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Milton  601.434.3000
Rita    501.680.6929
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References and Testimonials

Below are a few references and testimonials

Click Here For Full Testimonials

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    “I could not have done this without you!”
    Kim Kidd . Willow Tree . Fort Payne, AL


    “… Hard to believe the results.”
      ​

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    "Worth every penny"
    Mary Alice Blevins . The Farm and Garden Store . Prescott, AR


    "Anybody who hires Milton and listens
    will get 10 times their money’s worth!"
      

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    "GOB success!"
    Rita Harvey . Elle . Little Rock, AR

    "Thanks and much appreciation for the well-organized
    and professional way you guided us in our store closing sale.
    Your advice was needed and deeply welcome to us.
    Your insight, along with the execution recommendations  made our
    “GOB” Sale a solid success! 
    We could not have done it without you!
    Thank you so much!"
      

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    “He gives 110% to every endeavor.”
    Bubba Silberstein . President, The Silberstein Group . Houston, TX


    “All respect . . . (Milton) analyzes, devises a plan and executes the plan . . .
    It has been my pleasure to be a reference for Milton Waldoff who is an exemplary person, citizen and businessman."
      

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    “Outstanding in every respect”
    John W. Wilson . Chairman & CEO
     Society to Certify the Authenticity of Art & Antiques . Atlanta, GA


    “honesty and integrity . . .  unassuming gentleman...”

    "I do not hesitate to recommend Milton for any task he says he can do!
    I am convinced if Milton Waldoff says he can do it, he can!
    He is very up front in acknowledging what he can and cannot do."
      

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     ​
    “Your guidance was essential
    and complete for this experience”
    R. H. Shehab . R. H. Shehab's . San Juan, Puerto Rico
    ​
    "A complete approach . . . It was a great and fruitful experience
    working with you in our  Store Closing Sale.
    In spite of the fact that I have been in the retail business for over 20 years,
    I never went through the experience of closing a store and your guidance was instrumental in maximizing this situation from an economic point of view. Your approach to these situations is very complete from the purchasing and financial management, to marketing, advertising, and the visual aspect . . .
    The results were nothing short of amazing."

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    “Milton, our Going Out of Business Sale
    was more successful than I ever dreamed.”
    Sally Odegaard . Olga's . Waco, TX

    ​
    “A wonderful experience!  You were a pleasure to
    work with . . . wish I had had your guidance and
    market connections years ago!”


      

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    "Tremendous help"
    Jocelyn Cramer . The Cummings House . Dalton, PA

    "Milton, YOU made it not so tough!!!
    And for the added comfort that you provided
    great guidance to my mother and father, I am very grateful.

    Thank you again Milton . . .Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!"
      

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    “One of the highlights of my 8 years in retail”
    Bayle Drubel . JuliAna . Hanover, NH


    "Thank you . . . I appreciate all of your hard work and efforts.
    It was a pleasure meeting you and working with you."
      

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    "This system works!"
    Walter Pye . Pinto Ranch Fine Western Wear . Houston, Dallas, and Las Vegas


    “Milton is a major-league retailer…smartest retailer I know, with GREAT horse and street sense... My suggestion is to trust Milton, get out of his way, and let him work his magic.”
      

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    “Milton was 100% spot-on about his projections."
    Fran Sayers . Body & Sole . Lake Placid, NY


    “Milton’s Role Is Essential...Milton was kind, professional, and very patient with my questions and concerns.”
      

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    "Milton describes what will happen, and it does!"
    Donna Lamarca . Annex Two . St. Louis, MO


    "If Milton says to do it, even if it hurts your heart and seems counter to your thinking, DO IT or your sale will not be as successful! Milton wants, plans and will create a sale where your store comes out way ahead......There is no other choice to make in the retail close-out business.
    Please ask his future clients to call me – 314-434-4402”
      ​

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    "Solid Reputation"
    Arlene Ratner . Jezebel's . Savannah, GA


    “If I had used Milton before we decided to close,
    I would have made a LOT more money . . .
    results unfolded exactly as he said.
    Should anyone wish to talk with me about Milton Waldoff
    and our Sale, don't hesitate to call me at 912-598-5080."


