Closet Hanger Factory

The Art of Retail Displays

2008-12-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

Besides your employees themselves, store displays are the main selling tool in your retail clothing business. The contents of 15 ft circle at the front of you store is what most shoppers will base the decision to continue shopping or move on to the next store. Elegant, fun, beautiful, and creative store displays are the best ways to engage customers with your stores products.

It is a fact that cleverly displayed products whether shoppers need them or not sell much quicker than something they need simply placed on a table or hung on a clothes hanger. This is where the art of the store display comes in.

Keep it clean. Start out by cleaning up and breaking down a previous display. Clean everything. All parts of your new display should be clean and dust free. Clothing items should be free from wrinkles as well. Gather a few central items you want to show case and any background items and tools necessary to complete setup.

You can then begin building your displays around these items. Backgrounds should stick to one or two colors. Cluster just a few items or accessories together. You want to avoid trying to display too many things. This will weaken the display overall by diluting focus. A good example would be to pair up a single shirt with a few different pants, skirts or accessories. This shows a customer a few different looks and gets them thinking about how that shirt might look on them.

Employees may be great at selling, but they also need to understand the laws of store display. Make sure they know how to use the different display items, such as wall rack display boards, adjustable show cases, and display hangers to fully express their creativity. Supply rough drawings or blueprints for new employees or if you have a specific concept you want to portray. Setting up store displays is also another great way to get some productivity from workers when no customers are in the store.

Update store displays often. They should be changed out every couple of weeks to keep your store feeling fresh for your customers. Give different employees a chance to try their hand at store display setup and find out which ones have the knack for it. Adjust the display throughout the days if someone comes up with a great new idea.

Quality store displays are directly linked to product sales. Store display is something best learned hands on. As you sales force matures your displays will get better and better and you will notice your sales numbers increasing.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Do You Have What It Takes To Succeed In Retail?

2008-12-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

Starting any kind of entrepreneurial endeavor is a risky business and it is not guaranteed to succeed. It is absolutely critical that you make the right decision on what kind of business you want to be in. If you follow your passion you may not love every minute of it, but at least you will be working with something you enjoy will be more likely to succeed. Starting a retail clothing store poses some unique challenges. Here are some questions you should be able to answer.

Do you love people? In retail it is all about building relationships and networking. You need to understand how to communicate with people in a positive way to build these bridges. If customers feel you care about them they are more likely to return to your store when they need something or even just to visit. It is just as important when working with suppliers. You will relate differently with customers than the guy who supplies your clothes hangers. You also need to be able to attract, train, motivate, and lead a top notch sales force.

Do you have what it takes to deal with the long work hours? Most retail businesses are open 12 or more hours each day. With other duties such as inventory and accounting retail business can keep you on your feet morning to night. Especially in the beginning or during a crunch time you may find you are working 14 or even 16 hours each day just to stay on top of it. You also need to be willing to do whatever is necessary at the moment even if it is something simple like putting clothes back on the hangers. This takes enormous amounts of energy and the ability to push through fatigue when it is required.

Can you stay organized? You will be responsible for day to day operations, pay roll, hiring and firing, training, accounting, inventory, and a plethora of other aspects. This mostly comes down to time management. With so many pressures on your time you need to be spending your time on those things that matter the most. Just being busy is not enough. If you find you are spending all your time putting clothes back on hangers than you are likely to fall behind on those duties that will really affect your success. A general rule is the bigger your business gets the less involved you become in the details. If you are disorganized you store is likely to mirror that fact. No one is going to shop at a messy store with wrinkled garments and clothes hangers scatted every where.

If at all possible find a mentor. This should be someone who has a proven track record in related industry that you can trust. Drawing on this person’s experience you can learn things about retail not found in textbooks or school classrooms.
About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

The Basics Of Merchandising

2008-11-25T17:13:00.000-08:00

The goal of merchandising is to make things as easy as possible for people to shop. It may seem like common sense, but there is a science to merchandising. A poor or confusing layout will frustrate customers and drive away sales even if they like what is in your store. This article covers some of the basic rules of merchandising.

What is displayed at front 15 ft semi-circle visible from the entrance of your store is the most important. This is how shoppers will determine if they are even interested in entering your store. Here is where you want to place your newest and top selling products. Great store or window displays will grab shopper’s attention and draw in customers. Keep these fresh and change out displays every couple of weeks; more frequently during peak holiday shopping periods. Generally items displayed on tables and walls sell the quickest. Display hangers on walls are the best way to show off new products because they are most visible. Build interior walls to increase prime display space and create sections of similar products or styles.

Space racks so people can move about your store without feeling crowded. Give people enough room to sort through racks comfortably. Usually 4-6ft is adequate. Racks themselves should be less than 5ft tall. Use all the same type of clothes hangers and have them hanging in the same direction. Invest in nice clothes hangers suitable to yours stores environment. Colorful plastic hangers for casual clothes, fashionable wooden hangers for men’s suits, or satin hangers with ladies evening wear or lingerie are just a few examples clothes hanger pairings. Do not clutter store racks with many different items.

Put sales tags in the same place as much as possible. This allows people to easily identify an items pricing and size. Needle tag clothes through seams to avoid damaging them. Cycle your inventory around the store every couple of weeks. This keeps your store looking fresh and helps you identify hot and a stale products. Hold sales to blow out those items that are not moving as well as seasonal inventory. Do not make the mistake of trying to hold on to inventory for next season.

