Polestar Raises $550 Million from New Investors; Further Fundraising Considered
Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car company, has raised $550 million (USD) from a group of long-term financial investors.
The private placement of newly issued shares marks the first-time external investors have backed Polestar’s products, brand, industrial capability, financial ambitions and high growth potential.
The new investments come as the global market for electric cars is growing strongly, with consumers increasingly prepared to combine e-mobility with their environmental aspirations. Simultaneously, the technology behind electric cars is advancing and becoming more economical, making mass consumer adoption of electric vehicles an imminent reality.
These factors led to Polestar attracting considerable interest from a range of external investors as part of its fundraising activities. Polestar also confirms it is in ongoing discussions with global investors about possible additional fundraising. Full financial details of the transaction are not being disclosed at this stage.
The group of investors is led by Chongqing Chengxing Equity Investment Fund Partnership, Zibo Financial Holding and Zibo Hightech Industrial Investment. They have been joined by I Cube Capital, an arm of SK Inc., the South Korean global conglomerate, and a range of other investors.
The new investment sets the stage for future growth by diversifying Polestar’s funding structure. It deepens the pool of resources available to accelerate product development and technological capabilities ahead of launching several ground-breaking cars in the coming years.
Since the brand’s launch in October 2017, Polestar has developed its own high-quality manufacturing facility in China, built a global sales and distribution operation, and successfully launched two vehicles – Polestar 1 and Polestar 2 to extremely positive customer feedback and media reviews.
“Our new investors have recognized that Polestar offers an alluring combination of established industrial and technological capability alongside superlative growth potential as the global auto industry goes electric,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar.
Photo Credit: Polestar Media NewsroomPhoto Credit: Polestar Media NewsroomPhoto Credit: Polestar Media NewsroomPhoto Credit: Polestar Media Newsroom
Marine Layer Wines Launches in Downtown Healdsburg
Marine Layer Wines, a modern new winery that brings the soul of the Sonoma Coast to life with its lineup of small production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, has officially launched, with a tasting room opening in downtown Healdsburg, June 2021.
Marine Layer was created by a tight-knit team of free-spirited colleagues who share a devotion to quality wine, genuine hospitality and living life to the fullest. They have already amassed a small cult-like following of industry insiders and locals who have embraced their stellar lineup from sought-after vineyard sites.
“This winery is a passion project many years in the making for the team,” said Baron Ziegler, founder of Marine Layer. “It’s pretty rare that you get the chance to work with a group that has this much joy for their craft, and it’s no surprise that it’s expressed through our wine, which is authentic, small-batch, and sustainably sourced. We can’t wait to share Marine Layer wines with everyone.”
The name Marine Layer pays homage to the prominent blanket of fog that pours in from the Pacific. Known for cooler temperatures and wild and rugged terrain, the wines are vibrant, structured, and finessed. With a focus on sustainable farming, heritage clones, and hand-harvesting, Marine Layer’s obsession for quality guides their path. Every bottling of Marine Layer is produced in tiny quantities, some as small as four barrels.
“With decades of experience and deeply rooted relationships with the top growers in the Sonoma Coast, we built Marine Layer with an intimate knowledge of this region,” said Winemaker Rob Fischer. “Our wines are a pure expression of the land, history and soul of the Sonoma Coast.”
Marine Layer has partnered with local designers, the Hommeboys, who have perfectly captured the spirit of the Sonoma Coast in the design of the tasting room. With its warm, earthy tones, low-key coastal vibe and layered textures, the space exudes the look and feel of the ultimate laid-back Northern California retreat. Marine Layer’s Tasting Room is slated to open in downtown Healdsburg, June 2021.
The best ways to hydrate & the benefits of alkaline water.
We all know that water is foundational to our well-being. Our health and our life depend on it. Yet, an estimated 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, a figure that is exacerbated by the constant consumption of caffeinated beverages, alcohol and diets high in sodium. We’ve all experienced fatigue, irritability, headaches, or a foggy mind from dehydration. So why not pay more attention to how we hydrate? The simple act of drinking refreshing alkaline water, monitoring consumption, and developing better hydration habits can boost energy, support skin and immune health, and so much more. Here’s how you can get started.
What is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water has a higher pH level, typically 8 or 9, as opposed to regular water which taps out around 7. Water with a higher pH can help balance the acid in your body, support a healthy immune system, keep things moving, and ultimately achieve a more premium state of hydration. For these and many other benefits, alkaline water has been deemed the go-to water option in achieving optimum hydration.
One brand we recommend is, Perfect Hydration (pH) Alkaline Water, which has a pH level of 9.5 and a unique blend of electrolyte minerals, without the sodium and chlorine used by most other water brands. Ultra-purified and ionized, pH’s 9 stage-filtration process also results in an incredibly crisp and refreshing taste, making it easier to consume higher quantities of water at a time.
Who should drink alkaline water?
Short answer – everyone! Alkaline is safe to drink at all ages and stages of life. Over the past year as many people transitioned to work from home due to the pandemic, alkaline water has become a popular choice for consumers looking to support their immune health, particularly those increasingly seeking solutions that can be easily incorporated into their daily routines.