      

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    “Such a good promoter and so much imagination.
    Milton Waldoff knows what he is doing!
    Follow his directions and you will be delighted
    with the results!”
    Gayle Smith . Gayle's . Houston, TX


    “He garnered so much money for our store.”
     

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     “Milton always has great help and answers.
    He is a merchant that knows what he is doing!”
    Terre Osterwitz . Traditional Terre . Cary, NC


    “Milton is great at what he does!"



      

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    "Just exceptional"
    Claudia L. Snow . Claudia's Fashions . Texarkana, TX


    "Milton, your planning and organization of the sale, projecting sales, assistance in purchasing additional merchandise at greatly reduced prices and timing of the discounts for the sale, planning, and execution of the advertising and advertising budget was just exceptional.
    And, making a signifcant profit closing our store,
    I'm still flabbergasted!
    Thank You!   Thank You!   Thank You!"
      

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     “Milton made such a huge difference…”
    Betty Campbell . Mimi's . Galesburg, IL


    "Thank you Milton - you have made such a difference
    in the life of the store and my life
    that I don't even know where to begin to or how to say thank you.
    Thank you, thank you, thank you !
    I really do appreciate you and all that you've done."
      

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     “. . . Closing with you gave us all a feeling
    of a great final act."
    Christy Briedis . Crysti . Rehoboth Beach, DE


    "Last day … one sparse rolling rack of apparel, one T stand
     along with a round table with a few peices of jewelry.
    After donating these few things that were left after the end of the sale. Lights out ready to deliver the key to the landlord.
    Never felt it was possible"
     

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    "We are so glad we did this with you . . .
    we could never have gotten results like this by ourselves."
    Dana Schwister . Mini-Mini Market . Brooklyn, NY


      
    " . . . We sold more accessories than we dreamed we would in a lifetime!
    Thank you for helping us close our store
    and make more money than we dreamed possible."
      

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    "Milton, the sale exceeded our expectations."
    Carla and David Ruff . For YOU! . Enid, OK

    “Milton, the sale exceeded our  expectations.
    We had hoped we’d pay all our outstanding bills … We DID!
    And now we have money in the bank, as well.
    Everything sold!  All the merchandise …
    All the furniture, fixtures and equipment.
    Everything!   All in all, I’m really impressed.”
      

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    "You were there at every turn."
    Cynthia Nelson . Flamboyant Boutique . Naples, FL


    "Thank you for all your help. I never could have come out of the GOB sale in the black if you had not showed me how to do it . . . I couldn't have done it without you.  I wish I had worked with you years ago . . .
    I could have retired with a nice nest egg."
      

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    "Call Milton today!"
    Bud Wenzel . Director, LBA Buying Offices . New York,  NY

    ". . . whatever you do for exit planning your retail business,
    don't leave your hard-earned
    and well-deserved money on the table!
    Let us put you in touch with Waldoff Group Consulting
    even if you are just thinking about moving or closing . . .
    don't wait . . . Call Milton today!"
      

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    "Proven track record"
    Abbey Doneger . Doneger Group . New York & Los Angeles


    “I am so fortunate to have known Milton as a client,
    mentor, and friend for over 40 years . . .
    Milton’s extensive retail and business experiences,
    industry insight, interpersonal skills, and proven track record are the reasons for his outstanding success!”
      

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     “You gave us confidence.”
    Josi and Steve Wert . Josi's . Minneapolis, MN


    "Thanks for everything!
    You really took a very sad and upsetting situation and made it work for us!
    Milton, we are so indebted to YOU!
    We really regret not knowing and getting involved with you years ago!"
      

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     “…Milton has an eye for detail.”
    Joan Crea . Crea Associates . Hattiesburg, MS


    "At every turn, Milton’s eye for detail and merchandising
    was nothing short of extraordinary.
    His ability to create an ambiance that enticed shoppers to linger and, most importantly, spend more money was apparent."
      