If you have an especially large store and the budget for it you may want to higher a professional merchandiser get you on track, but following these rules is the easiest way to increase sales. Once you have a basic layout you will be able to adapt it to your changing needs.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers and wooden hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Retail Selling Tips

2008-11-25T11:29:00.000-08:00

If you find your inventory has been sitting on the clothes hangers untouched for weeks it could be that you are not carrying products that anyone wants, but more likely you are not connecting with your customers. Here are some key ways to increase your retail selling success.

The number one rule is building the relationship. Most business is done based largely on the relationships formed. Have a friendly greeting for everyone who enters your store. Engage in some non-sales related small talk, but let the customer do most of the talking. Be positive when it is your turn to comment. This is not a time to poop on them about the bad day you are having.

Once you are engaged in conversation you can begin to find out what their needs are. Listen carefully to what they are saying. This will give you the clues to finding what items they are interested in and what styles they like instead of randomly pulling items off the clothes hangers for them to try on.

Relax. Do not rush to the sale if a customer seems interested. Address their objections. Here is where you need to make the connection between a customers wants and needs with the benefits a specific product provides. This may be obvious to you, however the customer may not be able to see it and they need your help explaining it to them. People often need this nudge to get past a price tag.

The biggest mistake all types of sales people make is failing to ask for the sale. The myth here is that customers do not like salesmen or being “sold”. People actually like to be sold things and often need the push from a sales person to make a purchase. You are not like the used car salesmen trying to swindle someone into buying a product they do not need. If you have been helping a customer for a while there will eventually come moment you need to ask for the sale. Failing to capture this moment will lose you the sale. You can do this in a non pushy way with phrases such as, “can I take those to the register for you?”, or “will those work for you?”

Once you have made a sale it is time to move. Take their items off the hangers and put them in a shopping bag. Do not wait around for the customer to change their mind. This is also the time to ask for the accessory sale that goes with whatever they are purchasing, such as a matching belt or top. Just think, “Would you like fries with that?” It’s a question McDonalds employees will never fail to ask you.

Be sincere. When you spend the time to sell properly with customers they begin to see the value you provide them. Overtime you will build rapport with individuals and if they like you as a person they will think of your store the next time they need something you sell.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Organize Your Storage Room

2008-11-25T11:09:00.001-08:00

We all seem to accumulate more and more things every year. Our lives become so cluttered with stuff it becomes a burden, source of stress, frustration and saps our energy and resources managing it ultimately reducing our enjoyment of life. Learning to balance the inflow and outflow may not come naturally. A key area is to have a properly organized storage room. It is all part of the feng shui of getting your life in balance, being efficient, and successful.

We often end up with ridiculous things in our storage rooms such crates of tupper ware lids, dried up cans of paint, or boxes of bent clothes hangers. If they cannot be used or you do not anticipate using them yourself anytime soon it is best to let go and get rid of it Cardboard boxes get stacked up to the ceiling with the ones on the bottom completely crushed and inaccessible. If it is about time you got your storage room in order here are some ideas to get you going.

Spend a few minutes thinking about and planning what you would like to achieve. What kinds of items do you need to store? One minute planning can save you five minutes of work. Often this is a stage where you might decide to purchase the shelving systems and storage hangers you will need to have an operational storage room. Consider which items you will use the most and plan for those to be in the most accessible areas.

Once you have an idea of what you would like to accomplish, clear out the area and begin categorizing and cleaning everything. Have a separate pile for things that are going for donations. Piling items next to a “FREE” sign at your curb is sometimes the easiest way to cut back. Keep a list of what you are going to keep and update it throughout the process.

When the area is clear you can clean, paint, prep and install any shelving, hangers, and brackets. Make sure your design allows for accessibility to all areas. If you cannot get to something easily you will most likely never use it. Hang up clothes for storage instead of boxing them up, as this will keep them from permanently developing creases or musty odors. Closet poles for clothes hangers come in all sizes and are easy to put up.

Use like sized or modular storage bins instead of boxes. Most home stores carry a large range of clear plastic storage containers. Clear storage bins are the quickest and easiest way to find what you need. If you are using boxes take a picture of the contents with a Polaroid or label them specifically item by item.

Special measures should be taken when storing things in a garage or basement to prevent moisture from damaging items. Some items should not be stored in these areas, such as photographs or a wedding dress.

Have fun with the process and enjoy yourself. Get the family or some friends together and spend the afternoon working on it. All it takes is a few good solid efforts. Order some pizzas or celebrate and go out for dinner afterwards. In the end after all the planning your not sure where to start just begin anyways and you will find the process take shape as you go. Keep moving forward and do not be afraid to make changes as you go, but do not get too caught up trying to make it perfect.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Is it Time to Tackle Your Closet?

2008-10-31T22:41:00.000-07:00

In our endlessly busy lives we hardly have time to stop and think about how organized our closet is. There is no doubt that our environment affects our outlook and attitudes in life. Every aspect of your closet can affect how you start each day. Did you have to dig through and yard out clothes because hangers are packed in too tightly, or was it easy to peruse your wardrobe and select the perfect outfit for the day ahead? This can leave you frustrated and irritable, or collected and ready to face any challenge. Even the color and textures of your closet shelving and clothes hangers plays a part. All of this plays a part in your success and enjoyment of life. Is it time to tackle your closet?

Ask yourself how you want to feel in the morning and create a closet space that expresses your individual style. This might take you as far as remodeling your entire bedroom or just purchasing all new matching clothes hangers or maybe you will just want to sort through your wardrobe and clean out a few old items you are not wearing any more. Ask yourself what is most important to you. Do you need more places to store your shoe collection, somewhere to hang up your basketball jerseys, or perhaps a tie rack?

