Clothes Hangers Blog

Getting that Closet Organized

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:33:00 +0000

Being organized takes patience and some skill. But the first step is committing yourself to a project. So, to start, how about organizing your closet?

Whether you hire a professional to do the work for you of organizing your closet or you take it on yourself, start with a clear, well-conceived plan. Why plan? Once you start taking on a big project such as organization, it is easy to get distracted and sidetracked. By having a plan you can stick to what you are aiming for and in the end not end up with a mound of stuff piled on the floor with absolutely no idea how to organize it in any better manner than the way it was. This kind of impulsive behavior leads to frustration and di scontent.

With a carefully crafted plan, you can also look forward to a smooth and swift process. The finished project will be comfortable to live with, and you won't encounter any difficulties or unpleasant surprises during or after the project's completion. Remember this simple equation: The more time spent planning, the less time or money spent later in physical labor or correcting mistakes.
With closets, you may find that yours isn’t big enough or is out of date. If this is the case, you may look into getting an estimate for a new closet or hiring a closet designer who can take what space you have and restructure it.
All right, now to get started on organizing your closet. Believe it or not there are some specifics to stick with or tips in getting things organized. Some are common sense but here they are:

Keep It Simple. Conserving space is important, but not if it makes the system harder to operate than a system using a little more space. Keep it simple; a system that isn't being used isn't a system at all, no matter how much space is conserved.

Tall or short people might consider shelves to accommodate their height, for more comfortable access.

Someone whose wardrobe leans heavily to folded sweaters has different requirements from someone whose closet is crammed with hanging suits.

A person with an extensive collection of shoes or hats might need more shelves and bins than hanging space.

If a bedroom is small and crowded, some bedroom furniture can be eliminated if, for example, a dresser is built into the closet.

Compromise. Few things in life, including organizing a closet, can be attained without some amount of compromise. You may have to forfeit advantages in one area to achieve advantages in another. Many parts are contingent on other parts, just like the pieces of a puzzle.

Hanging Your Clothes - Now for the other part of organizing your closet – how to hang things properly. Clothing has a particular way it should be hung, be sure to read the requirements. For hanging blazers, leather jackets etc, you should look out for heavy wooden or plastic clothes folding hangers, that can give your ensemble that extra support to carry off their weight. Pants demand a proper folding style, which is placing both the legs parallel one on the top of the other. While hanging them ensure that there is enough space between different trousers in the cupboard.

Uniformity. The finished project will look more attractive if the products, hardware, materials, and appointments go together well. Personal preference influences whether the look will be utilitarian or decorative, but standardization and unity are impressive ingredients.

Organizing your closets can appear to be a daunting task. But with the right determination and well-crafted plan, you can work your way toward a well-organized closet!

About the Author: Rick Miller is on the staff of Only Slimline Hangers, a leading online resource for slimlinehangers which are space saving hangers, non slip hangers and slim line hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.onlyslimlinehangers.com.

Spruce Up a Tired Closet

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:11:00 +0000

If your closet is in need of attention, you are not alone. Many people dream of that organized closet that always seems just out of reach. There are some easy, inexpensive and creative things you can do to have your closet looking its best in no time.

Most people keep some things in their closet that they never intended to. For example, sports equipment, linens, suitcases, a tripod, hidden birthday gifts, photos and much more. These things can be kept in your closet, but you have to make space for them. You may not think that you have space in your closet, but chances are that you do. You just might need help finding it.

Of course, you will need to thin the herd. Get rid of the junk and things that do not fit, are out of style or are just too worn out. Put really bulky items that are not moisture or temperature sensitive in the garage, basement or a spare bedroom. This includes things like sports equipment and suitcases. They take up so much space and really do not have to be in your closet. If they really do, consider putting suitcases inside of each other or under your bed. Organize sports equipment into individual duffel bags so that they are contained and malleable. A sports equipment organizer is a good idea if you have a lot, then you can put it in a mudroom, garage or child’s room.

If you have a lot of small items taking up space and creating disarray, you may be able to build a small, one foot wide cubby system up the front corner of your closet. Most people have about a foot of space between their clothes and the front wall of the closet. You can build them to the ceiling, insert storage bins for small items, use shelves for electronics storage, shoe shelves, sock and tie storage, out-of-reach storage for firearm cases, whatever you need them for. Put one on each side if necessary.

If you keep your winter and summer wardrobes in the closet at the same time, you should invest in a large plastic container or storage bags. Get the out-of-season clothing away from your clothing that you could be using right now. This can free up a lot of space. Large containers can usually stow away on the top shelf, underneath hanging clothes or in a garage. If you do put them in the garage, make sure that you include cedar products to protect your wardrobe from moths, mildew, moisture and odors.

Lastly, invest a little in some specialty hangers. Skirt hangers and cascading pants hangers can help you free up lots of room on your hanging bar. Cascading hooks allow you to pair up garments that go together. Utilizing these items can actually reduce the amount of bar space you are using by up to seventy-five percent! Plus, you will know right where everything is. No more digging through packed in clothes.

Upgrade your old wire and plastic hangers to wooden cedar hangers. Cedar hangers will deodorize your closet, keep clothing slightly separated to avoid wrinkles, absorb moisture and look great to boot. You will have a nice, organized, clean-smelling, beautiful closet when you are done.

Ron Maier is the manager of EverythingHangers, a leading online resource for metal hangers and cedar hangers. Find the highest quality metal hanger or cedar hanger at http://www.everythinghangers.com.

The Right Hanger Can Fix Closet Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:10:00 +0000

Traditional wire hangers have lots of problems and you can save a lot of money by getting rid of them. If they rust on your clothing or snag, you will be replacing your clothing as well as your hangers. They get tangled, bend, cram your clothes together and make it impossible to keep your closet neat and organized.

