In-Store Promos Proven Sales Drivers At Whole Foods, Staples Store layout is another tool retailers have for boosting their revenue.(SERIES: Tools To Increase Retail Sales)(LEADERS & SUCCESS)(MANAGING A SUCCESSFUL COMPANY)

Byline: MARILYN MUCH

Tools To Increase Retail Sales: First Of Two Parts As you shop the aisles of Whole Foods Market in New York City, you can't help but notice colorful displays guiding you through stations providing fresh produce, breads, seafood, meats and prepared foods. Chalkboards make it easy to find sale items or daily specials. Posters feature photos and stories about local farmers and their methods of growing crops. The idea is for customers to see the faces behind the products. Whole Foods is one of a growing number of retailers going the extra mile to grab our attention. Retailers are pushing harder than ever to drive revenue in today's weak economic climate and competitive milieu, says Patrick Fitzpatrick, an analyst at Kurt Salmon Associates. Retailers stress the need to make operations more effective, control …