Alkaline water has also been adopted by many top tier athletes – including Julian Edelman (NFL Wide Receiver), Alfonzo McKinnie (NBA Player), Livlo Golding (Fitness Expert), Summer Fenton (Professional Snowboarder) and Sierra Blair Coyle (Professional Rock Climber) – who have all partnered with Perfect Hydration to keep their bodies in a peak, hydrated state for ultimate performance. Any athlete knows that water consumption to replace sweat loss is essential in thermoregulation and preventing cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and more.
In the hot, summer months, hydration becomes even more important. Avoiding products with high sugar and sodium levels is key among health-minded individuals who are swapping complicated, sugar-dense beverages with functional beverages that serve the body.
What Alkaline Water Can Do For You
Beyond hydration and immunity, alkaline water is believed to have properties that aid in:
detoxifying the body
weight loss
cancer resistance
colon-cleansing
reducing bone loss
reducing headaches and inflammation
stress management
improving metabolism and digestion
Size Matters
In attempting to keep the body in an optimum state of hydration, consuming adequate quantities water is key. Recommended daily intake of water ranges from about 11-16 cups or 88-128 oz. But the average intake among Americans is about 3.9 cups per day, indicating that small sips from a glass throughout the day just isn’t enough. Keeping a liter or more on hand at all times allows you to track the amount of water you are consuming to ensure your hydration goals are met.
Perfect Hydration recently launched a 1.5 liter bottle and one-gallon bottle at select Ralph’s stores in southern California and CVS stores across the US. These new sizes are flying off the shelves as consumers call for function, value and convenience in every water product they purchase.
Currently Trending…
The alkaline water industry is catching on to consumer’s desire for packaging beyond plastic, pushing beverage leaders to think about their sustainability practices. This year, Perfect Hydration is launching their premium, enhanced water in 16.9 oz. recyclable aluminum cans to meet the growing demand for functionality, hydration, and sustainability. They are also converting their 1-liter, 1.5-liter and 1-gallon bottles to post-consumer recycled plastic (rPET) as a part of their commitment to serve the wellness of consumers and the health of the planet.
Unlike other brands that mine water sheds and mineral springs, pH uses US-based renewable water sources. They don’t have to ship water to or from remote locations across the globe, which means lower carbon emissions as a result of less freight. In addition, Perfect Hydration’s current bottles are made of BPA-free, 100% recyclable PET-1, which is the most commonly recycled plastic on the planet.
Perfect Hydration is also an Official Supporter of the American Red Cross, offering $250k in donations that benefit disaster relief and blood services programs.
Their model proves proper hydration can be achieved in tandem with eco-conscious and community-based efforts.
A Bright Future
It may not surprise you that global sales and consumption of alkaline water continues to steadily rise, with sales growth consistent at more than 40% per year since 2013, according to a report by Zenith Global. Its benefits are wide reaching, and the crisp taste has consumers coming back for more.
The limited-edition collaboration brings together two American icons, combining Coach’s distinct attitude and legacy of craftmanship with Champion’s authority in authentic athletic apparel. Featuring leather bags, leather jogger pants, sweaters and shearling jackets printed with new branding that unites Coach’s storypatch, one of its house symbols, with Champion’s iconic C-logo, the collection reimagines the shared heritage of both brands with a fresh, modern lens.
To celebrate the new collection, Coach released a series of campaign images and “How to Coach a Champion” TikTok challenges. The challenges star Wisdom Kaye, the platform’s most fashionable star, stylist Maha Gondal, known for advocating modest style, and Jeffrey Tung, singer, actor and star of China’s “Idol Producer.” In the campaign, the cast invites Coach and Champion fans to participate in a series of fun challenges inspired by Coach’s fashion authority and Champion’s expertise in athleticwear.
“I’m excited to introduce Coach x Champion, a collection grounded in the authentic American heritage we share,” said Coach Creative Director Stuart Vevers. “I was inspired by the idea of elevating sportswear silhouettes in an unmistakably Coach way using leather, shearling and by combining our iconic symbols in a way that feels fresh, youthful and immediate.”
“The opportunity to partner with Stuart and the Coach team and merge the design expertise, as well as the great heritage of these two iconic American brands, is what was so inspiring,” said Champion Chief Global Design Officer Ned Munroe. “To be able to pair Champion’s roots in sport with Coach’s exceptional craftsmanship creates the opportunity for Champion’s iconic styles to come to life through a new and elevated lens.”
Coach is a leading design house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle collections, with a long-standing reputation built on quality craftsmanship. The brand approaches design with a modern vision, reimagining luxury for today with an authenticity and innovation that is uniquely Coach. All over the world, the Coach name is synonymous with effortless New York style.
Coach is a Tapestry, Inc. brand. Tapestry is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TPR.