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     “A treasure trove of ideas…”
    Phyllis Markus . The Clothes Tree Boutique . St. Louis, MO

    ​
    "Thank you for your time, your energy and your sage advice.
    I will implement as fully as I can, and we will go forward.
    I look forward to our continuing work together."
      

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    “ … Our sale was an unbelievable experience!"
    Sonia Mott . Motif Home Décor . Pewaukee, WI

     
    "… We didn’t believe we would sell so much in such a short period of time. Thanks for your help and guidance.”
      

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    "Your experience was invaluable to us."
    Lutie Johnston . The Tiger Lily . Griffin, GA

    "You guided the way . . . Our GOB was definitely
    a money making success
    thanks to your efforts.
    In that our GOB was somewhat different than the norm,
    we appreciate the way that you adapted."

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    "Successful and Stress-Free"
    Anne Beneville . Hip Chik . Nyack, NY


    "With Milton's involvement, my 'going out of business sale' was hugely successful. He arrived at my shop, took stock of my merchandise, my customers, my employees and my state of mind and went to work devising a plan for me.
    ​Milton is affable, confident, intelligent, funny and gentlemanly.
    Everyone in my shop loved working with him and missed him when he wasn't with us. Without the advice and guidance of Milton Waldoff, the closing of my shop would not have been as successful or stress-free as it was."

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    “Milton Waldoff will make money for you!”
    Betsy Feinstein & Rachel Greene . New York Buying Office . New York, NY

    "We have recommended Milton on many occasions
    to plan and conduct store GOB sales,
    with the best of positive results.
    He is organized, professional & knows how to find the
    best deals in the New York marketplace
    for whatever client he assigns himself to help.
    Milton is the perfect person to help run your GOB!"

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    “Detailed and professional”
    Harlon and Frankie Hyatt . Frankie's . Jasper, AL
    ​

    "Harlon and I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation
    to you for making our going out of business sale such a wonderful success.
    Your buying connections, assistance and organization in New York was eye opening.  I never knew anyone could do that.
    I wish I would have known you 10 or 15 years ago!"

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    “He understands so completely the retail world.”
    Peggy Fenwick . Pineapple Cupboard and Lollipop Shop . Camden, AR


    “He is a true partner in each endeavor . . .
    I am happy to sing his praises.
    He not only profitabily closed one of our stores,
    he assited us in selling a store, and improving
    sales and profits with our flagship store.
    Fabulous Merchant!”

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    “I would be out of business without Milton …”
    Peggy Brewer . Laser Brewer . Ithaca, NY

      
    “He has a sterling reputation . . . the best merchant I know. 
    He is like a silent but active business partner.”
      

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    "Money Well Spent!"
    Vicki Miller . Marketing Consultant . Eagle2 Creative Services​ 

    ​
    "If every retailer was fortunate to have graduated from
    the “WU”(Waldoff’s University) they would be successful! 
    The lessions I learned from working with Milton
    are etched in my brain …and I share them with my clients! 
    Money well spent!"

    ​

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    "Sell more than you ever believed possible"
    Kathryn Richardson . Owner, Rosewood . Greater Pittsburgh Area, PA


    "Enjoyed working with the amazing duo Rita and Milton. They are your cheerleaders during the entire sale and push you to buy & sell more than you ever believed possible. They guide you through the buying process, help you merchandise your store, and are around whenever you need to ask any questions.  Their predictions are spot on for your weekly sales.
    Best advice is to listen to exactly what Milton tells you to purchase and let Rita merchandise the heck out of your store!
    THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING! 
    This closing was by far the most profitable holiday season in history of my store. Not to miss if you are considering closing down your shop."

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    "Milton is a leader in his field"
    Allison Friedman . CEO, Ping Pong Productions . China


    "Milton Waldoff is a leader in his field. His wisdom, experience, and good humor are unparalleled. His expertise in his field is invaluable, and anyone would be very fortunate to have him consult for their retail business. He has experienced it all, and lived to tell about it with the good humor and calm, wise perspective of a laughing Buddha!"


