Management

Spooktacular Sales!

The numbers speak for themselves. Last year, Halloween sales were forecast to reach $5.8 billion. As Halloween has increasingly become a social party occasion, that number has been steadily trending upward. And this means plenty... more »

Timely Tax Tips

There are a number of steps that every gift retailer can take to minimize taxes. Here are a few. This is the first year in which gift retailers can convert funds in regular Individual Retirement... more »

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 »