According to data released by MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse, a macro-economic report tracking national retail and service sales, holiday retail sales in the U.S. rose 3.6% from 2008. The data was compiled from November 1, 2009 to December 24, 2009.  According to the report, six out of 10 retail sectors had positive growth and electronics, jewelry, and footwear showed some of the biggest increases in sales (5.9%, 5.6% and 5%, respectively). However, online spending grew the [...]

The end of the year is a time for reviewing and reflection.  As a small business owner, it is a time to determine what worked and what didn’t; what practices you want to carry over into the New Year and what things you want to change. We provided you with an overview of our business for the past year.  Now it’s your turn.  Take these last few days of the year to evaluate your business [...]

2009 has been a very turbulent year to say the least. Some would say it has been the worst year for business since the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Because merchants come to us in their time of need; we have always been in a unique position to see first-hand, the damaging effects this economy has had on small business owners. We have seen countless businesses forced to close their doors forever and we have [...]

As a retail store owner, the morning after Christmas can be just as hectic as the weeks leading towards it.  Unsatisfied gift recipients hit the stores in hopes of exchanging unwanted gifts for something they can enjoy and deal-hunting shoppers scavenge the racks for the biggest discounts. Now is the time to focus on enticing your post-holiday shoppers, providing them with an excellent post-holiday shopping experience and making sure that your leftover holiday inventory gets [...]

Another Christmas has come and gone. It all happens so quickly doesn’t it? I hope yours was a joyous experience and you were able to relax and spend some time with your family. Chances are that if you are reading this article, you are already thinking about your business and making plans for the new year. That’s o.k. Your business is important. We understand that. For many, this past year has taken a tremendous toll [...]