When it comes to hangers there are so many choices. Do not subject yourself to flimsy wire hangers anymore. Wooden hangers have a classy feel and can help keep your closet smelling fresh. Bamboo hangers are gaining in popularity since they are environmentally friendly. Bamboo is a sustainable resource that grows without need for irrigation or pesticides. Slimline hangers are great if you need to maximize the space available. These are extra narrow hangers that allow you to hang up a shirt and several pairs of pants on a single hanger. Specialty hangers can really make the difference when it comes to selecting the right tie, or hanging up all those odd items, such as bikinis and belts. Adjustable hangers might be a good choice if you are taller or shorter than average. These hangers can be formed to fit your clothing exactly so nothing will end up on the floor overnight.

One thing is certain; an organized closet will leave you with a few minutes extra in the morning to read the paper or sit and enjoy a cup of coffee before heading off to work or school. How valuable would that be over the next few years?

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers and bamboo hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Get Your House Ready To Sell

2008-10-31T22:35:00.000-07:00

Selling a house in today’s market can pose a challenge. Gone are the days when buyers would flock to your doorstep as soon as you planted the for sale sign in the front yard. Having your home stand out from the rest is more important now than ever. Here are a few things you can do to ensure you get the best offer.

First of all, your home needs to be properly looked after. Let us assume that you have dealt with all of the major things that might come up, such as a leaky roof or exposed asbestos around a furnace. It is best to wait till any renovations are completed before putting a house on the market since this can adversely affect your results. Smaller things should be addressed as well. Landscaping should be well cared for as this is the first thing prospective buyers will see. If the place is a mess from the street most people will assume the inside has not been cared for either and move on to the next one.

Once inside a serious buyer is going to look everywhere. Have note cards out to highlight key features of the house. Even if it is something obvious as “White Oak Hardwood floors”, or “New Kitchen Cabinets”, it will emphasize those points in a buyers mind. Make sure you keep a clean orderly house. Clear up all the clutter. You want to create a feeling of space as much as possible. You are going to have to organize almost everything in your home. Break it down into sections and tackle each area individually. There are multitudes of articles on the internet filled with ideas that can help you conquer each one. This may take some doing and a few garage sales or trips to goodwill. Something as little as a messy bedroom can put people off. Keep clothes in a hamper or on hangers in your closet. This also helps control odors.

When the Realtor calls for a showing you need to be ready. If you have stayed on top of things this should be a relatively stress free process. Have a plan and give everyone a task. Before they arrive spend some time to spot clean any areas that need attention. Take out the garbage and crack open a few windows to let out bad smells. Provide a place for dirty shoes, wet umbrellas, and extra coat hangers or a coat rack. Place some fresh flowers out on a table. When they arrive give a warm greeting and leave the home. Take the family and pets for a walk.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Clothing Store Anti-Theft Devices

2008-08-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

One of the worst scourges to the retail clothing industry is theft. It can be difficult to stop and if left unchecked can eat up profit margins, as thousands of dollars are literally walked out the doors. It is estimated that shoplifting accounts for between 20 and 30 billion dollars in lost merchandise every year. These anti-theft devices can help you battle the shop lifters and keep your store in business.

The most commonly used loss prevention devices are referred to as electronic article surveillance clips (EAS). These items have an electronic sensor or RFID chip in them designed to set off an alarm if someone tries to carry them through a store checkpoint. When someone purchases an item store clerks have a special tool to remove or deactivate the device. It can then be reused on another item. The most popular version takes form of an alligator clip with a pin through it. These clips are made of hard to break plastic and can be easily pinned onto any kind of garment.

Many devices will release indelible ink if a thief tries to remove them in a dressing room or later at home thereby ruining the stolen item. This is called benefit denial and prevents the thief from reselling the clothing. These devices are very difficult to defeat and even work against gravity.

For expensive items you can take measures further by running metal cables through sleeves and clothes hangers or store racks. People will still be able to try the items on, but will have a hard time walking away with them.

Security cameras or CCTV networks can also help monitor store activity. Cameras can help you cover blind spots. Place a camera over the cash registers as well. This way if there is any suspicious activity from employees you will have hard evidence before you wrongfully accuse someone, which could spark nasty legal action dissension among other workers. These systems have become much less expensive in recent years and digital recording devices have eliminated the need to store dozens of VCR tapes.

Without loss prevention devices there is nothing stopping thieves from simply pulling things off the hangers and carrying them out of the store. A small investment is required, but it is worth it. Tags cost between 50 cents and a few dollars depending on their style, but are reusable. Checkpoint towers start at around $1000. Once the system is in place it will pay dividends year after year.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Franchising A Retail Clothing Store

2008-08-31T15:32:00.001-07:00

There are literally hundreds of options when considering a retail clothing store startup. Franchising may be right for those who have the entrepreneurial bones, but are not necessarily filled with new ideas. Getting a business off the ground takes an enormous amount of time and planning. Instead of reinventing the wheel it may make more sense to purchase a retail clothing store franchise. Whatever you are interested in a franchise exists from shoes to lingerie. This article will examine some pros and cons of this style of business model.

Franchise packages can immensely shorten the startup time and increase your success rate. They provide a complete package from help finding a location to what clothes hangers to use. Most offer training on how to manage bank accounts and employees. These businesses already have relationships with suppliers and have setup product lines. Suppliers will know your business and may be able to give you better pricing structure than an unknown. Banks are more likely to provide financing for franchisees, since they are proven to be more successful than other business models. In order to even be considered for financing you have got to have a detailed business plan. Sometimes these can take several months to articulate and put together. The franchise model will have this step done for you and some may even provide in house financing. Another huge help comes with a proven marketing system. Franchisors know who their customers are and how to reach them. Even with a great idea you are nowhere if people do not know about you.

