business development

Gifts for all occasions

Houghton — For Amy Negro, there is truth to the saying that time flies when you're having fun. Since she opened the doors to her downtown Houghton gift shop, The Wicker & Willow Co., in... more »

On Franchising

More than 200 new franchising opportunities were introduced in the U.S. last year, underscoring the industry's enormous popularity here.But which ones will be around 10 years from now, and which are simply somebody's make-a-quick-buck scheme?Anyone... more »

Working together: growth in a small town

Just a few years ago, downtown Newton, Mississippi was all but empty. The vacant buildings up and down Main Street in the small town were so profuse and created such an eyesore that a group... more »

One building, five shops

Ashley Henley is only 20 years old. She's a student at East Central Community College, a former Junior Miss, and currently holds the title of Miss Hospitality in Newton County. She also owns her own... more »

5 Fatal Mistakes for Small Retailing

In today's fast-moving and ever-changing business environment, mistakes can be fatal. Even at best, statistics show that about half of small businesses last less than two years.My 20-plus years of successfully operating several retail stores... more »

Tea shop can’t serve tea

Amherstburg - The owners of the Loretta Rose Tea Chest fear they won't be able to steep their 85 varieties of tea when they open in a week at their new location.The quaint tea shop... more »

New northeast gift shop: Etcetera

Longtime gift-shop owner June Sepkowitz has expanded her operations and added a second store.But experts say adding a second location is one of the toughest moves an entrepreneur can make.Sepkowitz, who founded West Side gift... more »

Meet Gracie

The 18 Union Park Street gift store Aunt Sadie's is welcoming a new addition this summer: a new "store within a store" called Gracie Finn. The new store - Aunt Sadie's co-owner Gary Briggs said... more »