If you are wondering what type of hanger to get, it may depend on what problems you have with your closet. If you have a tiny space, you may need metal or slim-line hangers. If you want to create space to hang things that you d not have room for, you may need cascading hangers, skirt hangers, pants hangers or hanger accessories that help you make some room in your closet. If you need to hang suits, dresses and coats, you will need cedar hangers or wooden hangers with cedar accessories.

Metal hangers today are very different than those old wire hangers. They are very strong and virtually unbendable. They do not have that annoying twist at the neck that snags and tears your clothing. They are smooth and cannot rust. They come in coated, brushed metal or chrome for a really stunning closet. They have a flat design so you can hang clothing close together. The neck will not bend and the metal is a heavier gauge than the old wire hangers, so they do not get crossed up on the bar and tangled.

Slim-line hangers have a velvet coating that helps grip your clothes. They are flat, but the curved design helps shoulders keep their shape. They are great for hanging pants, too. You can add cascading hooks to slim-line hangers so that you can put outfits together using half the space. Slim-line hangers come in a variety of colors. You can choose each family member’s favorite color and help encourage them to hang their clothes. Your closets will look great with the uniformity and color of slim-line hangers.

Wooden hangers are the best quality, nicest looking hangers you can get. They come in natural, dark, redwoods, black, white and cedar hangers. Bamboo hangers are becoming very popular because of their lightweight feel, beautiful wood grain and their amazing strength. Bamboo is a renewable resource and actually helps the environment as it grows. Wooden hangers have a nice curve so that they do not fit tightly together. Many people love this because it keeps clothes slightly separated and wrinkle-free.

Choose the right hangers for your closet. Whether you pick metal hangers, slim-line hangers, bamboo hangers or cedar hangers, you will surely enjoy the beauty and uniformity that you see in your closet.

Ron Maier is the manager of EverythingHangers, a leading online resource for metal hangers and cedar hangers. Find the highest quality metal hanger or cedar hanger at http://www.everythinghangers.com.

Keep Your Closet Fresh with Cedar Hangers

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:08:00 +0000

Cedar has been popular for centuries because of its aroma, beauty, and the protection that it provides your clothes. Cedar is a very weather and rot resistant wood. It has many indoor and outdoor applications, but it remains ever popular for closet use.

People have used cedar for hundreds of years to keep moths from eating holes through their wool garments. We now know that moths do not actually eat wool, but lay their eggs on fabrics that have been soiled in some way. It is more common for wool sweaters or coats to be damaged by these larvae, because we tend to wear these items and then hang them again without washing or dry cleaning them first. Even if the sweaters and coats appear and smell clean, the oils from our skin and other unseen contaminants make a perfect habitat for moth larvae.

One way to avoid moth damage is to keep a small spray bottle of vodka in your closet. Mist worn garments that you are not going to clean with a light layer of vodka. Let them air dry. This will kill germs, help break down oils, and hopefully keep your garments fresh enough to keep moths away. Vodka will not harm most fabrics, but if you are using it on ornate, hand dyed or slick fabrics, you may want to spray an inconspicuous test area first.

The best way to avoid moth problems all together is to use cedar in your closet. The aroma helps to deodorize the area. This can be a bonus if you keep your shoes or laundry in the same closet as your clean clothes. Cedar absorbs moisture from the air. This keeps the humidity level of your closet down so that molds and mildews cannot grow and multiply. The scent of the cedar also repels moths so that they will not even consider your clothing a good place to lay eggs.

The best way to incorporate cedar into your closet is to use wood hangers made from cedar. Cedar hangers are very beautiful. The color is rich, the feel is smooth and the wood grain is just breathtaking. You will enjoy all of the benefits of cedar in your closet while adding a sophistication that can only be achieved by utilizing wood hangers.

The beauty and strength of wood hangers is unmatched by any other hanger. Cedar hangers are among the most renowned for their classic look, feel and aroma. The freshness that cedar hangers provide will have you drawing in deep breaths just to enjoy the scent. The air will be fresh, your clothes will be fresh and your closet will look amazing.

Ron Maier is the manager of EverythingHangers, a leading online resource for metal hangers and cedar hangers. Find the highest quality metal hanger or cedar hanger at http://www.everythinghangers.com.

The Right Hanger Can Fix Closet Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Keep Your Closet Fresh with Cedar Hangers

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:53:00 +0000

Keep Your Closet Fresh with Cedar Hangers

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:44:00 +0000

Wooden Hanger Options

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Nothing instantly streamlines your closet like wooden hangers. The spacing, look and feel just cannot be beat. If you are considering upgrading your old mismatched hangers to high quality wood hangers, you may want to know what options you have and the differences in each type of wooden hanger.

Wooden hangers can come in all different types of hardwoods or bamboo. Cherry and walnut are common hardwoods used to make hangers. These woods come in a variety of finishes that can add elegance and style to your closet. Wooden hangers are very sturdy and will last you for many years. They help clothes keep their shape without snagging or stretching delicate fabrics. You will have choices such as natural wood finish, black, white, dark or reddish stains.

Bamboo hangers have become more and more popular lately. This is mainly because they are made of a renewable resource. They are an environmentally friendly option that is not lacking in strength or beauty. Bamboo hangers are a very lightweight, sturdy choice that can withstand heavy weight and years of use. They come in a light, natural finish and look beautiful in any closet. Some people just love the tightness of the wood grain lines in bamboo hangers. Whether you like the weight, the look or the good you are doing for the environment, bamboo hangers are sure not to disappoint.

