They’re Still Spending Money

I spent an extended weekend in Branson, MO, injecting myself with a megadose of Christmas spirit.  For those who don’t know, Branson is one of the few places in the world where belief in God and country isn’t just a good thing, it’s the only thing.
Branson is also a shopper’s paradise.  Three outlet malls, a [...]

“Black” Friday

It’s unfortunate that the media have chosen this particular name for the day that often makes or breaks an American  retailer’s year.  It is the day when many retailers bottom line changes from red ink to black, but the term still has a negative connotation for many people.  In fact, depending on the outcome of [...]

Retailing-My Top Five Business ‘Killers’

On Tuesday I pointed you to an article by the Retailer Owners’ Institute called “The Top Five ‘Killers’ of Retail Sales”.  As I wrote at the time, the information in the article was very good, but it was from a bean counter’s perspective.  Today I’d like to give you my top five list.  I’m not [...]

Hot Stuff in Gatlinburg

OK, I’ll admit it.  I’m a hot sauce addict.  I have two shelves in the fridge and a cabinet under the sink full of the stuff.  Like one of those beagles in the green blazers that sniff out contraband at the airport, I can smell a hot sauce shop a block away.
It’s a good thing, [...]

I Love Capitalism

I don’t want to go off on a political rant but I love capitalism. With the debate about government take-overs of this and that and whether we’re rushing headlong into a socialist state, I can’t help but worry that capitalism is in danger.
My wife and I just came back from a short vacation.  We attended [...]

Another Virus!

Just last month we were all concerned about a virus that might attack our computers. The April 1 date has come and gone but according to the experts we’re not out of the woods yet.
Now we’re being warned about a different type of virus. This time the target isn’t our computer, it’s us. [...]