About Champion
Since 1919, Champion Athleticwear has offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women including activewear, sweats, tees, sports bras, team uniforms, footwear and accessories. Champion uses innovative design and state-of-the-art product testing to ensure uncompromised quality and innovative apparel for its consumers. Champion Athleticwear can be purchased at department stores, sporting goods, specialty retailers, and at Champion. For more information, please contact us at 1-800-315-0563 or at Facebook, follow us on Twitter or on Instagram. Champion is a brand of HanesBrands.
Multi-platinum hitmaker and DJ Duke Dumont today announced a second performance at Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on September 11 after overwhelming popular demand for his first rescheduled date on September 10 which is now sold out. Hayden James has been announced as special guest for September 11. These will be Duke’s biggest solo shows in L.A. to date. Tickets for the newly added September 11 show go on sale this Friday, April 16 at 10:00 AM PT via AXS.
Duke Dumont and his fans are still celebrating the release of his staggering 2020 album, DUALITY, a culmination of his years of experience and a cathartic expression of his desire to embody the mentality of a true artist, liberated from genre specifics. Helped out by the platinum timeless hit, Ocean Drive, the album has achieved over 1 billion cumulative streams globally. The set’s 10 songs are split into two halves, one dancefloor-oriented and one introspective. Besides Duke Dumont’s own production and a brilliant array of vocal features, DUALITY also incorporates live string arrangements, guitar players, drummers, and stunning piano work.
A production dynamo responsible for a stunning back catalogue that includes international chart-topping hits, multiple Grammy nominations and bumpin’ Chicago-influenced underground productions, Duke Dumont is a contemporary electronic music powerhouse. His return to the live performance realm signals more musical innovation, and more opportunities to dance, to come.
Don’t miss Duke Dumont at Shrine Expo Hall on September 10 with The Magician and Classixx (DJ Set) and September 11 with special guest Hayden James. Ticket prices start at $34.50, plus applicable service charges. Shrine Expo Hall is located at 700 W. 32nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007; 213-748-5116.
Duke Dumont is a contemporary electronic music powerhouse. Deeply committed to creating high quality music imbued with emotional depth, Dumont is versatile, extremely adept and hard working. His illustrious career has taken him on tour around the world, many times over, and placed him in the top tier of electronic music artists of his ilk.
Since 2007 Duke Dumont has channeled his deep love for electronic music into a variety of acclaimed releases, moving through pumping electro and vibrant techno to conquer the UK charts with Need U (100%). His early releases on Tiga’s Turbo Recordings helped establish his reputation for producing high quality club music that moves the dance floor, physically and emotionally. By 2012 he’d produced two career-defining EPs – For Club Use, Vol 1 and For Club Use, Vol 2. Tracks like The Giver cemented Dumont’s rep for catchy hooks, precision arrangement and powerful emotion. A year later he hit the No.1 spot in the UK charts with Need U (100%) (featuring A*M*E), demonstrating his ability to merge classic house motifs with first-rate songwriting.
Need U (100%) was followed with another UK No.1 I Got U; both songs achieving platinum sales. Between 2013 and 2020 he hit the Billboard Dance Chart No.1 with seven singles, including The Power, Won’t Look Back and Ocean Drive. With each release Duke Dumont stayed true to his club roots, achieving widespread success.
DUKE DUMONT DROPS FOR CLUB PLAY ONLY PT. 7
The 2-track release features Channel Tres & Kid Enigma
Multi-platinum record maker Duke Dumont kicks off 2021 with new EP For Club Play Only Pt. 7, out now via Astralwerks. Listen HERE.
A two-track release, the seventh edition of Duke’s iconic ’For Club Play Only’series, kicks off with”Alter Ego,” a deep, seductive dance cut featuring the slick vocals of West Coast talent Channel Tres. On the flip side, ”Let Me Dance” is a pumping house jam punctuated by Chicago artist Kid Enigma’s high-energy flow.
His first release of the new year, it follows a 2020 that saw the release of Duke’s acclaimed debut album Duality, a diverse LP that delivered a range of sounds, from 90s breakbeat, to cinematic soundscapes, highlighting his breadth and versatility as a producer. A remix package for the album, Duality Remixed, followed later in the year.
With a back-catalogue that includes international chart no. 1 hits, multi-Grammy nominations and underground house music productions, Duke Dumont’s ability to defy genres is a testament to his artistry.
Over the past decade, he has been honing his skills and immersing himself in the infinite world of possibility that can be accessed through key, rhythm, tone, melody, and harmony. Duke Dumont has amassed over 3 billion streamsacross his portfolio of previous anthems, scoring several platinum-selling worldwide #1 singles in the process.
Duke Dumont marks his first release of the new year with two star-studded club cuts.