The reddish color wooden hanger is very elegant and helps bring out the grain in a beautiful wood. Many fans of this luxurious look prefer cedar hangers. Cedar hangers have a natural red variance in color that stands out as a centerpiece of any closet. The smooth feel and fragrant aroma is very refreshing. Cedar hangers keep your clothes deodorized by absorbing moisture from the air in your closet. They also help protect against moth and mildew problems. Cedar hangers are generally not coated with varnish so that the benefits of the cedar can be fully enjoyed. If your cedar hangers start to lose their aroma over the years, just lightly rub fine sandpaper over the surface to renew the scent.

Whichever type you choose, you are sure to be happy with the warmth that the rich wood adds to your closet. When you do order your hangers, consider ordering them as a set from one supplier. Go ahead and get matching skirt hangers, pants hangers, coat hangers and any hanger accessories that you may need. This way, whether you have a natural wood theme, cedar hangers or bamboo hangers, your closet will be inviting, elegant and have an organized feel for years to come.

Ron Maier is the manager of EverythingHangers, a leading online resource for metal hangers and cedar hangers. Find the highest quality metal hanger or cedar hanger at http://www.everythinghangers.com.

Maximize Closet Space

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:53:00 +0000

Just about every closet could use a little help. There are many useful types of closet shelves that can help create extra storage. But what if you just need more hanging space? Using specific types of hangers can help you create up to double the space that you had before. The trick is choosing your hangers and hanger accessories wisely. Inform yourself of your choices before you buy.

One popular choice is the Slim-Line hanger. These hangers have a velvety finish, chrome or nickel hooks, and have a good curvature to the shoulders. This shape helps keep your wardrobe from getting stretched out and also helps keep your clothing from slipping off on to the floor. Slim-Line hangers are thick and sturdy, but have are almost completely flat. You can hang many items of clothing close together, creating space where you may not have had it before.

Take it one step further. Get the hanger accessories to maximize the space that you have created. You can purchase Slim-Line clips to hold those clothes that like to slip no matter what type of hanger you put them on. Cascading hooks can be added to Slim-Line hangers. They allow you to hang other hangers from existing ones, layering outfits so that you are ready to go at a moment’s notice. They also help add space to the hanging bar. Shoulder Shapers are also popular for shirts and dresses with wide neck openings. They are also good for preventing coats and blazers from losing their shape at the shoulder. You can also add multi pant Slim-Line hangers to keep your pants hung without using very much space.

If you would like a sturdy alternative to Slim-Line hangers, consider durable metal hangers. Make sure that you get high quality metal, like polished chrome or nickel, not those old floppy wire hangers that can snag clothing, bend and overlap creating more damage and frustration than space. Today’s metal hangers can give your closet a sleek, minimalist look and a modern urban feel. Their flat design allows you to hang your clothes very close together without the hooks overlapping and getting tangled. These hangers are very hard to bend and can hold a lot of weight without collapsing.

Again, choose types of metal hangers that can create more space. Cascading hangers that keep pants wrinkle free while freeing up lots of space are a good place to start. Notched metal hangers keep smaller straps from slipping. Skirt hangers have no slip, no damage clips. You can even get vinyl covered non-slip metal hangers if you would like. Open ended pants hangers make getting pants out of a tight closet a snap. Consider drop hanger attachments for keeping outfits together. These metal hangers allow you to hang the pants and shirt on one apparatus.

Choosing the right hangers and hanger accessories can create space where you did not know you had it before. Slim-Line and sturdy metal hangers are great choices for streamlining your closet. Maximizing space by adjusting the types of hangers you have is an easy and inexpensive way of making the most of a small closet without sacrificing style or durability.

Ron Maier is the manager of EverythingHangers, a leading online resource for metal hangers and cedar hangers. Find the highest quality metal hanger or cedar hanger at http://www.everythinghangers.com.

Cedar Hanger Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Most people really enjoy the look, feel and smell of cedar hangers in their closet. But, there are plenty of other tangible benefits to the cedar hanger. It is getting to be that time of year where you need to store your winter clothes. Before you do, read about how cedar hangers can save your winter wardrobe from moths and their larvae.

Cedar helps to repel moths and their larvae. The larvae are actually what eat holes in your clothes. Moth larvae can feed on almost any kind of fabric, not just wool. One sure fire way to get moth larvae in your closet is to wear a sweater or coat and then hang it back up without being cleaned. The oils and proteins from your skin provide a perfect breeding ground for moths and the larvae actually feed on these sometimes invisible soils. Use cedar hangers to repel any moths or larvae that may be thinking about invading your closet.

Cedar is a unique kind of wood. Of course, it has a wonderful aroma that can last for years, but it can also help keep your wardrobe fresh. Cedar has a deodorizing effect. This may be of interest to you if you keep your shoes in the same closet as your clothing. It does not just mask odors, but it actually absorbs them. If your cedar hangers start to lose their freshness over the years, you can simply rub fine grit sandpaper lightly over their surface. They will be refreshed and smell just like new.

Cedar absorbs moisture as well. Most closets do not have much ventilation, so this can become important, especially in humid climates. The moisture absorption keeps mildews and molds from growing on your clothes and belongings.

Besides all of these wonderful features that are unmatched by any other hanger, the cedar hanger has a timeless beauty that catches the eye and warms the soul. Cedar hangers project a warm ambiance in your closet with their beauty, aroma and smooth lines. The deep reds and browns work together to have a soothing affect on your mood. Because the cedar hanger is not varnished, it has a softer look than other wooden hangers, but you will not sacrifice style and the look of an organized closet.

