down loading retail merchandising and sale signs and now it's time to make sure that you have the support information to go along with the templates that you've collected.
Below you'll find must list of must haves. Please note that I receive no compensation from offering these suggestions. These are items that I have been using and offering as suggestions to retailers for years. No strings attached, I just want to show examples of what has worked for me and tons of others!
Heavy Duty Pouch Laminator
www.usi-laminate.com
model: HD 1200
Debby's Note: I used this model of laminator for over 10 years (with a 7-store chain) and left before it's life ended. I purchased one just after that hand have had it in my office since 2000 and it's till running strong. It's a terrific machine designed for a retail work load. Well worth your investment.
Laminating Pouches
www.usi-laminate.com
I have always used the Opti-Clear 9" x 11.5" letter size - today there are a lot more choices. If your signs are inside and could possibly have a reflection you might consider a matte finish. These are my thickness suggestions:
5 ml Heavy Duty Pouches (long lasting and very firm)
3 ml Thinner Pouches (able to bend easier)
Debby's Note: To make signs long lasting and water proof be sure to cut each sign out and then lay multiple signs down on the laminate material leaving spaces in between each sign allowing the heated laminate to seal each sign completely.
A little more work - but makes your signs last a very long time.
Another Debby's Note: Be sure to round the edges of signs that can come in contact with customers and staff since the laminated material becomes very rigid and the point are very sharp. The rounded edges seem to h
elp the signs last longer - not as easy to get bent up corners.Signage Display Supplies
Get the FFR-DSI Yellow Pages Product Catalog
www.ffr-dsi.com
800-422-2547
Any kind of fixture that you could possible need for displaying signs, posters, banners, etc., can be found via FFR-DSI. I find that by having the printed catalog (Yellow Pages) for viewing and then ordering online is the perfect way to go. They also have a sampling program with purchase.
This should help get you started!
Let me know if you have any questions.
Reusing Saved Water - One Lick At A Time
www.azulconservationproducts.com
I discovered a great product (company) while I was attending Expo West in Anaheim last month (March 2010) and I just can't tell you how much it's changed how I conserve water in my personal / home life. I believed that I was water conservative before... but this really opened my eyes to my personal waste of water and has changed the way that I will do some things from now on... for life!
I just love the Azula Conservation Products' "Ripple" Water Saving Buckets and so do my cats! I place these buckets by the bathroom sink, kitchen sink, and in my shower. Every time my husband or I turn on a faucet we save water into these buckets that can be reused. Just think about that for a moment... how many times have you turned the water on only to let it run down the drain while waiting for hot water? You're not alone!
I was sold the moment I saw these buckets at the show... but it wasn't until I started using them that
I understood how much more I could do to conserve. My husband and I use the water that we save daily with our buckets to flush toilets, water plants, rinse dishes, clean the house, wash the floors, and yes... offer drinking water to our kitties Tallulah and Maggie. (Maggie is the one pictured above.)
My cats think that they have discovered the best treat ever - water in bright containers up off the floor in all kinds of special places.
The buckets come in a set of 3 that fold down to practically nothing... making it easy to pack in a suitcase and travel with. Making a difference can be practiced most anywhere. Can you tell that I'm excited? Well I am!
So now how can Ripple buckets parlay into sales? Offering a product in your store that improves wellness of our planet is an important part of who we are and what we offer. With these buckets you can educate people in your store and out in your community about reusing and conservation. I believe this is a "golden" or should I say "green" marketing opportunity! If nothing else... buy a bucket, give a bucket... make a difference! You're going to love it!
Check out this water usage calculator from www.h20conserve.org that I discovered from www.twitter.com/azulwater. Lots of great information that you can use to support water conservation education!
www.azulconservationproducts.com
I discovered a great product (company) while I was attending Expo West in Anaheim last month (March 2010) and I just can't tell you how much it's changed how I conserve water in my personal / home life. I believed that I was water conservative before... but this really opened my eyes to my personal waste of water and has changed the way that I will do some things from now on... for life!
I just love the Azula Conservation Products' "Ripple" Water Saving Buckets and so do my cats! I place these buckets by the bathroom sink, kitchen sink, and in my shower. Every time my husband or I turn on a faucet we save water into these buckets that can be reused. Just think about that for a moment... how many times have you turned the water on only to let it run down the drain while waiting for hot water? You're not alone!I was sold the moment I saw these buckets at the show... but it wasn't until I started using them that
I understood how much more I could do to conserve. My husband and I use the water that we save daily with our buckets to flush toilets, water plants, rinse dishes, clean the house, wash the floors, and yes... offer drinking water to our kitties Tallulah and Maggie. (Maggie is the one pictured above.) My cats think that they have discovered the best treat ever - water in bright containers up off the floor in all kinds of special places.
