From Katie Couric on CBS News:
”There will be gifts for the new President and Vice President, by the way: A framed official photograph of their swearing ins, taken by a Senate photographer; flags flown over the U.S. Capital during the ceremony; and engraved crystal bowls by the Lenox company…”
There’s a certain irony-—albeit timely irony-—in the fact the commemorative bowls are produced by a company currently in bankruptcy. Despite being the oldest crystal and china manufacturer in the U.S. (and sole provider of the keepsake since the tradition began in 1989), Lenox exemplifies the condition of our economy and its impact on even the most established business.
Something tells me this is one president that fact won’t be lost on.
by Cinda Baxter on January 19, 2009
in Business
There are a lot of retailers outside of metropolitan areas, including many RetailSpeaks members. While there are overlaps in methodology and best practices between the in- and out-of-city storefronts, a number of unique factors come into play for those catering to rural (especially agricultural) communities. As someone who grew up as a farm kid in Nebraska, I can appreciate the value of information particular to that mindset and customer base.
Thanks to Karen Depp (New Orleans at Home) for bringing this great article to my attention. Even if your store is located in a major metro area, I suggest reading this through-—especially the part about Millennials. That, dear retailers, is a buzzword you should all be focussed on these days.
At last-—good news. According to a national survey by the Institute for Self Reliance, independent retailers out-performed chain stores in 4Q 2008. The linchpin that garnered success? Well organized Buy Local campaigns.
While I have yet to see an internet-based BL program that delivers in financial terms, I firmly believe that grass roots programs utilizing local media, partnerships (financial and marketing) with local Chambers of Commerce, and groups of neighborhood retailers pulling together as one are home runs the majority of the time.
A good example of this comes from The Healdsburg Retailers-—Retailer Excellence Award winners in the Marketing category last August. [click here to continue…]
This morning, Dave Price from the CBS Early Show did his remote segments from the riverbank in downtown Minneapolis, with lips so frozen he was fighting to enunciate his own name.
This afternoon, the local CBS affiliate sent their meteorologist, Chris Shaffer, into the heart of the city with a bullhorn. He stepped to the curb, then announced to the world:
“Attention, citizens of Minneapolis-—after 86 hours below zero, the temperature has risen to above zero. What do you think of that?”
Yes, there was raucous cheering…and hollering…and whistling…and clapping…and jumping up and down by everyone within earshot. Not unlike when the Twins won their first World Series, and all for 2 measly degrees.
Of course, that guy in Mankato who made the national news demonstrating how to hammer a nail into a 2 x 4 with a frozen banana might be less than enthusiastic, but hey-—been there, done that, ready to turn up the temps.
For those who join me in the world of typeface junkies, here’s a site that will make you weep (with joy). Of course, I’ve now found at least a dozen more $99 Veer fonts I can’t live without. Great.
Stationers, you’re gonna love me for this.
Morton’s, the upscale dark wood and white linen steak house, has been snagged by the economy. According to a letter in my mailbox this morning, the Minneapolis location has decided to cease lunch service, in spite of being located in one of the country’s strongest downtown business districts. It’s not hard to guess that the move is in reaction to a lack of patrons able to justify a pricey expense account lunch-—even when surrounded by the few conservative banks who remain on firm ground.
To offset some of the loss and attract more fiscally responsible patrons, they’ve added a Bar Bites menu to their ongoing, award winning dinner service.
The point of this missive is not to place another stake (no pun intended) in the heart of the economy, but to point out that reinvention is the key to moving forward. [click here to continue…]
It’s true; twenty-two people from the custom division of Crane’s have received pink slips due to the slow holiday season. Not exactly the uplifting news stationery retailers need right now, especially in light of the stress level already going on in stores and with consumers. [click here to continue…]
Just in: The final day of the National Stationery Show will be shorter than before, closing at noon instead of the customary 3:00 p.m.
For retailers hoping to fly out that day, the extra airport time will be appreciated. For those who typically go into panic mode over how much is yet to be covered on Tuesday night, however, well…. Put on your running shoes and consider the stepped-up pace part of your new workout regime.
Hint: Plan ahead using the exhibitor search and list features on the NSS site. You can select and print out a “hit list” of must-see booths before leaving home, making your plan of attack much easier.