If you choose this hanger for your closet, you will enjoy the look, feel, aroma and texture that only a cedar hanger can provide. The timeless beauty is sure to bring you years of enjoyment. You will also enjoy the convenience, organization and contributions unparalleled by any other hanger that the cedar hanger provides you.

Ron Maier is the manager of EverythingHangers, a leading online resource for metal hangers and cedar hangers. Find the highest quality metal hanger or cedar hanger at http://www.everythinghangers.com.

The Best Clothing Hanger

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:20:00 +0000

It may seem as though the unassuming clothing hanger is pretty basic and that one is no better than another—unless, of course, you are interested in making your own antenna, in which case you would obviously want a metal hanger. The reality, though, is that there are different scenarios and different articles of clothing that call for the use of different types of hangers.

If you are tight on space, for example, your best choice is probably not going to be plastic clothes hangers, which typically are fairly bulky. Instead, choose more streamlined options, such as metal hangers, which take up far less space than their plastic counterparts. But by far the best option for people with limited closet space is actually the vertical hanger, which can hang multiple garments in the same amount of space as a single garment on a standard clothes hanger. This can also help with organization, as like items can be hung together.

For your coat closet, or anyplace where your guests may hang their coats, you might want to invest in some wooden hangers. By stocking the appropriate closets with clothes hangers of the same type—facing in the same direction, of course—you can easily give a polished look to even the smallest details of your home. In addition, wooden hangers are sturdy and will not stretch, or be stretched by, even the heaviest of overcoats. Wooden hangers with trouser bars are a great option for coat closets, as the trouser bar can be used to hang scarves.

Because of their sturdiness, wooden hangers are also a good choice for suits. A good suit is not cheap, and if well taken care of, can last for years. By hanging a suit on a hanger that will not stretch it out or cause unsightly indentations, you can prolong the life of your suit. In the same vein, be sure that any clamp hangers that will be used on items such as pants or skirts have padding or some other sort of protection that will go between the clamp and the garment.

Padded hangers are perfect for delicates, such as slips, camisoles, cashmere and evening wear. Unlike many types of hangers, they present no risk for delicate garments being snagged or ripped, and because they tend to be much thicker, even the slinkiest of fabrics and the skinniest of straps are more apt to stay put. Padded hangers are available covered in fabrics ranging from canvas to satin.

Hangers are not necessarily the one-size-fits-all item that most people consider them to be. Take stock of your wardrobe and make sure that you are using the right clothes hanger for each item.

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

Helping Children Get Organized

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:27:00 +0000

An important part of creating healthy habits in our children is starting them out at a young age. This is especially true when it comes to being organized. Young children are not yet developed enough to be able to organize their belongings on their own and need a parent to create that structure for them.

If you want your kids to do a proper cleanup you need to provide the right type of storage space for them. Since they are smaller everything will obviously need to be at a much lower height. This includes all shelving, storage bins, and closet modules. If they cannot reach storage space they will certainly not be able to use it. At first you will need to teach them what goes where and model behavior. As they begin to understand what is meant by cleanup you can pull away from participation. If they know where things go they are more likely to put items away on their own. Two games you can play are doing a cleanup song, or a cleanup scavenger hunt.

When it comes to clothes children will learn best starting out with colorful plastic hangers they can easily grab and manipulate. Have a separate drawer for each type of clothing or compartmentalize each drawer. Creating a fun themed environment also helps. There are many options for children’s hangers, such as glam hangers or plastic hangers in any color you can imagine.

Of course at time all kids refuse to listen to their parents. Have expectations clearly outlined and hold your children to them. They need this structure and discipline to develop self confidence and generate a sense of security. Think about how being organized will help him be more successful as an adult.

Once a child understands where their toys go and how to use a clothes hanger they will enjoy cleanup time as part of their play. It then becomes more of a game and keeps it from being an enormous chore at the end of the day when the floor is covered in toys. Your children will be able to play more freely with their belongings and perhaps even begin to dress themselves in the mornings. Knowing where things are they can save time looking for things and gain more value from playtime. They can then begin to develop the important life skills of organization that will last a lifetime.

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

Clothes Hangers are an Investment

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:37:00 +0000

If you are serious about growing your retail clothing outlet you have no doubt given enormous amounts of thought to every detail related to business from product choices, and store layout to employee dress code. This article will discuss the importance of choosing the right clothes hangers and offer some guidelines for making that selection.

Every decision you make will affect sales. Even those minute details, such as clothes hangers, will subtly alter their shopping experience for better or for worse. Emotions play a huge part in people’s desire to make purchases. How you display your products is a great opportunity to impress and put a potential customer in a good mood. Every aspect of your store layout will influence sales. Even something as simple as the choice of clothes hangers can make a huge difference.

There is an enormous selection of colors and styles to choose from making it is easy to find a clothes hanger that matches your product and customer demographics. Children’s stores will want to find fun brightly colored kids hangers or trendy glam hangers. Pink for girls and blue for boys and possibly decorated with plastic beads, flowers, trucks, or other decals are just a few ideas. If money is tight plastic hangers can be ordered in just about any color. Higher end stores will want to opt for classy wooden hangers. Match the garment to the hanger with walnut, mahogany, cedar, or black and white painted wooden hangers.

Organic cotton and bamboo clothing is rapidly gaining popularity among those environmentally conscious. For eco-friendly stores there check out bamboo hangers and avoid plastic hangers. Bamboo crops are considered a sustainable resource because they are insect resistant and do not require poisonous pesticides. They can be grown on a variety of soil types without extra irrigation. It is an extremely fast growing tree and you can literally watch it grow before your eyes. Some species can gain up to one foot per day, as much as 2”/hr at times.

