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 »

Customer Service Sells!

Most retailers are fully aware of the terms add-on selling and up-selling, each used to describe the concept of maximizing each sale. These concepts are especially important during the short holiday selling season, when the... more »

Best Sellers in Nashville, TN

PangaeaWhat began as a vintage clothing store over 20 years ago has morphed into a shop full of something for just about anyone on customers' shopping lists. Many of Pangaea's first items were from Honduras... more »

Retailers hope sales, promotions will convince consumers to get into the holiday spending spirit

It's a buyer's market on the retail scene as stores focus on promotions, service and inventory to fatten up scrawny sales.Unsettled by shaky consumer confidence and foundering economy, retailers need a strong holiday season to... more »

An idea ferments

Randolph, MA - Stephanie Browne says she became seriously interested in wine when she was out for dinner with friends and wanted to know more about the wine list she was reading. Her husband, Basil,... more »

Rosario: Carolyn the Florist is a true face of small business

Joe the Plumber, meet Carolyn the florist.Unlike the Ohio man turned political football, if not poster child for Small Business America, Carolyn Smaller is the real deal.The 64-year-old widowed mother of four and grandmother of... more »

Store owner getting ready for Christmas

Pat Duke works about 50 hours a week at her floral and gift store in Eastbrook in what would best be described as a la bor powered by love.Duke, 66, admits that while she enjoys... more »

GIFT SHOP Magazine’s 2008 Ultimate Makeover

It was the letter that sealed the case. When GIFT SHOP announced an open call for entries for its 2008 Ultimate Makeover Contest, all the entries we received were equally compelling. But one letter, written... more »

Local businesses get creative as the economy turns sour

Locally owned small businesses are using some creative ways to be noticed by shoppers during this downturn in the economy.And in a few sections of the city times have changed and business owners are coping... more »

Gift cards draw in shoppers

Sussex - Never underestimate the power of a $10 gift card.Hundreds of shoppers holding golf umbrellas lined up in the rain Friday morning for the grand opening ceremony at the new Shopko store. The first... more »