Duke Dumont Tour Dates:
Date City/State Venue
9/3 New York, NY Electric Zoo
9/10 Los Angeles, CA Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall SOLD OUT
9/11 Los Angeles, CA Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall SOLD OUT
INTRODUCING BEYOND GREEN: A PURPOSE-DRIVEN HOSPITALITY BRAND DEDICATED TO HELPING GLOBAL CITIZENS MAKE TRAVEL A FORCE FOR GOOD
Forward-Thinking Hotel Network Debuts Booking and Storytelling Platforms That Invite Travelers to Explore How to Travel Gently and Travel Well
Committed to building a better and brighter future for people and the planet, Beyond Green officially launches today as a curated guide for travelers seeking a more purposeful way to explore the world, featuring a global portfolio of 27 hotels, resorts, and lodges that exemplify sustainability in action. Debuting at the onset of a new era of travel in which protecting nature, benefitting local communities, and celebrating cultural diversity has taken center stage, this forward-thinking brandinvites travelers to discover, plan, and enjoy adventures that align with their sustainable travel values and aspirations through a variety of intuitive tools and experiences. These include a new brand website; dedicated storytelling via its @StayBeyondGreen social media accounts; exclusive benefits through I Prefer Hotel Rewards; and a celebratory, limited-time Journeyer’s Pick Package.
“At the heart of Beyond Green is a belief that to travel gently and with purpose is to travel well. More than ever, each of our individual travel choices make a difference, and, together with our outstanding member properties, we designed Beyond Green to make it easier for travelers to enjoy incredible luxury vacations that also support significant social and environmental change for the future,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of both Beyond Green and its parent company, Preferred Hotel Group. “The world has shown an unwavering need to Believe in Travel, and this is our defining moment to inspire a kinder and gentler way to explore the planet together, where good guests meet good hosts.”
“The question is no longer whether we can transform travel based upon sustainable tourism principles and practices to be a powerful force for saving nature, regenerating ecosystems, and providing tangible social and economic benefits to local people, while also celebrating cultural diversity and inclusiveness around the world. This is now happening, as also represented by Beyond Green members. Rather, the most important question is how travelers help can make sustainability the new normal around the world while also having a great vacation. The answer is when we travel the sustainable way – the Beyond Green way – we can have a positive impact right now on the places we visit,” said Costas Christ, Brand Leader of Beyond Green and President of Beyond Green Travel, also an entity of Preferred Hotel Group.
Digital-First Resources for Inspiration and Information
Experiential travelers looking for a more meaningful way to explore the world can now visit Beyond Green’s website for thoughtful, essential resources and tools to book truly sustainable luxury getaways, from Belize to Bora Bora. The new website features highly curated visual content of each member property and the experiences they offer, along with vivid stories about the world of sustainable travel through its Good Stories blog, where novel content, tips and advice will be added on a continuous basis. The brand also invites travelers to engage in daily dialogues about sustainable tourism, inspiring travel experiences, and best practices for being informed global citizens on social media by following its newly launched Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn channels and #StayBeyondGreen and #TravelGently online conversations.
I Prefer Hotel Rewards Member Benefits
As part of the Preferred Hotel Group family of brands, Beyond Green invites travelers to enroll in I Prefer to access meaningful rewards at more than 650 participating properties worldwide. In addition to receiving standard, I Prefer benefits such as points for every eligible stay and early check-in and late check-out privileges, I Prefer members who book stays at participating Beyond Green hotels, resorts, and lodges receive access to exclusive bonus points-earning opportunities that are tied to participation in on-property enrichment activities representative of the three pillars of sustainable tourism. Varying from property to property, these experiences range from an Ecology Tour in San Juan Capistrano at The Ranch at Laguna Beach in California to a specialized lecture on the Gobi Desert at Three Camel Lodge in Mongolia. I Prefer members with Elite-tier status will also receive a welcome amenity or community giving opportunity, in addition to earning 50 percent more bonus points during every eligible stay.
Celebratory Launch Offer
Whether seeking to stay within their own country or satisfy the pent-up desire to dust off their passport and go somewhere new, Beyond Green encourages travelers to seize the moment by taking advantage of a limited-time only Journeyer’s Pick Package, available at 15 participating properties for bookings made by September 30, 2021 for travel through December 31, 2021. Featuring the best available rate plus a unique local experience or meaningful memento exclusively available through this special offer, as well as 5,000 I Prefer bonus points, the Journeyer’s Pick Package include highlights such as, but not limited to:
Traditional sunset Dhow Cruise with snacks and drinks at andBeyond Mnemba Island
Guided walking tour of the Monastery of Panagia Spileotissa at Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas
Body scrub wellness experience using organic ingredients at Borgo Pignano
Polynesian outrigger experience at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Where Good Hosts Meet Good Guests: The Beyond Green Portfolio
With plans for steady, thoughtful growth, Beyond Green celebrates its official launch in collaboration with 27 inspiring member properties that each take a unique and genuine approach to hospitality while representing sustainable tourism leadership through actionable, measurable efforts:
Americas – andBeyond Vira Vira (Pucón, Chile); Arenas Del Mar Beach Front and Rainforest Resort (Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica), Bentwood Inn (Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA); Blancaneaux Lodge (Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize); Carneros Resort and Spa (Napa Valley, California, USA), Cavallo Point (Sausalito, California, USA); Islas Secas (Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama); Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur, California, USA); Ted Turner Reserves Vermejo (Raton, New Mexico, USA); The Ranch at Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach, California, USA); Turtle Inn (Placencia, Belize)
Africa – andBeyond Bateleur Camp (Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya); andBeyond Mnemba Island (Zanzibar, Tanzania); andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (Namib Desert, Namibia); Bushmans Kloof (Western Cape, South Africa); Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge (Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda); Wilderness Safaris DumaTau Camp (Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, Botswana); Wilderness Safaris Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp (Kaokoveld, Namibia); Wilderness Safaris Linkwasha Camp (Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe); Wilderness Safaris Mombo Camp (Okavango Delta, Botswana); Xigera Safari Lodge (Okavango Delta, Botswana)
Asia – InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (Bora Bora, French Polynesia); The Brando (Tetiaroa, French Polynesia); Three Camel Lodge (Gobi, Mongolia)
Travelers are invited to access more information on Beyond Green, its three key pillars of sustainable tourism, and its member properties, and book authentic, luxury travel experiences around the world by visiting Beyond Green.