There is a hanger for literally every product. Specialized hangers can help you display odd items, such as belts, bikinis, and shoes in a classy manor. Go that extra mile and have your store logo, slogan, or meaningful quotations on every hanger.

While clothes hangers seem like just another expense necessary to be in business it is actually an investment. Spend the time and look at your options. A well thought out decision is sure to increase sales.

About the Author:

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

11 Retail Store Tips to Beat the Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:45:00 +0000

Retail clothing is one of the most competitive markets out there. In today’s tough economy you need to have the best service necessary to stay competitive. Every store that has been around for a while will be providing a basic level of customer service. Usually this entails a friendly well informed sales team able to answer their questions. We are not talking about the basics here. You need to give them more than the other guys. Here are some ideas you can get to gain notoriety among your target market.

1. Make the shopping experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Follow the rules of merchandising, such as clear tagging and running clothes hangers all in the same direction. Customers need to be able to find what they are looking for quickly and easily without getting frustrated.

2. Take orders over the phone or deliver products to their door either personally or through the mail?

3. Provide a seating area around change rooms. This way your guests can relax while friends or family members are trying on clothes.

4. Have your store’s logo printed on all your clothes hangers. Send your customers home with your store hangers when you make sales. This way when they pull their favorite shirt out and see your store logo they will remember where they got it from.

5. Have sales associates keep a list of regular customers and send them personalized thank you notes, special promotional offers, or gift certificates. A “missing you” note is another nice touch if someone has not come in for a while.

6. Hold an in store event or special sale. It does not necessarily have to revolve around a specific holiday.

7. Sponsor an event in your community. Find something related to your market. This might be an athletic event, such as a running or bike race, or it might be along the lines of community play. Sponsorship might include providing products, money, or volunteer service in support of the event.

8. Have longer hours during holiday seasons. Open up earlier or close later. Provide additional sales staff to help out higher than usual customer and sales volume.

9. Make checkout a speedy process. Once people have made their decision they want to get on with their lives. Have enough cash registers so long lines do not form. This is especially critical during busy holidays and special sales.

10. Allow customers to put things on layaway for a period of time. You do not have to hold an item for a month. A few days is not unreasonable especially for a good customer. When they return to pick up the item they may add to their purchase.

11. Gift wrap! Save your customers the hassle of having to wrap items up themselves. This way they can kill two birds with one stone.

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

Bad Habits Can Break Sales

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Retail clothing sales can be an unforgiving business. Even if you have good sales process you can still blow sales with bad habits. Here are some small ways you can put off customers that were ready to buy.

Number one is poor hygiene. First impressions are huge when it comes to sales. Your appearance plays a massive role in. You do not have to be Brad Pitt or Angelina, but simple hygiene goes a long way. Unshaven, grungy teeth, body odor, wrinkly stained clothes, and messy hair are just a few things customer will pick up on instantly. No one is going to spend much time with a stinky sales person. Taking the time to properly care for your hygiene is a way of showing respect for your customers and fellow employees.

Number two is laziness. When a customer walks into store you should appear busy. There are always plenty of things to do in a retail store, such as putting items back on clothes hangers, re-organizing racks, sorting products, and stacking unused hangers. If you are just sitting at the counter on your butt it sends the message that you do not care about your job they will assume you do not care about them.

Number three is being unprepared. Nothing is more aggravating for a customer than trying to get information from someone who does not have any, but is trying to pretend that they do. The more you know about your product or industry the more sales you will get. This is the key to building confidence and trust with a customer that is essential for a sale to take place. Additionally you need to know your way around your store. It may seem obvious to you, but for someone who has just come in your store is a maze of store displays and clothes hangers. If a customer has to follow you all over the entire building because you do not know where a specific item is or even if you carry a product you will

Number four is nervous habits. Constantly biting your lip or fidgeting with clothes hangers while a customer is talking to you can drive customers away. Sometimes we do not even notice we are doing these things ourselves and it can be hard to break these habits. One way is to have fellow employee keep an eye out while you are dealing with customers and help remind you with a subtle hand signal, clearing of the throat.

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

What to do With Those Old Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:06:00 +0000

Most people accumulate clothing at a much faster rate than they can wear it out. This leads to bloated closets filled with perfectly good outfits you just are not going to wear anymore. Closets stuffed too tightly are a pain. Clothes hangers become all entangled and getting ready in the morning becomes a hassle. It may be time to let go of some of those items you can do without. Even though you may love a particular piece of clothing perhaps it just does not fit anymore, since you have gained or lost weight. If you are struggling with what to do about all those clothes here are some ideas that may help you feel a little better about it.

Try to find a good second home for them. Pass them on to a friend or take them to work and give them away to your co-workers. You may find satisfaction seeing them appreciated by someone you know.

Find a charity to donate to, such as a church or homeless shelter. Hard times are not always a result of bad choices. Financial crisis may be discovering a child has cancer, or that a breadwinner can no longer provide due to serious injury or death. Your donation could help ease the crunch of these financial hardships.

Another option is to try and make some money in the process. Some thrift stores will purchase clothes if they are in good condition, especially brand name articles. Clothes should be free of stains, tears or holes, and nasty smells. Some stores will offer a flat rate for your clothes, while others may work on a consignment basis. This means you will have to wait till the items sell before you get paid and the store collects a percentage of the sale price. If you have the time take them to your local flee market. You can always find someone here who will sell your clothes or you can setup a table yourself.

Online sales are a great way to sell clothing as well. Snap a photo of the items and post them on the internet. Presentation is an important part of online selling. Sell clothes individually or as a whole lot on Ebay or craigslist. Be sure to provide a precise and honest description of the item or you may find buyers are upset with you and demand a refund.

