Guest Column: Every Day Is Another Chance To Turn It All Around
By Connie Post, CEO, Connie Post Companies

The old adage that nothing stays the same has never been truer than it is now, especially if you are a home furnishings retailer. Absolutely nothing is the same, whether we’re talking store size, the importance of store exteriors, product categories, sales training, inventory controls, imports or the number of suppliers you deal with. You name it, the game has simply changed. If you don’t currently feel like you’re on the winning side, remember that every day is another chance to turn it all around and read on…

Click here to find out how you can seize today’s opportunities.

Conflict In Family-Owned Businesses

Microsoft Survey Reveals Generational Differences

Technology is critical to the current and future success of small family businesses, especially for those with higher revenues and younger owners. However, six in 10 business owners with multiple generations working in the company report that the older and younger generations disagree about how to invest in technology.

These findings and much more about small businesses and the use of technology were uncovered by Microsoft Corp., in a recent telephone survey of 252 small-business owners.

Click here for a summary of this important survey.

Unlikely Object Gives Inspiration to an Environmentally Conscious Idea

A Los Angeles-based design team won the 2007 Corporate Professional Merit Award given by Source One, a major U.S. commercial wallcovering manufacturer, at the 2007 NeoCon Trade Fair last month. The deep plum, charcoal-lined wallcovering will enter a market testing process to determine if it will become part of a corporate collection.

Click here for more about this award winning idea.

 

Dr. Andrew Brod Weighs in on HPU Economic Development Study

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ACT NOW TO RECEIVE SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON HOTEL ROOMS

Newsflash! If you’re interested in securing discounted hotel room rates for Fall Market, the time to act is now. Discounted hotel rooms are booking very quickly and will soon sell out completely. Take advantage of these special offers by making your plans now to join us for Fall Market, October 1 through 7, 2007.

Click here to find out how you can take advantage of these special rates.

GETTING IT RIGHT IN RETAIL

Carlson Marketing Puts Retailer’s Relationships to the Test

New research from Carlson Marketing Worldwide focuses on the question: Do consumers have relationships with retailers? The answer appears to be a qualified “yes.”

According to the Carlson Relationship Builder (SM) 2007 study on the current state of customer relationships within the retail industry, and the 1,200 consumers surveyed, customers do have relationships with their retailers, but the range of strength varies broadly. Among the retailers with the highest level of relationship strength are Barnes & Noble, Hallmark, Bath & Body Works, Best Buy, Old Navy and Target. However, the study also found substantial room for improvement in all cases.

Click here for more information about this current consumer insight.

HELP1UP RECEIVES MORE CELEB SUPPORT

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen Get Behind Industry Charity

Help1Up—the home furnishings industry’s free, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly used furniture removal service—is receiving a boost this summer with the endorsement of Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen.

Click here for more information about this exciting celebrity endorsement.

"Sedlak Interiors has been serving mid- to high-end customers in the Cleveland area for almost 60 years. We operate one store with a 100,000 square foot showroom, where we present a vast array of products that offers our customers superior selection and value. I started going to the High Point Market when I came on with the company about a quarter-century ago. With a huge diversity of products, spanning all home furnishings categories, High Point is where I find the merchandise and meet the suppliers that I just can’t see at any other Market. Plus, the partnerships that we’ve built with those vendors over the years have been an essential part of our business’s success."

Jack Sedlak, Principal, Sedlak Interiors


 
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Fall 2007 Market Dates: October 1 - 7

High Point Market Authority •  101 South Main Street •  High Point, NC 27260