The support offered may be huge, especially if you are an inexperienced business owner, but of course it comes with a price. Franchise fees may vary from a few thousand dollars to tens or hundreds of thousands. Since these companies have a reputation to uphold you will be expected to perform in a certain way and provide specific products, whether they sell or not. Another drawback is you will have less input on exactly how your business is run throughout the year. This can affect everything from personal dress code clothes hangers, and store displays and layout. Large franchises may periodically send inspectors to make sure things are up to standards.

The key to success is to enjoy what you are doing. If you love the clothing industry, but are not completely comfortable stepping out on your own then finding the right franchise opportunity may be the answer. Franchisors will not do the work for you, but can definitely help you achieve your goals faster.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Solving Wardrobe Dilemmas

2008-06-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hangers have not always come in all shapes and sizes. For a field that has long been dominated by plain symmetrical metal or plastic hangers it is about time someone came along with some innovation. Thankfully creative minds have developed some sweet contraptions to solve our clothing storage conundrums. Today’s hangers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and are crafted from a wide variety of materials such as, wood, metal, bamboo, and even recycled paper. If you are having trouble getting everything into your closet here are a few special hangers to help solve wardrobe dilemmas.

NOT ENOUGH STORAGE SPACE?

Of course the common battle we all fight is just getting everything in to our closets. While it may be time for a spring cleaning you may not have to throw out as much as you thought. Slim line hangers are super thin at a ¼” and can double or even triple your closet space. Another huge space saver is multi-slack hangers. These hold between three and six pairs of pants on a single hanger. Remember to leave a little room for accessibility to easily sort through your wardrobe.

ODD SHAPED ITEMS?

There is a hanger for everything from drapes and linens to a fancy evening gown. These hangers divert from the traditional triangular shaped hanger. The circular bikini hanger is a great invention. Here is another way to store bikinis or underwear instead of balling them up in a drawer. It makes it much easier to see what you have got and saves time having to search for matching sets.

Certain items just do not seem to stay hung up on any hanger. Here is where adjustable hangers come in handy. These hangers enable you to get the perfect fit for any garment. Removable pads can be easily popped off and adjusted to fill out any shirt or jacket size. This keeps dress shirts wrinkle free, since they hang in a more natural way. Alternatively foam or rubber hanger strips installed on any hanger make them slip free.

Maybe it is about time you got rid of your twisted old hangers. Your closet is about you and it is important. It is the portal you step through every morning before you enter the world. Get yourself out the door in the right frame of mind. Investing the time to make an organized and functional closet will reap dividends for years to come.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers and plastic hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Get Control Of Your Craft Room

2008-06-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

A properly organized craft room will give you the most time to enjoy the actual crafting whether you are sewing, quilting, knitting, or beading. Nothing will slow you down more than getting frustrated trying to find the supplies you need when you need them the most. With so many different types of supplies to store this can be a constant struggle here are a few tips to keep things under control.

An optimal height for most standing workbenches will be between 36 and 40 inches. Scientific studies suggest tables should be 80% of your elbow height for the least amount of strain on back, neck and arm muscles. You can block a table up with extensions or cut legs down to achieve suitable height. A comfy swivel chair you can adjust to your body type is essential for seated work station. Store most used tools in open containers on your work desk so they will be immediately accessible. Mount an adjustable light to provide plenty of light wherever you will need it. For finite work such as beading you might consider one fitted with a magnifying glass.

Clear plastic containers are great for storing your assortment of buttons, beads, pom poms, and dried flowers. Install plenty of shelving or stackable storage bins to maximize use of wall space. Cloth materials can be neatly folded and placed in clear storage bins of similar color and pattern. Alternatively you can hang up cloth on clothes hangers in a closet. Multi slack hangers will allow you to hang similar types of fabric on the same hanger. The advantage over plastic storage bins is being able to pull out a whole set and hold it next to your project to see which one goes best. Quilters will want to put similar colored fat quarters in drawers. Storing fabrics in a closet on clothes hangers limits exposure to sunlight which causes discoloration. Cloth sealed up in bins cannot breath. When hanging fabrics it is less likely for moisture to form and colors to bleed.

Maintain a neat and tidy craft room and it will continue to be an enjoyable place to hone your crafting skills to expert levels for years to come. Stay ahead of the game and do a little tidying ever day this way you will never be faced with the overwhelming task of sorting out a monumental mess. Be gentle but firm with yourself, as you develop these habits and you will find your efficiency increasing along with the quality of your work.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers and childrens hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Organizing In Bamboo

2008-06-12T11:39:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for an alternative to the IKEA trend of plain painted particle board furniture you might look into the growing market of bamboo products. More and more items are becoming available at affordable prices every day. Unless you have a fortune to spend on custom designed everything for your home you will probably be looking for thrifty ways to stay organized. Laundry sorters, storage bins, shoe racks, hangers, and cutlery trays are just a few of the items we all need, but do not want to invest our life savings in.

The reason bamboo is a great alternative and an ecological choice for furniture is because of the unique properties of the bamboo plant. It has all the traits of a great crop. Resilient, fast growing, pest and pest resistant and it can be manufactured into anything from building materials like hardwood flooring or furniture to high end clothing, towels, and bedding. Some species grow up to 1’ per day without pesticides or fertilizer, which makes it one of the most sustainable crops on the planet.

