Green Is the Word
One of the Top 10 Retail Trends for 2019 (according to Stores magazine) is consumers demanding transparency regarding a retailer’s “green-ness.” According to forecasters, programs aimed at reducing a brand’s or retailer’s carbon footprint, having a backstory focused on sustainability and products using recycled materials, and a retailer’s green business practices will be rewarded at retail.
Keep that in mind when planning merchandising and marketing.
Several eyewear companies are already on board with this concept, touting their recyclable (or recycled) materials and green business practices. Working in tandem with them—and highlighting those products’ claims—can foster goodwill and loyalty from patients. —Susan Tarrant
You’re Hired
What are the most sought-after skill sets in the job market? First off, speak up.
According to LinkedIn’s 2018 U.S. Emerging Jobs Report, “Oral communication remains the skill group with the biggest shortage in nearly every city across the country.”
The report pinpoints the 10 most in-demand skills (and nearly half are soft skills!) in today’s competitive landscape:
- Oral Communication
- People Management
- Development Tools
- Social Media
- Business Management
- Time Management
- Leadership
- Graphic Design
- Data Science
- Web Development
—Kerri Ann Raimo
Pearle Shines
For the 11th year in a row, Pearle Vision has been recognized as one of the country’s top health franchises by Entrepreneur magazine. It’s ranked No. 75 on the magazine’s “Franchise 500” list, placing it in the top 15% of all franchises. The key factors for consideration are costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, financial strength, and stability.
The ranking comes during a period of growth for Pearle Vision. In 2018, new franchise locations opened across the U.S., including multiple locations in Florida and California.
In early 2019, Pearle Vision plans to open franchises in cities across Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, and Ohio, and the brand will continue an aggressive push into Canada. —S.T.