About Beyond Green
Guided by a passion to embrace travel as a force for good, Beyond Green is a global portfolio of hotels, resorts, and lodges that exemplify sustainability leadership. To create a more purposeful way to explore the world where good guests meet good hosts, Beyond Green has curated a unique portfolio of properties based on their commitment to deliver on the three pillars of sustainable tourism: environmentally friendly practices that go beyond the basics; protection of natural and cultural heritage; and contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of local communities. To be considered for membership in Beyond Green, a property is vetted according to more than 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Owned and operated by Preferred Hotel Group – the family-owned company that manages and operates other hospitality brands including Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels of America, and Historic Hotels Worldwide – Beyond Green ushers in a new way to experience genuine hospitality by the people for the planet. For more information, visit Beyond Green.
About Preferred Hotel Group
Owned and operated by the Ueberroth Family, Preferred Hotel Group is the parent company of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Beyond Green, Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide, PHG Consulting, and Beyond Green Travel, representing more than 1,100 hotels, resorts, and residences across 80 countries, in addition to a global portfolio of destinations such as Suzhou, China; Guadalajara, Mexico; and Uganda. With more than 200 seasoned travel professionals situated across 20 countries, the company connects independent hotels, hospitality companies, destinations, and tourism bureaus to key markets worldwide through a variety of strategic branding, sales, integrated marketing, revenue management, and comprehensive distribution services, along with other consultancy services. Fueled by its brand promise, Believe in Travel, the company champions an unwavering belief in the transformative power of travel and its ability to enrich people’s lives and create greater tolerance. For more information on Preferred Hotel Group’s entities, please visit Preferred Hotels, Beyond Green, Historic Hotels, PHG Consulting, and Beyond Green Travel.
Customer Service Tips Every Boutique Retailer Should Try
By: Joseph Heller, small businesses expert and CEO of Supplied!
Supplied makes it easier for small boutique owners around the world to access high-quality, affordable wholesale boutique items, whether to stock their physical store or IG shop.
Do you remember the last time you had a truly fantastic customer service experience?
Maybe a cashier complimented your earrings, or maybe the person at the drive-thru unexpectedly threw an extra taco in for free. Or maybe you were just really vibin’ with the enthusiasm you could hear at the other end of the customer support line. Whatever it was, chances are it made you more excited to return and support that company with your business in the future.
Now… think back to the last time you had an awful customer service experience.
Was someone being unnecessarily difficult while you were trying to return a sweater, you’d bought a week ago? Or did someone leave you on hold for hours and hours? Or maybe someone just would NOT honor your coupon, even though you received it in an email yesterday?
Whatever that bad experience was… I’d be willing to bet it made you a whole lot less likely to go back anytime soon.
As Vince Lombardi famously said, “It takes months to find a customer and seconds to lose one.” One poor customer service experience could cause you to lose all of a valuable customer’s future business.
If you haven’t been making great customer service a major priority in your boutique lately, now is the time to change that.
Read on to learn 25 powerful (but easy!) customer service tips every retailer should try implementing in their business.
(If you’ve hired someone else as the main customer service rep for your boutique business, send this article along to them as a reminder!)
Top 25 Customer Service Tips
Focus on the customer in front of you
As a boutique owner, you’ve constantly got about a zillion and one thing that need your time and attention. But when it’s a customer you’re dealing with, zero in on them and their needs. Nobody likes feeling unimportant – make sure you give them your undivided attention while they’re talking to you, whether it’s over the phone, in person, or in your site’s live chat.
Be empathetic
Chances are, you’ve been in the exact same situation your customer’s in right now – whether they’re trying to figure out what size shoe to purchase or they’re trying to initiate a return for something that didn’t turn out the way they’d hoped. Do your best to see the situation from their perspective. You’ll be able to provide a better customer experience if you’re in touch with their needs and emotions.
Make an extra effort
Work tirelessly to solve your customer’s problems. If a customer wants a certain size that’s out of stock, double-check your inventory, let them know when they can expect that item to come back, offer them alternatives, or give them a discount code for their trouble. Your customers will appreciate you going the extra mile for them.
Improve systems
Customer service isn’t just about making your customer feel valued while you’re speaking to them – it’s also about providing a great all-around customer experience. Do a quick audit of your website and make sure it’s user-friendly. Is it easy to check out? Browse new arrivals? Search for specific items? Purchase using the payment method they prefer? If not, set aside some time to make some adjustments.