We all need to store things and often rely on big plastic bins or particle board shelving units, since they seem inexpensive. Unfortunately manufacture of these products relies heavily on the petroleum industry and their relatively short life span makes them an inferior choice. Plastic storage bins stain and become difficult or impossible to clean and will not biodegrade once they are thrown away. Plastics become brittle overtime and will eventually break. There are often weak points in the design, such as retaining brackets or connectors that break easily and render the whole unit useless.

Prefabricated bamboo storage containers can be used to organize just about anything and will fit inside drawers, closets, and cabinets. You might consider replacing or upgrading metal or plastic clothes hangers to bamboo hangers. Bamboo versions of any of these products will be highly dent resistant and should last much longer wear better their plastic or particle board constructions. Whether it is for your laundry sorter, closet organizer, or that little magazine holder next to the toilet the elegant real wood grain will add class to your home and lifestyle. Most of these items can be purchased at costs on par with plastic and particle board alternatives.

You do not have to be rich to have a lovely home you just have to be smart. Make decisions that save the planet and your money. Next time you are in the market for furniture, organizers, or hangers take a look at bamboo.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of woodenclosethangerfactory.com"> hangers and closethangerfactory.com"> clothes hangers. For more information, please visit closethangerfactory.com"> http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

What's That Smell in your Closet?

2008-05-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

You have just gotten out of the shower. Going over to your closet to get dressed, you open the doors and are assaulted with foul odors. Closet odors can be a nasty problem. Since closets are confined spaces even the faintest odor producing source can create a terrible stench over time, and the smell gets on everything. While the temptation may be to spend the rest of the day naked there is something you can do about closet odors.

It is important to consider the cause of your closet smells. Closets are dark places and musty odors can develop even at normal temperature and humidity levels, especially if clothes or linens are not completely dry when they are put away. Items stored for long periods of time are particularly susceptible, and the scents that are absorbed by clothes can remain on them like an aromatic stain even after several washings. Other sources might be sweaty gym shoes, kitty litter, There are literally hundreds of sources of closet odor that fall into two categories “latent” odors, and “continuous” odors.

With latent odors the source of the stench is no longer present and they can be remedied with intensive cleaning. This would include that unidentifiable noxious smell left by a previous owner. Other examples include mold, pet odors, spoiled food, or mothballs. If the smell is new keep in mind it could be the sign of a leaky roof or siding and investigate accordingly. First take everything out of the closet. All items will need to be thoroughly cleaned. Wash clothes in warm water and repeat if necessary. A solution of ½ cup of vinegar, and a ¼ of baking soda mixed with hot water should be used to cleanse all surfaces in the closet. Bleach is not advisable since it will leave a pungent odor all its own. Leave the closet empty and the door open for several days to dry out.

If you store a lot of shoes, dirty laundry, or cat litter in your closet you will be dealing with continuing source odors. Initially a thorough cleansing of the closet may be required, but it may not be possible to eliminate the source odor. Here you will need something to absorb the odors before they build up, or create a path for them to escape. Placing cups of vinegar, perfume, dryer sheets, or baking soda around the inside of the closet is great for this. Sprinkle anti fungal powder or baking soda in shoes. Alternatively you dangle a sachet of volcanic crystals or perfumed cotton from clothes hangers. Another great way to keep clothes smelling fresh is to use wooden hangers made of cedar.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers and wooden hangers . For more information, please visit Http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Clean Your Wedding Dress the Right Way!

2008-05-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

After an exhausting search you have finally found it! You chose your wedding gown because it was perfect for you in every way and you want to keep it that way. Perhaps you are planning on passing it on to a daughter or daughter in law. Some plan on reworking there dress and wearing it at a future wedding. There are many reasons to preserve a dress and whether you are planning to seal, box, or bag the gown a proper cleaning is the most important and care sensitive step in the process. Learning about various cleaning methods and services is something every bride or bride to be should invest some time in and the costs associated should be in budgeted for in your wedding plans.

Even if you were careful and the dress looks fine it still needs to be examined and cleaned top to bottom. Just because the dress appears clean and white it may not be. Sugar based soiling, such as champagne, will not show up immediately but will eventually turn yellow or dark brown. Many rely on professionals to clean their dress, but a few clean it themselves. Beware either way. A well meaning friend offering to clean the dress for you while on the honey moon can ruin your exquisite memento in a heartbeat. Likewise an inexperienced dry cleaner can do equal harm. Windex won cut it here gals. Improper cleaning techniques or solutions can cause irreparable discoloration or damage to fabrics, something no amount of consolation can cure.

A dress preservation service is the safest yet most expensive route. Rates start at around $200, but can sometimes be as high as $1000. Here you can expect your dress to be operated on using clinical standards. Experts with special training and an encyclopedic knowledge of how fabrics interact with cleaning solutions and solvents will carefully examine the entire dress noting any areas that require special attention. Technicians in white lab coats and gloves then meticulously clean the gown according to a detailed care plan.

If you are on a budget and the dress is in relatively good condition you could consider cleaning it yourself. The methods you choose will depend on the kind of staining, the fabric, and decorative trims, such as beading or sequins. Wet cleaning techniques are safe for polyester and this is the best way to remove heavy stains, and starch deposits from manufacturing (which mice will be attracted to). Rayon or silk should be dry-cleaned with perchloroethylene. If you are going to pay for dry cleaning be sure to ask if they are using virgin or recycled solvents. Recycled solvents can leave deposits on your dress that will eventually yellow. Boxed preservation kits including padded metal hangers, acid free paper, and all the cardboard shapes needed is another great way to save money.