Take the time to reorganize your closet at least once a year. Free up some clothes hangers for new arrivals and feel good about it at the same time.

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

Organize Your Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 23:52:00 +0000

The kitchen is one of the busiest places in nearly every home. With so much of life and activity taking place here it is important to keep this area organized. If things have gotten out of hand it can be a daunting task, but the rewards and increase in your efficiency will leave you with more time to enjoy yourself.

It is best to tackle things section by section. Don’t try to do everything all at once. This allows you to continue to use your kitchen while you are reorganizing and prevents frustration.

Break things down into activities you will be performing such as, storing, cooking, baking, serving, and cleaning. Have one area only for dishes and plates, another for pots and pans, and another for appliances. Cleaning products and dish rack under the sink. Think about the normal flow of activity as a starting point. Combine similar items as much as possible. Certain types of foods should go together as well. Avoid putting something in an area just because there is space there or it seems to fit best there.

Keep the counters as clear as possible. This creates a feeling of orderliness and space. Smaller kitchens need all they space they have for food preparation. Multi-tiered wire shelving for cup boards is a great way to avoid excessive stacking of small items. Be wary of purchasing too many “handy” organizers for the kitchen. These things may help you out, but often become one more thing that needs organizing. It may be a sign that you should downsize. Do you have items you do not use anymore? If you cannot remember the last time you made waffles then maybe it is time to say goodbye the waffle maker.

If cabinets and drawers are already full you can create more space by hanging larger items on the wall from hooks or metal hangers. Another way is to install a metal or wooden rod and dangle hangers for pots, pans, and baking utensils.

A scattered, messy kitchen can be a nightmare. A well organized kitchen can be a great place of enjoyment for the whole family. Not only will you will feel a lot better about things once everything has a place, but you will save enormous amounts of time. When things are streamlined all of the sudden washing this dishes or cooking a meal becomes a pleasure instead of a chore.

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

Create Some Space in Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 23:38:00 +0000

Let’s face it, in every home space comes at a premium. No matter how many closets, cabinets, and shelves you have there never seems to be enough places to put things. It is a constant struggle to maintain an elegant home while still having space to put everything. We all have a dream of how our homes ought to be. “If only the builders had put this wall over here, or a built-in shoe rack under the stairs it would all work out”, we think. Unless you are ready for expensive renovations to have that wall added or removed here are a few relatively low cost ways to increase the storage capacity and classiness of you home.

In an entry way consider adding a storage bench. This really maximizes the value of your furniture. For smaller entry areas you can even get a triangular corner bench that will tuck away nicely off to the side. Shoe racks come in almost any size and are an essential for a closet in this part of your home. Wall hung coat hangers, or a coat tree can free up even more valuable space in closets.

If kitchen cabinets are chockablock full get some of those bigger pots and pans out of there and hang them up. If there is wall space you can use hooks or wall hangers. A quick look through any kitchen design magazine will fill you with space saving ideas in this area.

Install track lighting and get rid of floor lamps. Track lighting is available in a myriad of styles and colors to fit any taste and match any home. Being able to direct light anywhere you want can also help create a better atmosphere in a room.

Get a few more towels on the wall by adding another towel hanger or two as wall space allows. You could also hang an extra storage cabinet. Smaller size cabinets made especially for bathrooms are available at most home stores in stock with a variety of styles to choose from. These cabinets are great decorations with glass doors or mirrors and more importantly help keep bathroom counters clear of hair products, mouthwash, deodorants and perfumes.

A cluttered life does not lend itself to enjoyment. In the end if may be best to just let go of some things. With a little effort and creativity you can have a clutter free home and that is better than being surrounded by mountains of possessions.

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

What to do With Those Old Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:41:00 +0000

Little Guys Beat the Big Box Stores

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:46:00 +0000

The retail clothing business is one of the toughest industries to be in these days, and you have really got to love it to be successful. When it seems like everyone is talking about the 10 shirts for 10 bucks they just picked how can a small store possibly compete? It can be discouraging, but don’t fold up the shop just yet. Large chain stores compete on quantity not quality. The little guy can beat the big box stores by focusing on three key areas: unique product lines, exceptional service, and interesting store environments. With a little shift in strategy you can not only survive, but thrive in a world of Wal-Marts, Gaps, and Old Navys.

Here are just a few reasons people might not want to shop at the big box chain. These places are crowded and noisy with traffic jams in the aisles and long checkout lines, and kids out of control. Selling everything is not necessarily an advantage. If you are shopping for shoes you do not care how many types of tires, or tennis racks the store has. With so much traffic stores get messy and disorganized. Items are usually falling off of shelves and clothes hangers and people end up having to dig through piles of junk to find what they want.

Find a niche and focus on it. This could be kid’s clothes, work clothes, hats, lingerie, or eco-friendly organic clothes hung on bamboo hangers. Big box chains are targeting the same general market and most of the merchandise is the same across the chains. A small store does not have the space or capital to carry everything, so it must find a focus. People get tired of seeing the same styles everywhere and are looking for something different. Whatever the niche make sure you aren’t carrying the same stuff available as the big giants. If you can find some unique product lines or styles you will be providing something the big guys do not.

Small stores are owner operated or family run businesses. A small store can offer far superior service than the big box giants and once customers realize it they will continue to come back whenever they need something. Those large stores get bombarded with hundreds of customers on weekends and evenings when most people do their shopping and they cannot possibly service everyone. Exceptional service is the best advertising. Get to know your clients and what interests them. Not everyone has good fashion sense, and will value someone who does. If you spend the time to find the right item, accessory or outfit for someone they will remember the compliments they got and will be tell their friends about it. Getting to know customers you begin to build community and build into their community.

