Independent Retailers are Preparing for Cold Sales this Winter

Amidst reports for September sales results for the big retailers other experts say that it is going to be a cold winter for sales at small retailers as well. William Dunkelberg, chief economist with the National Federation of Independent Business, says that small retailers are already feeling the pinch from newly frugal customers. According to a survey of 827 small business owners in September only 7 percent plan to create new jobs in the next three months while 16 percent plan to cut. On the other hand, projections from the National Retail Federation (NRF) state that holiday spending will be down this year but only by one percent. Last year holiday retail sales dropped by 3.4 percent. Some advice for small retailers from the chief economist for the NRF, “As the global economy continues to recover from the worst economic crisis most retailers have ever seen, Americans will focus primarily on practical gifts and shop on a budget this holiday season.”   Get more advice from retail expert Leslie Nathan Street by clicking here.  

One Family Business Goes for a World Record

One mid-west family farm is finding out how corporate sponsorship can launch you to the national spotlight. Benson Farms in Denton, Nebraska is on its way to becoming the largest corn maze in the Guinness Book of World Record’s. The 54 acre maze features a familiar face from the Verizon Wireless commercials. Benson Farms is effectively using social media to let people know about special events and activities. You can visit the farm website to sign up for updates.   Even small business owners who don’t subscribe to social media directly are seeing sales because of it for more on this story check it out our story on social media.