The buckets come in a set of 3 that fold down to practically nothing... making it easy to pack in a suitcase and travel with. Making a difference can be practiced most anywhere. Can you tell that I'm excited? Well I am!
So now how can Ripple buckets parlay into sales? Offering a product in your store that improves wellness of our planet is an important part of who we are and what we offer. With these buckets you can educate people in your store and out in your community about reusing and conservation. I believe this is a "golden" or should I say "green" marketing opportunity! If nothing else... buy a bucket, give a bucket... make a difference! You're going to love it!
Check out this water usage calculator from www.h20conserve.org that I discovered from www.twitter.com/azulwater. Lots of great information that you can use to support water conservation education!
Tell Your Senators to OPPOSE S. 3002, the Dietary Supplement Safety Act
If a new bill, the Dietary Supplement Safety Act, S. 3002 passes, it will amend the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) and have severe consequences for both suppliers and retailers.
If you manufacture, distribute or broker dietary supplements or, if you supply dietary ingredients, this is how this new legislation could affect you.
Let your and your customers' voices be heard. Take action today! LEARN MORE>>
Download Save Our Supplements shelf talkers to help spread the word.
If a new bill, the Dietary Supplement Safety Act, S. 3002 passes, it will amend the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) and have severe consequences for both suppliers and retailers.
If you manufacture, distribute or broker dietary supplements or, if you supply dietary ingredients, this is how this new legislation could affect you.
Let your and your customers' voices be heard. Take action today! LEARN MORE>>
Download Save Our Supplements shelf talkers to help spread the word.
A message worth sharing...
This is one of those videos that can easily be shared via your website, blogs, Twitter, Facebook... you name it! Not only is Health Child Healthy World an incredible resource for you to help educate your customers and staff... but it's one of those organization that truly makes a difference and is so easy to partner with. Enjoy and help spread the word!
This is one of those videos that can easily be shared via your website, blogs, Twitter, Facebook... you name it! Not only is Health Child Healthy World an incredible resource for you to help educate your customers and staff... but it's one of those organization that truly makes a difference and is so easy to partner with. Enjoy and help spread the word!
My new best friend!
www.barleans.com
Most of you know that I love to road bike (might be because I live in Florida and it's flat) and that nutrition is very important to me.
I discovered Barlean's Omega Swirl and started adding it into my smoothies and then I got creative and started drizzling it into or onto other favorites:
Okay now down to business. I'm always looking for products that give retailers an opportunity to grow sales that have what I call "good marketing potential." Consumers are looking for quality, nutritional value, and convenient easy delivery systems! These products have it all... plus the taste and texture is just amazing! They are so easy to demo from just using those little sampling spoons to creative recipes... the opportunity is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
I suggest that you go to the Barleans.com website to learn more about the complete line and attributes of Omega Swirl and be sure to contact them for a taste test.
Having an upcoming event? This product would be a huge success! Barlean's has great sell sheets (ready to download right from their website) that work really well for both staff and consumer education... check it out!
www.barleans.com
Most of you know that I love to road bike (might be because I live in Florida and it's flat) and that nutrition is very important to me. I discovered Barlean's Omega Swirl and started adding it into my smoothies and then I got creative and started drizzling it into or onto other favorites:
- oatmeal and french toast (Strawberry /Banana or the Pomegranate / Blueberry )
- toast (Strawberry /Banana)
- organic mixed greens salad (Total Omega Pomegranate / Blueberry with fresh blueberries as a dressing OMG)
- cottage cheese (all of them)
- steamed broccoli or asparagus (Lemon Zest)
- broiled fish (Lemon Zest)
Okay now down to business. I'm always looking for products that give retailers an opportunity to grow sales that have what I call "good marketing potential." Consumers are looking for quality, nutritional value, and convenient easy delivery systems! These products have it all... plus the taste and texture is just amazing! They are so easy to demo from just using those little sampling spoons to creative recipes... the opportunity is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
I suggest that you go to the Barleans.com website to learn more about the complete line and attributes of Omega Swirl and be sure to contact them for a taste test.
Having an upcoming event? This product would be a huge success! Barlean's has great sell sheets (ready to download right from their website) that work really well for both staff and consumer education... check it out!
Yummmmmmm
www.coconutbliss.com
I sampled (more times than I would like to admit) this incredible product while at Expo East and am just getting around to sharing the good news. Maybe because its summertime hot here in Florida... but I believe that my message is worth sharing - all year round.
I've been fascinated about the health benefits of coconuts for a couple of years now plus the growing concern about gluten. (I just ran out and snapped this shot of one of our 6 coconut palms that we enjoy in our backyard - sweet!) As a marketeer I look at product's marketing potential and through the eyes of the natural products retailer. I look for products that have multiple attributes so that customers can be engaged through quality, taste, health, and social responsibility benefits.