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    “This quote is now on a card at eye level at my desk
    and I read it everyday."
    Thanks, Milton!”
    Faye Doppelheuer . Babe's Shoes & Apparel . Lakeland, Florida

    "The purpose of retail is to move as much goods as possible, build repeat customers and
    MAKE MONEY!"
    Milton Waldoff


      

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    "You perfected your formula time and again."
    Carol Hoffman . Carol Hoffman Buying Office . NYC


    "You surely made a believer out of Bill and I, and surely our former clients who had decided to close their stores.  You perfected your formula time and again."



Extended Testimonial with Fran Sayers on Waldoff Group Results:
Fran Sayers, Owner of Body and Sole, Lake Placid, New York

November 13, 2013
Interview with Fran Sayers:

Fran adamantly stated:
“Milton’s role is essential to the success of a closing sale.

I had NO idea that vendors would give off-price, and help in a sale event, nor set up so many of the deals we got. It was a real eye-opener to go to New York and watch vendors give Milton almost whatever he asked them to give. I SO wish I had engaged a consultant before this. I would have made a LOT more money, and would have had a LOT more special items for my clients that I wouldn’t have stocked without his advice.

After YEARS of paying top dollar for my inventory, I was shocked at what could be bought, and at what price through Milton. I just wish I had hired him before it was time to close.

And, to do over, I would have begun my sale sooner to ease into the sale, buy off-price along with regular price, and take a bigger time-frame to better overall success. It was tough to do what we did in such a short time frame, but Milton saw us through it!"
​
Letter from George Bambalis,
President of Nitsa's, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

July 22, 2017

Dear Milton,

I cannot thank you and your esteemed colleague and spouse, Rita, for the incredible wisdom, guidance and hard work you employed in making our spring 2017 store closing sale a success.  In spite of the various impediments we encountered throughout my store closing, you and Rita were there with timely advice based on the years of experience you acquired not only in your own personal retail stores but also in the many store closings you have assisted retailers with over the years.

It was not only your ability to help me navigate through the pitfalls of the closing process but also your advice on merchandise purchases to create and promote the momentum of the sale throughout its entirety-- Rita actually went on a buying trip with me-- as well as merchandising techniques to keep the inventory fresh and new looking so that customers would enthusiastically make repeat trips to the store to make additional purchases for a successful closing.  In addition to merchandising advice, you provided us with concrete examples of additional marketing techniques and opportunities to keep building momentum for continued consumer enthusiasm.  And lastly, it was your quantitative analysis of our sale and how we were progressing and where we needed additional product emphasis and performance to ensure the success of our closing sale.

In the final analysis, it was your wealth of experience and seasoned coaching throughout our store closing sale that enabled us to be much more successful than if we had attempted this process on our own.  The benefits exponentially outweighed the costs.  Also, you both proved to be a tremendous source of information to assist me in my ongoing retail operation and were always providing me with a point of view I had not always considered.  You helped me think about my business from a new perspective that will help me for years to come.  It was your blend of uncommon professionalism, personal charm and a sincere desire to help that enabled us to succeed in this difficult endeavor.  To conclude I will quote the Waldoff slogan, “proven results for retail stores,” I should say so.

Best wishes for much continued success.  God bless.


Sincerely,

George Bambalis, President
Nitsa’s Apparel
Letter from Christy Briedis,
Owner of Crysti, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

September 12, 2013


Dear Milton,

As the sale of 12 weeks has now concluded, I would just like to say how pleased
I have been with the process. I call it a process as it did include all the stages you mentioned at our first consultation: planning, hiring, advertising, merchandising, reporting, selling and buying opportunistically. The physical and emotional challenges you described to me at the onset all came true and thank goodness you had prepared me!

After 31 years of owning a retail shop in the same town and location, I thought I understood it all, but because of your advice I was able to enjoy and profit from the experience. I was able to help my loyal employees make a transition as well as enjoy the experience of saying good bye to many long-term customers.