By properly cleaning and storing your dress you can keep it looking as gorgeous as you did the day you wore it.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of metal hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Wedding Dress Preservation

2008-05-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

Searching for the perfect wedding dress is no small task. For some women it has been delightful and nearly lifelong endeavor. As the wedding day approaches there are the countless hours of intense research studying bridal fashion magazines and reviewing the latest Hollywood weddings. For some it all adds up to hundreds or even thousands of hours. Even though you have already spent so much joyful personal investment shopping the bridal stores, trying on numerous dresses, gathering your best friends’ opinions, and stressing about the $2000 dollar price tag do not stop there. Preserving your prized wedding dress after your special day takes some careful consideration as well.

Unless you have decided to trash the dress the options you will be looking at are sealing, boxing, or bagging. Sealing involves placing the dress inside an airtight padded box using cardboard cutouts and acid free tissue paper to preserve the shape. The thought behind sealing is that by making the package airtight the dress will be protected from the elements, however this lack of airflow creates a risk of mold and mildew. A long term storage method such as this can also cause permanent creasing at the folds. It is also quite expensive.

Boxing your dress is similar to sealing. These boxes are usually acid free and often lined with fabric. The difference is that the box is not sealed and you can access the dress easily any time. Seams and folds are looser so there is less risk of creasing, however a boxed dress should be periodically refolded and placed back into its container to avoid permanent creases.

Bagging is the method often used to preserve antique clothing in museums. Here the dress is hung from padded metal hangers and twill string or tape is used to reinforce and support the dress as it hangs, which is critical to reduce stretching. Once the dress is properly supported an all cotton outer bag usually between 5 and 6 feet in length slides over the whole dress.

Boxing or bagging your dress has other benefits aside from allowing it to breath. The best reason perhaps is that it allows you to easily inspect and refold the dress as you revisit memories as often as you wish. Do it yourselfers can purchase boxing or bagging kits that provide you with all the packing supplies, hangers, and instructions you will need to properly store and care for you garment over the years.

Store your basement in a dark room where it will be safe from dust and light. An upstairs closet is preferable. Never store you dress in the basement where moisture in the air will be absorbed by the dress causing discoloration or mold.

Of course a thorough cleaning is a must before any storage method is implemented. Wet cleaning or dry cleaning and how much cleaning should be decided based on your dress design and condition after the wedding. If you are considering cleaning your own dress take some time to educate yourself on the various cleaning methods their implications on your particular dress.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of metal hangers. For more information, please visit www.closethangerfactory.com

Feng Shui Your Store

2008-04-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

Running a retail business poses unending challenges. Retail is one of the most competitive business avenues. Setting up appealing store displays can make the difference between a ghost town and a busy sales floor. Like the cover of a book it is the visual presentation of your store display that is the first interaction your customers will have with your business, however it does not guarantee sales. If you have a great store front or window display, but still find that customers wander through your store and leave without picking up a single product then perhaps the layout of your store needs to be retooled. Once a customer enters your store the goal then becomes to create interaction with your products. Sub consciously everyone is aware of what looks good and feels good. Consider applying these feng shui principles to your sales floor.

You may think it is best to display as many different products as possible, but that can lead to a disorganized cluttered store. Space items out so that you are not overloading customer senses. Creating focal points with key items is best. Even small details like cheap or ugly plastic clothes hangers can turn someone off from making a purchase.

Make it a journey through the store. You want aisles to be clear and connect in multiple pathways. Place racks at different angles or in circular fashion. Maintaining clear visibility throughout the store will help people to wander through to whatever interests them the most.

Pay attention to the lighting. Utilize different levels and intensities of light to create different moods for customers. Overhead fluorescent lights provide excellent visibility, but have a cold clinical feel. Table lamps or hanging pendant lights are much warmer and inviting. Experiment with products that create their own light. Sound can play apart as well, for example the gurgling of a fish tank can add a soothing element of water. Do not be afraid to make changes as you go. Talking to customers regularly about their shopping experience can provide the valuable data to make the right ones.

With every decision or product placement you should be striving to create a comfortable environment where people will feel good spending their money. Remember that the emotional experience is a large part of shopping. Use these principles to develop an interesting varied experience for customers, so that they will be more likely to make a purchase. If a client feels good about spending time in your store they will certainly return.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com

Hanger Mobile: A Creative Craft for a Rainy Day

2008-03-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

It’s raining again. The park is all muddy and wet. Your child has watched more videos then the “experts” would ever allow. What to do next with your pre-school aged child? How about a craft you can do together? Here is a great creativity cultivating craft for your next rainy day.

To create your hanger mobile you will need two wire hangers, a couple of yards of ribbon, yarn or string, colourful construction paper, stickers or cookie cutters that match your theme, scissors, glue, and glitter. Ask your child to choose what kind of theme they want their mobile to have. If you need help with ideas here are a few to consider. Space, jungle, bugs, hearts, flowers, or farm are all popular themes amongst kids ages 3-5.