We are an industry of storytellers filled with passion. When we believe and are enthusiastic... it spreads. With that all said, Luna & Larry's Organic Coconut Bliss has great potential.
Okay the ingredients are right, the taste is there - no question. The packaging is beautiful and inviting (remember this page is all about what I like - no sponsorships are available here) and check out these marketable attributes:
Visit Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss website, it is filled with great information about their history, commitment, products, and ingredients. I encourage you to go check them out and try their product. You'll fall in love... promise! Enjoy. www.coconutbliss.com
www.coconutbliss.com
I sampled (more times than I would like to admit) this incredible product while at Expo East and am just getting around to sharing the good news. Maybe because its summertime hot here in Florida... but I believe that my message is worth sharing - all year round.I've been fascinated about the health benefits of coconuts for a couple of years now plus the growing concern about gluten. (I just ran out and snapped this shot of one of our 6 coconut palms that we enjoy in our backyard - sweet!) As a marketeer I look at product's marketing potential and through the eyes of the natural products retailer. I look for products that have multiple attributes so that customers can be engaged through quality, taste, health, and social responsibility benefits. We are an industry of storytellers filled with passion. When we believe and are enthusiastic... it spreads. With that all said, Luna & Larry's Organic Coconut Bliss has great potential.
Okay the ingredients are right, the taste is there - no question. The packaging is beautiful and inviting (remember this page is all about what I like - no sponsorships are available here) and check out these marketable attributes:
- Soy, Dairy & Gluten Free
- Certified Fair Trade Ingredients
- Agave Sweetened
- Low Glycemic
- Vegan
- USDA Organic
Visit Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss website, it is filled with great information about their history, commitment, products, and ingredients. I encourage you to go check them out and try their product. You'll fall in love... promise! Enjoy. www.coconutbliss.com
Yummmmmmm
www.patsypie.com
I discovered the GLUTEN-FREE line "PatsyPie" when up at a show in New Jersey last November. I fell in love with their chocolate chip cookie. Oh my gosh... you should see the amount of yummy chocolate chips that are in each cookie. The cookies are big, look and taste hand-hand... plus are delicious. Everyone I've shared them wants to know: the brand, where to get them, and if they can have more! A true hit in my house.The "PatsyPie" story is fun and offers a great opportunity for retailers to engage customers... just like in the old-days when we used to tell the stories about someone's passion and how their companies got started. Guess what... customers still like those stories. They're real!
I asked Pat of "PatsyPie" to tell me about the company and what makes their products different... here's part of an interview that she shared with me:
The "PatsyPie" name in gluten-free has become well known in a relatively short period of time. What sets your bakery apart?
I guess it's my basic philosophy. I don't believe it's enough to be just a gluten-free bakery. My goal from the start was to build a really good bakery that just happens to make only gluten-free products.
I think that's the big difference between us and others. The way I see it, there's no reason why any gluten-free product shouldn't taste as good or better than regular baked treats.
Has your outlook been shaped by the fact you're also celiac?
Definitely! I was diagnosed in 1987. Often, over the years, I'd hear about a gluten-free bakery in one place or another. New York. Boston. Ottawa. Maine. Vancouver. Toronto. And I'd drag my husband and daughters along to find these wonderful goodies. But I can't recall a single time I wasn't disappointed.
Yes, the baked goods were gluten-free. But they were also excessively sweet or pasty or dry or crumbly or had this terrible aftertaste. When I started PatsyPie, I vowed I would never be that sort of bakery. I will not disappoint people the same way those bakeries disappointed me.
What also bothered me was that many of them were not 100% gluten-free. PatsyPie is strictly gluten-free—right down to the lunches our employees bring to work.
As a longtime celiac, how do you know if a cookie tastes like the real thing?
I don't. That's why I taste-test all my products on non-celiacs. If they like it without realizing it's gluten-free, then I know I'm on to something good.
You're now sold across Canada and the United States. Do you still make everything by hand?
Yes! Right down to the fork marks on our Peanut Butter Cookies. To be honest, I'm not sure we'll be able to remain hand-crafted forever, but I am going to try for as long as I can. Regardless, I have no intention of changing the quality of what goes inside our bags. I will never settle for less than the best.
Your bags are bigger than most—about 10 oz and over. Why?
It goes back to my childhood. I loved the excitement of reaching deep into a bag and pulling out a big crunchy cookie. Yes, our bags are bigger, but penny for penny they cost no more than your average gluten-free cookie. Fact is, we offer higher quality for less. We don't cut corners. The chocolate we use, for instance, comes from Callebaut.
Where can we learn more about you and PatsyPie products?
The best resource is my website at www.patsypie.com. You can also reach me by email at info@patsypie.com or toll-free at 1-87-PATSY-PIE.