You always respected that this was my business, but reminded me firmly that my purpose was to close profitably, which helped me see the final objective when I was in the thick of it. I was fortunate to have a new tenant offer me a rental buy-out which you also kindly advised me about, that was an unexpected bonus which you again helped me see as a profitable opportunity.

Working in the store with you and Rita was fun and your energy and advice helped me and my employees see you as a partner in the last phase of a fun adventure. Closing could have given me a feeling of defeat, despite the fact that I chose to retire, but closing with your method gave us all a feeling of a great final act.

With fondest thanks,
Christy Briedis


Some kind words from Walter Pye, a fellow retailer and Founder, President/CEO of Pinto Ranch Western Stores located in Houston, Dallas, Las Vegas and at Houston International Airport

November 20th, 2013



Milton is a MAJOR-League retailer . . . hands-on . . . experienced . . . he's done it, dug out . . . fought it and won MOST ALL of it! . . . Smartest retailer I know and has great horse and street sense . . . the 100% field of and feel for retail.  

Worst problem is that too ofen , clients DON'T believe him when he says what to do and what's going to happen. His formula and well-organized system, formula and matrix DOES work and will work.  Milton knows what works and what doesn't work in a store closing.

Once signed up, his clients need to execute Milton's plan and GET OUT OF HIS WAY!!  

Let him work his magic.

Other consultants use one front, or silly contests or prizes.  

Milton preserves the client's reputation and image while driving to make that client the $$$$ needed for the event's needed results.

He's been the CEO, the CFO, the Off Price Merchandise Manager . . . he sees all sides. . . he is the whole package of promo, ad, signage, OTB, visual, and content.  He never stops studying and perfecting his craft.

Milton can ALWAYS see "around the corner and down the road" . . . he has been wherever the client hasn't yet!

THREE recommendations to Milton's prospective clients:

1. Let him at LEAST look at your store, your numbers and let him do his analysis at the very least . . . it's worth his retainer, by itself.

2. TRUST his judgment if you hire him . . . he does what he does . . . you've been doing what YOU do.  He is wickedly organized and VERY serious about making you $$$$: He is a global resource in his retail study.



Arlene Ratner from Jezebel's



Arlene responded eloquently to our request for a extended reference.  The following is her dialog about Milton, Waldoff Group and her astoundlingly successful GOB.

Arlene sought Milton and his consulting services when she was considering closing her 2 ladies' apparel businesses.  Milton was HIGHLY recommended by LBA Buying Office and many others.  She said, "All roads pointed to Milton and his solid reputation."  On the first trip to prepare for her GOB, Arlene wished out loud that she had enjoyed Milton's expertise, market savvy and extra mark-up strategy when her businesses were open:

"If I had used Milton before we decided to close, I would have made a LOT more money on what I bought for the store . . . and I thought I was a terrific buyer!"

Arlene's biggest surprise in the course of the sale was that events and sales results unfolded exactly as Milton stated that they would . . . "I had the highest volume days and the hugest week in my stores' history!  When customers flocked in for the first day, and then day after day, I was astounded!  It was exciting and humbling . . . I surely could have used those big days all along in the days of my store!"

Also, Arlene reflected, "All vendors and media contacts respond like magic to Milton's well-mannered professionalism and history in the marketplace.  I was scared and uneasy when we began the GOB sale process, but soon became literally amazed and confident in his process when we experienced the incredible results."

Arlene would like to gladly give every store owner who is thinking about working with Milton Waldoff the following advice: "Whether working with Milton on elements of business improvement or for a GOB, LISTEN WELL, and do exactly as he says, even if what he wants to do is different from what you are thinking.  You need to relax, close your eyes and take a leap of faith.  The key is to do what he says . . . Period!  Then, reap the results."

In closing, Arlene asserted, "Please, give anyone considering working with Milton my name and number . . . I will do everything in my power to enthusiastically and insistently recommend his expertise and many services.  Any prospective client is lucky to have discovered Milton Waldoff!"