Management

A Retail Lease Primer for Gift Shop Owners: Survive to Thrive

The recent economic downturn has created a tough sales environment for many retailers, especially the so-called independent "mom and pop" stores and those operated by franchisees. Declining sales due to high unemployment and depressed home... more »

Getting Back to the Basics to Prepare Your Business for 2010

There are eight steps a business owner can follow to be well-positioned for the new year, whether they're a long-time owner or an entrepreneur embarking on a new venture.Anyone who works in retail knows that... more »

Turnaround Tenacity

I recently met my new business hero. His name is James Brown and he hails from the hardscrabble hills of Eastern Kentucky. Maybe they breed folks a bit tougher there but this guy has shown... more »

Survival Skills

Q: I have heard that many consumers are clamping down and only buying essentials. I don't stock many "essentials." What should I do? Should I be changing my inventory mix now? To what?Bob Negen of... more »

Making Cross-Cultural Connections Work

On her first trip to China, Susan Bristol, who speaks three languages—English, French and Greek—and is co-owner of Asian Village Antiques in Edwards, CO wondered why the Chinese she spoke to giggled when she said... more »

Rushed or Relaxed: Make Every Customer Visit Count!

You can see it in their eyes as these customers walk in your store—that sense of anxiety over finding the perfect gift in a limited amount of time. Many of your customers routinely put off... more »

How Do You Get to the Heart of Great Customer Service?

Most people are familiar with the expression "laughing like a hyena." But at Hyena's Desert Grille—an upscale casual-dining establishment run by several hyenas from a neighborhood pack—things were no laughing matter. Business had been falling... more »

Advertise!

10 Tips The goal of advertising is to cost-effectively reach a large audience and attract customers. If done correctly, advertising can enhance the success of your business. Here are 10 advertising tips: Go after your... more »