Identify their needs
There might be all sorts of things you could be doing to provide a better customer experience that you don’t even realize yet. Put together a short survey to send out to your customers about the checkout process and their past customer service experiences. It’ll show you what’s going well and what you could improve.
Use their name
Simple, but effective. Whenever a customer reaches out to you, take note of their name and use it. It’ll give your communications a more personal touch. (Don’t forget to introduce yourself by name, too!) Bonus points if you remember other personal details about them for next time.
Smile
Yes, even if you’re not talking to the customer in person! Make an effort to be friendly and positive, even if you’re just sitting at your desk at home – you can totally hear a smile through the phone, and it makes a difference.
Be generous
If you could spend $5 to secure a customer who’s loyal to you for life… would you do it? Sometimes, that’s all it takes. When a customer reaches out to you, your priority is to make them happy – offering free shipping or accepting a late return can do just the trick. And that’s not just common sense – research shows that accepting someone’s generosity makes you feel indebted to them, which can translate to return business.
Don’t say “I don’t know”
Sure, you’re not gonna immediately have the answers to every single one of your customers’ questions… but it’s kinda your job to know. So, when you tell a customer “I don’t know,” what they hear is “I don’t care.” Not exactly the message you’d like to get across when you’re on the phone with a customer! Practice saying “Let me check on that for you” instead.
Celebrate birthdays
Acknowledging your customer’s birthdays is a surefire way to make them feel valued and appreciated. Ask your customers for your birthday as they sign up for your mailing list, then send them an email with a promo code for a free gift or a discount right before their special day.
Be clear about your policies
Your customers aren’t mind-readers – if you don’t let them know, they have no idea about how long shipping should take, where you ship to, or under what circumstances you accept returns. Be sure your shipping and returns policies are clearly stated on your website to avoid confusion. It’ll answer some questions before they’re ever even asked!
Honor your promises
Your customers need to know that they can trust your boutique to deliver the value it promises. Stick to the shipping and return policies you have listed on your website (unless you choose to go above and beyond them, of course!) Honor coupons and discount codes for as long as you said you would. Post any giveaway winners publicly in your stories. Trust is key!
Acknowledge frequent customers…
Let your return customers know how much you appreciate them! Whether you throw a quick handwritten thank-you note into their next order or you offer a discount code that’s good for their next purchase, it’ll definitely make them want to keep coming back.
But make sure new customers feel the love, too!
It’s a big leap to order from a company you’ve never purchased anything from before – make sure new customers feel super welcome. Acknowledge new customers by offering free shipping on their first order, sending a promo code when they sign up for your mailing list, or even sending a quick thank-you email for taking a chance on your shop.
Be transparent
Running a business is tough, and sometimes extenuating circumstances make it even tougher. Be open with your customers about the hurdles you’re currently going through, especially if it will affect shipping times or restock dates.
Sincerely apologize
We all make mistakes – especially when we’re doing huge, crazy difficult things like running a business. If you’ve made a mistake on a customer’s order, own your error, sincerely apologize, and do whatever it takes to make things right. It’s much more professional than shrugging off responsibility or blaming someone else. (Bonus points if you reach out and own up to it before the customer even notices!)
Make it easy to get in touch
Have you ever sent an email to a company’s customer service team… and then never heard anything back? Yeah, that’s the worst. Don’t be that company. Let your customers know the best way to reach you, whether it’s through Instagram DMs, email, or over the phone. If you want to go the extra mile, include a live chat feature on your website that’s available 24/7. (Also, word of advice: if you have a contact form on your website, make sure to check it every so often!)
Offer self-help customer service
If your customers can find their own answers to their questions, it makes their lives easier AND your life easier. Include a comprehensive FAQ page on your website that answers common questions about shipping, sales, returns, and more. For more complicated questions, you might want to write up an entire blog post to give your customers more information. Just be sure your customers still know that they can reach out to you with any questions they can’t find the answers to.
Plan for the holidays
Here’s a hot tip: over the holidays, things get BUSY. Even if you usually don’t have very many people blowing up your inbox about shipping questions, there’s a very good chance you will during the holidays. Make sure you’re prepared with multiple customer service reps helping respond to questions (if need be) and detailed holiday shipping info displayed on your website and social media pages.
Respond quickly
Make it a goal to respond to all customer emails within 48 hours whenever possible. No matter how busy you are, customers want to feel like their concerns and questions are a top priority. As for Instagram DMs, Facebook messages, and comments, try and get in a habit of responding to those right when you see them. (Your customers will like that and so will the algorithm!)
Hire the right people
If you’ve only recently opened your boutique business, you might be the only person your customers ever interact with. But as you grow and add more people to your team, make sure they’re people who are kind, friendly, and pleasant to interact with. Nobody’s perfect, but a positive attitude can make all the difference.
Be polite
Pretend you’re at the dinner table with your strict aunt – say lots of pleases and thank yous. Not only is it common courtesy, but it’s also good business. It’ll also help you still sound friendly and polite even when you’re communicating via messenger or text.