Start by unwinding the hanger hooks. Next, intertwine the two hangers so that their bases make an ‘X’. Then twist the hanger hooks together and bend down to make a loop. You will eventually hang your mobile from this loop. You may want to use pliers to manipulate the wire as it can be sharp. Pick out your ribbon and begin wrapping the hangers. Start at the loop you just made and be sure to wrap up any sharp edges. When you get to where the hangers cross at the bottom use the ribbon to secure the connection by wrapping it several times around the ‘X’ then continue. Secure the ribbon in place with a small dollop of glue when you have wrapped the hangers completely. Once your mobile is ribbon wrapped you can begin to cut different lengths of yarn or string. Cut out whatever shapes you and your child have decided to hang from your mobile using construction paper and scissors. Some shapes that go well with the themes mentioned earlier are stars, spaceships, (if you have Styrofoam balls they make great planets), monkeys, elephants, snakes, giraffes, bees, ladybugs, butterflies, flowers, hearts, rainbows, clouds, cows, pigs, dogs, horses, chickens, and barns. If you have cookie cutters that match your theme use them as a template to trace out the shape and have your little one cut it out. If you don’t fancy yourself an artist and don’t have cookie cutters or stencils, then stickers will work. Pick out colourful paper and cut into circles, squares, and triangles. Let your child decorate with stickers and/or glitter. Spread a small amount of glue on the shape then sprinkle glitter on glue. You can create sparkly stars or glittery hearts. Be creative and have fun with it.

Use the end of the scissor blade to poke a small whole to thread the yarn or string through your cut out shapes. Tie a knot and attach to various points on your hanger mobile. You can either tie the string to the hanger or attach with glue. If you have opted to use Styrofoam balls you can use a pen to poke a hole all the way through the ball and then feed your string through or just tape your string if you don’t want it too complicated. Encourage your child to participate as much as possible with ideas, cutting string and shapes, and especially with the glitter. Now that your mobile is complete you and your youngster can find the perfect place for it to hang.

Rainy days aren’t all bad. Just look at it as a great opportunity to spend some quality fun time with your kids. Don’t get too hung up on the mess or whether the craft looks perfect or not. Enjoy your child’s creativity, encourage their fine motor skills with cutting and stringing, and ask them questions about the theme they’ve chosen. Great questions to get them thinking are why did you pick this theme? What do you like most about it? What letter do these shapes start with? Can you count how many shapes we’ve cut out? Every day is filled with opportunities to learn and have fun with your kids.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of Everything Hangers, a leading online provider of hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Advances In Hanger Technology

2008-02-24T23:02:00.000-08:00

Does your closet seem to be getting smaller and smaller? How we use of that precious closet space is more important than ever. Instead of weaning your favourite items of clothing from your wardrobe try this new type of hanger. This new type of hanger creates a sleek and well organized looking closet while making the most of the space that you have to work with.

Slim line hangers were developed to help use the space more efficiently than those chunky plastic hangers or over sized wooden hangers. They are skinny plastic hangers covered in a velvety layer to keep your clothes from slipping off. They are perfect for keeping any silk, satin, or strappy items of clothing, such as an evening dress or lingerie, on the hanger where you put them. An alternative choice is the multi tiered pant hanger. The multi tiered pant hanger allows you to hang up to four pairs of pants on one hanger. These hangers are also a bit smaller, approximately ¼“ thick and 18” wide, so they are easily transferred to garment bags and hanging luggage. Take them with you on your business trips or world travels.

Slim line hangers come in a variety of colors to choose from including black, camel, linen, burgundy, pink, and lavender. You can also get slim line childrens hangers in the same variety of colors and styles to help organize your child’s closet.

Additionally there is a handy accessory for these hangers called the “cascading mini hook”. Just slip the cascading mini hook over the hook of your hanger and you are able to add another hanger without using up additional closet rod space. These work great for those out fits that have multiple pieces. Now you can keep the coordinating shirt and skirt together or suit jacket and pants without having to share the same hanger and risk the wrinkled look. You can save time getting ready in the morning by having your outfits all together instead of wasting time searching in frustration through your wardrobe for matching pieces.

Don’t let today’s increasing demand for space affect your wardrobe. Replace your current hangers with the slim line hangers and slim line accessories and watch your closet go from overcrowded to organized just like that. It will be an investment that pays dividends in time saved and headaches avoided. You’ll be happy with the results and your clothes will thank you too.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of The Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of childrens hangers and wooden hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Child Safety Proofing Your Home

2008-02-10T22:01:00.000-08:00

Whether you have your own toddler or have toddlers that visit occasionally there are some important things you can do to ensure a safe home environment for any little person. Approximately 2.5 million child injuries and fatal accidents occur in the home every year. Most of these could have been avoided by taking some simple measures to make the home is safe for your children.

The most common place to store household cleaners, such as ammonia or bleach, is under the bathroom or kitchen sink, but you’ll need a safer place to store these hazardous materials. Children love to play in cabinets and cupboards, especially lower ones at their height. Children are also very curious so those spray bottles and bleach bottles appear to them like a new and interesting play things or something to taste. More than 90 percent of poisonings occur in homes, and more than 53 percent involve children younger than age 6. Keep cleaners and harmful solvents in hard or impossible to reach cupboards. Another option is a child proof lock on lower cabinets where you keep your cleaning supplies. Keep the poison control number on the cupboard as well as near the phone just in case an unfortunate incident should occur.

Toddlers love to climb, especially if it looks like a ladder. It’s very important to secure bookshelves, dressers, and entertainment centers using brackets that screw into the studs of your walls. Furniture safety brackets are inexpensive, easy to install, and found at most hardware stores. Make sure the cords to blinds and curtains are up and out of reach. These cords are especially tempting to little ones and are high risk for choking and strangling accidents.

As soon as your little one begins learning to walk, tumble, and summersault furniture with sharp corners and sharp objects become a hazard. A lot of stores now carry foam corners that are simply placed on the corners of coffee tables, end tables, and entertainment centers. If you don’t have toddlers of your own but are anticipating a visit from one a quick solution is to toss a comforter over your coffee table or just remove it temporarily from the room during a visit. Any items that could easily break into sharp pieces should be moved out of reach of little hands. Wire hangers are another safety issue. It is not uncommon to have eye or ear injuries caused by wire hangers. Replace your wire hangers with safe plastic hangers. As a general rule, if it’s not a toy it shouldn’t be on the floor.