A stores appearance echoes its values. People want to feel good about the shopping experience as much as their purchase. Obviously you need to keep the place clean and well organized, and always look your best, but go beyond this and satisfy the all senses. The environment both outside and inside plays a huge part in the experience your shoppers will have at your venue. You can create unique store displays with your products, and use stylish clothes hangers.

Switch around your thinking and ask the question, “How can the big box store compete with us?” It may take some hard work and strategizing, but once you are on track it can be satisfying, fun, and most of all rewarding.

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

Upgrade Your Closet With Wooden Hangers

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:49:00 +0000

If you are tired of the old boring wire hangers or you have just renovated your closet then it might be time to upgrade to classier wooden hangers. These hangers fall into three categories: Regular Wood Hangers, Cedar Hangers, and Bamboo Hangers. These hangers can hold a shirt or pair of pants or a combo variety that holds both. Here are a few details about each type to help you make your selection.

Wooden hangers allow for a variance of stains from dark woods to lighter woods which you will be able to match your closet shelving and cabinetry. Of course they can be painted any color, and their elegant shape will add to your closet’s style. They are strong and will not break easily if dropped or manhandled, unlike plastic hangers. For childrens hangers consider painting them with a theme such as Walt Disney princesses, trucks and cars, or a space theme.

If you have a musty closet you might want to try a cedar hanger. Cedar hangers have a lovely scent and can protect your clothes from insect damage. Mothballs are pesticides and their vapors apart from being malodorous are unhealthy, especially to children. The properties of cedar will repel moths without having to expose your family to danger. Placing cedar planks in a dresser can accomplish the same preserving and scenting effects for those clothes you have folded. Since, they are a softer species of wood they may dent slightly easier than other hangers.

The bamboo tree is one of the fastest growing trees on the planet and some species grow up to 1 meter a day. It is used to make just about anything from building materials, flooring, furniture, and even clothing and clothes hangers. Bamboo hangers may be the right choice if you are environmentally conscious, since they come from a sustainable resource. The unique wood grain of bamboo has style unlike any other wood. This hard wood hanger is among the strongest and sturdiest available and will not dent.

Daintier garments, such as a nice evening gown or lingerie, may be prone to falling off wood hangers. This can be easily remedied using anti slip hanger covers. These strips of plastic or foam can be stick on or slip over any type of hanger and will keep clothes from falling off.

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

Manage Your Time Achieve Your Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:06:00 +0000

Where did the time go? With such busy lives these days filled with cell phones, email, and multiple jobs it is easy for the time to get away from you. We get moving so fast that we do not see how we spend our time and then wonder why things are not getting done. Are you constantly searching for your keys in the morning or struggling to find the right clothes to wear in the morning? More than likely there are numerous energy leaks in your life that you may not even notice.

One of the most important life skills to develop is time management. How you use your time directly relates to what you can accomplish. By organizing your life and generating good habits you can eliminate unnecessary energy leaks and gain back valuable minutes or hours each day. Don’t procrastinate any longer.

Understand how you spend your time. Keep a journal or daily time log. Many top CEOs attribute their success to continual self analysis. Plot out what you are doing each hour in each day. This may seem like it will eat up even more minutes out of your day, but it is dangerous to deny yourself the time it takes to make your life better. Eventually you will begin to identify patterns and a better understanding of how much time specific tasks require. You may not be allotting enough time for certain tasks or getting bogged down with unimportant activities. Invest in a day timer, planner, and wall calendar. This can help you better plan out your days and weeks around your goals instead of just letting them happen.

Clear the clutter out of your house. The state of your environment directly affects your concentration level, approach, and outlook on your life. Keep a clean house inside and out. Hire a maid and have the lawn mowed if you are too busy. Take a weekend and go through all your belongings and give anything you do not need to charity. If you are not sure about an item, make note of it and box it up. If you have not used it after several months then donate it then. Think twice before making new purchases understanding that everything you own has to be stored, cleaned, and maintained.

The closet is a critical area where time seeps away. Often it is visited several times daily. A disorganized closet makes it difficult to find what you want to wear, sort through, and put away clothes. Putting some attention in this area can save you hours over the course of a week. The goal is to maximize you storage space and functionality at the same time. Hang shoe bags, or tie racks on the back of closet doors. Upgrade your clothes hangers so they are all the same style. Slim line hangers or multi slack hangers can increase storage capacity two or three times. Put similar items together in a closet organizer, on a shelving system, or plastic storage bins.

The idea is to create systems for anything you do on a regular basis. When you come home the keys go on a hook, cell phone on the charger, and wallet on the dresser. Other systems might be laundry, workouts, grocery shopping, children’s activities, or paying the bills. The important thing is to start developing the system and you will find ways to improve it over time.
Developing good habits takes time. You only have one life to live. No more excuses. Take action today and begin streamlining your life and achieving your dreams!

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

Home Office Setup for Success

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:15:00 +0000

If you run a home based business your home office is probably where you spend most of your time. How you setup your office will likely affect how you think about yourself and your business. Studies have proven our environment is a critical factor that goes in to how we think and feel, and the actions we take or don’t take. Treat this task lightly and you will begin to think the same way about your work. A well designed professional office will boost your posture and confidence with clients no matter the size of your business. It becomes a place you are eager to be when you start your day. It can be whatever you want, so here are some tips to get you started.

Plan the layout on paper first. Determine what furnishings and equipment you will want in your office. Where will you put your desk, filing cabinets, bookshelves, and computer hardware? Will you need lots of desk space or workbench to layout hands on projects? Whatever you do make sure it is comfortable and accessible. Don’t cramp your style, especially if clients will be visiting. Choose the right sized desk for the space and include a comfy ergonomic swivel chair on a mat and an adjustable table lamp. Organize and stock drawers with a full array of office supplies such as pens, pencils, highlighters, paper clips, and rubber bands. Solid shelves held up by classy metal hangers fixed to studs are quick and easy to install.