Set clear expectations
Sorry, but you’re not superwoman. When your customers approach you asking when they can buy an item you aren’t planning on restocking, or when they ask if you can make sure the package, they just ordered gets to them by tomorrow, sometimes you just can’t give them the answer they were hoping for. Be realistic in your responses and don’t make promises you can’t keep. Setting clear expectations is also helpful in responding to emails – sending an automated email letting a customer know when they can expect a response is also helpful, even if they were initially hoping for a reply right away.
Be human
There isn’t a robot at the other end of all of those incoming customer emails – it’s bright, bubbly, sparkly you! Don’t be afraid to infuse your communications with your genuine personality. Strike up a conversation with a customer on the phone, ask about their day, say “top of the morning to ya” instead of “hello” when you feel like it. It’ll help forge a relationship with your customers!
Offer suggestions
Have you ever asked a waiter what you should order, only for them to respond, “I love everything on the menu equally!” Yeah, that’s not helpful – don’t be like that guy. When your customers ask for your opinion, politely give it. You’re the real expert on the products you carry – use your insider knowledge to guide your customers to the right decision for them.
DOGS RIDE FREE ON RAIL EXPLORERS LAS VEGAS RAIL BIKES
Bring Two Cans of Purina Dog Food for The Boulder City Animal Shelter To Receive a Limited-Edition T-shirt and Dog Bandana
Rail Explorers, the year-round, all-ages, outdoor-adventure attraction featuring pedal-powered rail bikes, welcomes riders to bring their furry canine friends. Rail Explorers’ open-air experience has become a favorite go-to for family-friendly adventures, and the company recognizes dogs are an important part of many families. Guests who bring two cans of dog food to benefit the Boulder City Animal Shelter will receive a limited-edition “Dogs Ride On Rail Explorers” T-shirt and a Rail Explorers bandana for their dog. Riders may also purchase the T-shirt for $18.95 in the gift shop.
“Rail Explorers rail bikes accommodate larger dogs on the platform between the human riders’ seats, while small dogs may also ride while strapped in a carrier to their owner,” * said Heather Abel, division manager, Rail Explorers Las Vegas. “We encourage dog-loving riders to bring their pets, and we’re happy to reward those who bring dog-food donations for the local animal shelter with a special discount.”
All rides start at the Nevada State Railroad Museum and continue downhill to Railroad Pass. Each tour also includes a nostalgic ride back to the top of the hill in one of the museum’s historic trains, along with free museum entry.
Tandem Rail Explorers (up to two riders) or Quad Rail Explorers rail bikes (up to four riders) are available on each tour offered. Tandem rail bike tours start at $85 and Quad rail bike tours start at $150. Dogs do not need a ticket to ride on Rail Explorers. Groups of ten or more people receive a 10 percent discount for weekday tours. All Nevada residents receive a 10 percent “locals” discount off the standard tour price for weekday tours. Book online today at Rail Explorers website, or by phone at (877) 833-8588.
*This experience may not be suitable for high-energy dogs. All dogs not strapped in a carrier must be on a leash. This ride may be more enjoyable for dogs under 70 pounds. More information click here.
ABOUT RAIL EXPLORERS
Located in historic Boulder City, Nevada—just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip en route to Hoover Dam—Rail Explorers offers exhilarating, guided excursions in two- or four-seat rail bikes along the same tracks used during construction of the dam.
Rail Explorers Las Vegas tours include three memorable options, including the Southwest Ramble, a four-mile downhill pedal-powered daytime ride; the Sunset Tour, a picturesque downhill ride in the evening as the sun sets behind the River Mountains; and the Evening Lantern Ride, a one-of-a-kind experience illuminated by the glow from the moon and stars. All rides start at the Nevada State Railroad Museum and continue downhill to Railroad Pass. Each tour also includes a nostalgic ride back to the top of the hill in one of the museum’s historic trains, along with free museum entry. Knowledgeable guides lead every Rail Explorers tour, ensuring guests enjoy not only the majestic desert scenery but also learn fascinating insights along the way. Rail bikes provide a truly distinctive way to explore this extraordinarily scenic and historic area. For more information, visit Rail Explorers website or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Whenever you notice that your baby bump has grown, you might start stressing out–especially after you notice that your regular clothes don’t fit anymore. You might have noticed a social media fashion blogger with an incredibly shaped pregnancy bump posting the effortless look of fashion and fun. Are you trying to look like them, but in vain? Relax. Finding flattering and fitting garments can be a huge challenge for every mom-to-be. In this guide, you will find the best tips for every woman’s maternity wardrobe:
When is the right time to buy maternity clothes?