Here are a few safety devices you should implement as well. Safety gates will prevent falls down stairways. Plastic doorknob covers to keep children from leaving the home or room they are in. Doorstoppers hold doors open to keep hands from getting pinched or broken in a suddenly closing door. Anti-scald devices keep water temperatures at faucets from getting too hot. Outlet plug covers can keep small fingers from getting electrocuted. Since window screens can be removed or broken easily they are not adequate to prevent falls. Window guards or netting will insure no serious falls take place

Other things you might want to watch out for are any electrical cords from televisions, stereo systems, telephones, or lamps. Bundle all extra cord length with zip ties that cannot be removed and switch to a cordless phone. Move candy dishes containing jelly beans, candies, or nuts to higher ground, as they are a potential choking hazard.

Toddlers are bound to fall down and bump into something once in a while. As you make your home safer for your toddler and their friends keep in mind that growing up is about learning and discovering new things. Make it your goal to make those discoveries as safe as possible.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of The Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of hangers and plastic hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Space Saving Solutions for Small Nurseries

2008-01-22T02:11:00.000-08:00

For condo and small home dwellers, space is a valuable commodity there just doesn’t seem to be enough of. With a family addition on the way, the situation is only going to get worse. Who would have thought babies need so much stuff? With diapers, wipes, diaper genies, change tables, and cribs it can get a little crowded in there. Here are some ideas to help make the most of the room that you have.

Multipurpose change tables are a great place to start. Choose a table that has shelves and drawers that you can use to store diapers, wipes, and linens. Having diaper cream, nail clippers, hair clips, and wipes close at hand will help you tackle any situation that might arise during a diaper change. Some change tables can even be converted to a dresser as your child gets older.

Hang clothes on colourful childrens hangers. If your nursery is without a closet you will need a standing wardrobe. Due to restricted space it may be difficult to open doors or drawers, and you may want to select a model with no doors. These models may not be as visually appealing, but they do provide easier access to clothing.

Stem the invasion of the zoo of stuffed animals and toys your little one acquires with a toy chest or a modular stackable storage system. While a standard toy chest is great for a fast and easy clean up it doesn’t make finding that one special toy a simple task. Some toy chests come with multi-coloured bins and shelves inside them. Different colored containers at your child’s eye level make it easier to find specific toys. Another great idea for your child’s plethora of stuffed animals is the hanging toy organizer that you can clip their favorite characters on. This helps get the toys off the floor without taking up as much space as a toy box or shelving unit. It can be hung in the corner of a room or in a closet. These hanging organizers come in many different colors and sizes for every decor.

Before you go buying a new home because you think you need more space, try out some of these space saving ideas for smaller sized nurseries and children’s rooms. You’ll be amazed at how much space you really have once all those toys are off the floor and in some ways you may find your compact nursery runs more efficiently than its full size counterpart.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of The Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of childrens hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Organic Clothing

2008-01-07T01:21:00.000-08:00

The Green Revolution is changing how people think and perceive their environment. These changes are prevalent in everything from our food supply, to the buildings we live and work in, and even the clothing we wear. Demand for organic clothing is growing rapidly and is expected to triple by the end of 2008, but many people are still unaware of this $2.6 billion dollar industry that spans the entire globe.

What does it mean for clothes to be organic? Simply that the clothes are made from non-toxic, natural materials grown, and manufactured in an ecologically sound, sustainable fashion. Common materials used are cotton, wool, bamboo, and even soy. Bamboo trees grow extremely rapidly, several inches per day, even without pesticides. The pulp has a fine texture and produces products similar to silk that are highly breathable, UV resistant and antimicrobial. Soy protein fibres have exceptional durability and accept a wide range of dyes, yet possess smoothness akin to cashmere, though smoother still. Organic wool comes from sheep that are farmed on organically certified soils. Cotton is the most widely available of organic clothing products, as it is extremely durable and efficient to produce. Only 10% of its mass is lost during its conversion into textiles. China is the largest producer of cotton, while the most efficient production takes place in California. Its qualities are exactly the same as regular cotton.

Why choose organic clothes? The textile industry is among the worst global polluters. Since cotton is not a food crop, pesticides are used more frequently and have higher toxicity. These poisons leach into the soil and spread to water supply surrounding communities rely on. Farmers and their families often suffer serious health problems as a result of exposure to these chemicals. Unsustainable farming practice depletes the soil in some regions and destroys eco-systems for years to come. Organic farming does not endanger human or wildlife and promotes clean air, water, and soil. Organically certified clothing will contain no traces of harmful chemicals or dyes, an especially important consideration for anyone with infants, and toddlers.

Where can you get it? There is a vast array of online providers of organic wear, carrying lines from simple hemp t-shirts to, baby clothes, to high end luxurious linens, comforters, and mattresses. Nike, Wal-Mart, and Target are just a few companies that have started selling their own organic lines. Specialty vendors carry more unique items, such as velour diapers and soakers or bamboo towels. Typically these products are more expensive. A basic organic t-shirt is likely to cost you $10 more than a standard non-organic version. Hang clothes on organic hangers made of sundela, a product made of compressed newspapers. Currently it may be difficult to find a local vendor where you can try before you by, but as awareness and demand spreads, expect to see more popping up.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of The Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.