One of the most important aspects beyond simple functionality is to decorate your office with things that arouse your passion and remind you of your goals. This could be literally anything from framed photographs, posters, or artistic paintings to model cars, statues, or sporting memorabilia. Be creative. Plants are a nice touch as well and oxygenate the room.

A large part of success is simply being organized. Setup your office in an organized fashion and spend a little time each day keeping it that way and your half way there. Running a business from home means more freedom, more time with family, and more fun, but it also means more responsibility. If your office is not everything you want it to be stop griping about it and take action. It is part of building your business, so expect to put some time and energy into it. It is up to you to be successful.

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

Organize Your Work Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:07:00 +0000

The garage or workshop is a sacred place. Here is where we store all our precious tools. It is a refuge from an angry spouse where we can cool off from a heated argument and a place to spend unforgettable quality time working on projects with our children. Unfortunately the old adage our shop teachers preached, “a place for everything, and everything in its place” often falls by the wayside in our own shops. Getting things in order is a valuable investment that will save you countless hours of time and money by making your workshop a more enjoyable and efficient environment.

Store similar tools in a toolbox or hang them from metal hangers on a peg board. Find a cupboard or shelf for larger tools. Using labels, tracing the tools picture on the wall, or taping a photo of cabinet contents to cabinet doors can help you find things quickly. Allow for adequate space for items. If you cram cabinets and shelves chockablock full you will end up pulling half the shelf down each time you reach for something. Get shovels, brooms, and rakes out of the way using special hooks or metal hangers placed high on the wall.

Put power chords and air hoses on rollup coils near an air compressor or power plug. Installing locking wheels on big machines such as a table saw, drill press, or router table to quickly reconfigure your shop setup. Use twist ties or rubber bands to bind up excess chord lengths and eliminate tangling. A fishing tackle box, glass mayonnaise or baby food jars are perfect for storing assortments of screws, nails and other hardware.

Improper workbench height can cause strained muscles in the arms, back and neck. Medical research studies on ergonomic table heights for surgical doctors suggest ratio between 0.7 and 0.8 of the person’s elbow height. To figure out the most comfortable work surface height for you simply measure the height of your elbows standing up and multiply that number by 0.8. The resulting number should be the most comfortable work surface height. For example, a person that is 5’6” tall with an elbow height of 41” the optimal workbench height to reduce muscle strain is around 33”.

If you are doing a lot of wood or metal work, sanding, or bondo you may want to look at installing a dust collection system. Excessive exposure to dust particles can cause chronic bronchitis or emphysema. These systems operate from a single vacuum and will filter dust out of the air and can be connected to multiple machines.

Whatever work you are doing always have a special place for safety gear such as ear muffs and eye goggles. This way you will be more likely to use them when you should. Eye injuries can be life changing matters that unfortunately happen all too often though easily preventable.

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

Maximize Your Garage Sale Profits – Sale Presentation

noreply@blogger.com (Everything Hangers) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 19:08:00 +0000

Part one of this series discussed the importance of effective advertising to attract customers to your garage sale. This article will give you great ideas on how to get organized for your sale and how to present your sale items in a way that will make customers want to buy.

Getting organized will help you to know what you have, what you need, and what to do with it. When going through your garage sale goods start sorting them into categories such as household items, sports and recreation, toys and games, etc. This will help you during the presentation part of the sale later. Once you have a good idea of what you have make a list of what you might need for the sale such as tables for display, stickers for pricing, coins and small bills for giving out change, clothes rack and hangers, chairs and a table to sit at, snacks and drinks for your sales people (you and your kids). Having everything you need ahead of time helps to eliminate some stress and the mad dash feeling when customers start showing up and your aren’t ready yet.

The layout of your sale can encourage or deter shoppers. Most will agree that they are more likely to peruse a sale if items are visible, easy to find, and the prices are clearly marked. The same goes for your garage sale customers. Lay similar items near each other on tables if available or in clusters on your lawn and driveway. Do not crowd too many things together. Make use of other sale items to prop things up and make it look nice. If you have clothes to sell, put them on hangers and hang them on a rack. No one likes to paw through a box of messy clothes to find something that might fit or look nice on them. This is a great way to get rid of wire hangers or the old plastic hangers. If you don’t have a clothes rack, you can improvise with a rope or broom tied or propped between two ladders. Arrange the clothes by color or type and size.

Pricing can be done with stickers or signs on tables clearly marking that these items are a certain price. Color-code your stickers so that a particular color sticker represents a particular price and make a sign to illustrate the color pricing. This method saves huge amounts of time, since you do not have to write a price on each individual item. Pricing items is entirely up to you and you will find many people like to barter, so do not worry about setting a price too high. You can always lower the price as the sale goes on throughout the day.

Customer service is part of presentation as well. Greet your customers as they arrive with a friendly smile and hello. Ask if there is something you can help them find and let them know you are available if they have any questions. Play a little upbeat music to set a fun and positive atmosphere. Shoppers in a good mood are more likely to buy.

When you advertise in multiple sources, organize your sale items in a way that is easy for shoppers to find what they are looking for, and present those items in so people can see things they did not know they wanted and you are guaranteed to get the most bang for your buck. Remember, garage sales are a great time to be outdoors with your family and neighbors, so have fun.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of Everything Hangers, a leading online distributor of hangers. Check out our new line of plastic hangers at http://www.everythinghangers.com.