Every woman experience pregnancy differently. Due to this, there is no specific time to buy your maternity clothes. It will depend on your body type, because all people are different. You will notice different pregnant women start wearing maternity clothing at different times of their pregnancy period. Continue reading on for several clues on when you may purchase maternity clothes:
Whenever you find yourself unbuttoning your top or pants
When you feel more bloated than normal
When your bump peeks out of your top
When your buttoned shirt doesn’t button
The above signs correspond to what’s happening inside your belly. Usually at 20 weeks, your uterus is at a level of the umbilicus. During a mom’s first pregnancy, the bump usually pops a bit later than during subsequent pregnancies. For first-time moms, they seem excited to show off their bumps and start buying the right clothes immediately.
How to Choose the Right Maternity Clothes
You might find yourself experiencing the above signs and are in need of need maternity clothes, but may not know where to start. The following tips will automatically help you find the correct information regarding what’s required of your maternity wardrobe.
Figuring out Sizing
During your first pregnancy, it is hard to estimate how your body will change during the entire pregnancy process, which means that it is pretty tricky to know the correct sizing. But the most important thing is to make sure you buy something comfortable. Note that not every part of your body is growing at the same rate. Some pregnant women even change bra cup sizes before their bump pops. Choose what’s convenient for you.
Tips To Consider When Buying Maternity Clothes
Consider stretch
Choose a specific fabric that stretches, as it will continue to fit your growing body throughout the pregnancy process. Any stretchable fabric or jersey fabric will allow a more flexible fit.
Test for sheerness
Garments with sheer fabric are excellent for any pregnant woman. It is also a stretchable fabric. Make sure to try on sheer garments to see how they fits your body.
Embrace ruching
Ruching is an overlaying of fabric strips that are pleated, gathered, or fluted together to create an amazing ripple effect. It is an apparel feature that allows your maternity clothing to grow with your pregnancy bump. It automatically works with any body size and type.
Consider beyond pregnancy
It is always fantastic to choose maternity clothes that have nursing features on them. When the time comes for breastfeeding, you will use them, and your investment in maternity wear will get even more use. As said earlier, invest in comfortable and beautiful clothes, and you will never regret them throughout the nine months of pregnancy.
Company leaders and managers have a big responsibility in overseeing employees. But they can’t see everything, and sometimes there’s more going on in a worker’s life than meets the eye.
Employee disengagement or burnout isn’t always apparent, and some employers may be in for a surprise if and when the COVID-19 pandemic winds down. One study shows that 57 percent of U.S. employees say they are burnt out, with many likely to leave their job after the pandemic is over. And a Gallup survey reveals that the percentage of engaged employees – those enthusiastic about their workplace – is under 40 percent.
What the numbers mean is leaders need to learn how to spot and help out-of-balance employees, says Mark McClain, CEO and co-founder of SailPoint and the ForbesBooks author of “Joy and Success at Work: Building Organizations that Don’t Suck (the Life Out of People).”
“One challenge leaders and managers routinely face is to recognize when the people around them – peers, colleagues, but especially subordinates – are out of balance or are heading in the wrong direction,” McClain says. “Beyond the potential impacts on their personal lives, you want to try to head off the negative effects such imbalances can have on their roles in the company.
“This may seem imposing, but you have to pay attention as a leader. No employee can run at a crazy pace forever, yet some companies let people run themselves right out of the building. Other workers who are disengaged can be harder to spot initially.”
McClain offers these tips for leaders to spot, address, and help out-of-balance employees:
Make work-life balance part of your culture. “You can expect much from your employees, but you don’t want them to fry themselves,” McClain says. “You don’t want them to harm their health, their family, or their relationships. If you have good people, ideally you’ll grow them and help them work toward their vision of a healthy work-life balance. The sooner leaders confront imbalance in the equation, the more meat they put on the bones of company culture.”
Screen out for potential burnout. Some companies hire knowing they will overwork people or take advantage of their ambition to work extra hard and advance up the corporate ladder, McClain says. But that approach can lead to burnout and departure, which costs companies in terms of replacing them. “There are always going to be ultra-motivated climbers,” McClain says. “But exploiting them is beyond bad. Those who can’t stand it get out, and the HR departments plan on the fact that every four or five years, only 15 to 20 percent of those hires will be able to move up the ranks. These types of organizations instead should invest in pre-hiring assessments to screen out those who value a life outside of work. Doing so would save the companies money and turnover.”
Be a counselor. It’s not an invasion of privacy for a manager to show concern in an employee, McClain says, and probing is necessary to help the employee. “Like it or not,” he says, “being a counselor of sorts is part of managing people. Getting to know them as people, and their work styles, is what makes spotting imbalances possible. It’s why good managers pull employees aside and say, ‘Hey, you’re here, but you’re not engaged. Is something going on?’ Managers who take that step are able to uncover issues and steer their employees to the help they need.”
“Many companies talk about caring for workers until they’re blue in the face,” McClain says. “But when you put in place the pieces to help them succeed, leaders walk the walk – and everybody wins.”
About Mark McClain
Mark McClain, ForbesBooks author of “Joy and Success at Work: Building Organizations that Don’t Suck (the Life Out of People)”, is CEO of SailPoint, a leader in the enterprise identity management market. McClain has led the company from its beginnings in 2005, when it started as a three-person team, to today where SailPoint has grown to more than 1,200 employees who serve customers in 35 countries.
