Editor’s Letter

Last year at this time, my editor’s letter for the trends issue talked about the financial crisis our economy was dealing with and how times were tight. A year later, it seems I could say the same things again and offer the same advice. Hold on tight, stay strong, things will get better.

You are experts in your field. You know this. It doesn’t make it easier, but guess what? We survived another year and we’re stronger for it.

While it’s trendy to blame the economy for poor sales and lagging foot traffic, history shows that the retailers who survive economic setbacks are the ones who get inventive, get resourceful and get noticed. So this year, I recommend that you take a look at what I predict will be on the retail scene for 2010, but I also recommend that you start a trend of your own — make plans, not excuses.

Many of you do this already, but if you have lines or services that are unprofitable and stagnant, get rid of them. If you have an (inexpensive) idea or new look for displays and merchandising, make plans and follow through. Greet every customer like it’s the most profitable day of the year, and treat workers like gold. While this sounds obvious, the mental boost can do a lot for not only morale, but consumer confidence.

When consumer spending picks back up, as it’s bound to do, your store will be in the best position possible to not only survive, but to thrive.

Shop Talk
Of course, an optimistic outlook will do you no good if you don’t have the products people want. Considering that specialty stores usually cater to a specialty demographic, what people want can take many different forms, as you will see throughout this issue.

We take a look at what drives sales at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Store, where the museum also holds the distinction of being a national historical landmark. Many of the items are replicas with a strong historical background, appealing to everyone from automobile aficionados, history buffs or those simply curious about the creation of this transportation.

On the other end of the spectrum, we present a store that doesn’t just sell green items; it’s created with green items. At Harmony Works, every item is eco-friendly and caters to shoppers concerned with the impact of their purchases and those who are simply interested in purchasing something unique. Through education and dedication, they’ve been able to make going green” a profitable lifestyle.

Then at our final store, we roll the dice and try our hand at the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel Stores. For these customers, it’s all about the impulse buy. If they hit it big, the store is prepared to help them spend that money in proper style.

And keeping style in mind, this issue includes an interview with Kenneth Nisch, AIA, chairman of the architectural firm JGA, about what goes into the planning and implementation of a successful specialty store redesign. His company has created innovative and engaging retail environments for a diverse roster of clients, including the DIA, American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Arts & Design and the Smithsonian Institute.

So even though it was a rough year for everything, this issue has a lot to offer. We survived, are stronger for it and look ahead to a great 2010!”