Spotlight on Business

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Stir Up Sales! Young Shoppers Crave Countertop Appliances

August 26, 2025

Almost sixty-eight percent of Americans plan to buy a kitchen appliance this year. A recent YouGov poll indicates appliances are hot items among younger, urban audiences that are stocking new kitchens or following the latest cooking trends.

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Operating a Family Business Can be Rewarding and Challenging

August 26, 2025

Working together in the family business has its ups and downs. While it can be rewarding and beneficial on many levels, the family dynamic brings unique challenges. Even before putting family in the mix, businesses can have serious conflicts that require the owner's immediate attention. When dealing with family members, it's critical to identify areas where the lines may get blurred between the family and business organizations

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Focus on What Matters in Downturns

August 26, 2025

“Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.” Volatility and economic turbulence are never comfortable conditions for any business. Small and medium-sized operations are especially vulnerable since rising costs, tariffs, and fears of recession can be harmful on multiple levels. The same is true for consumers. When consumers feel pessimistic about the economy, they cut back on spending and ramp up their savings. Purchasing non-essential goods and completing large projects are typically postponed.

Creating Harmony and Sales with In-store Music

August 26, 2025

What’s your favorite song? Music plays a vital role in creating harmonious in-store experiences. Store owners who decide not to get on board may consider music to be little more than background noise that serves no real purpose. However, the right combination of genres and songs can establish an emotional connection with shoppers and affect their purchasing decisions. Retailing in the digital age requires quickly getting customers’ attention and keeping them engaged as they shop.

Refresh Your Store Now to Harvest Fall Sales

August 25, 2025

There’s plenty of work to do to get your physical store ready for the Fall season. Changing the signage is only a small part of what needs to happen to create a welcoming environment. The point is to be intentional in developing a comprehensive plan that focuses on visual merchandising, layout optimization, inventory management, and promotions. Keep in mind that customers want to shop in a clean, well-organized store where merchandise is easily located and can be purchased without hassle.

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What the Big Beautiful Bill Means for Your Small Business

August 19, 2025

To prepare your business for the upcoming changes resulting from the BBB, consult a tax professional. The person will help you understand how to fully utilize the tax benefits and make any adjustments to your existing strategy. Try different scenarios to determine the one that works best for your company

Small Businesses Struggle with Maintaining Social Media Channels

July 29, 2025

Small business owners realize that social media is a critical component for marketing their store, yet few can keep pace with the constant changes. Respondents to Verizon's 2025 State of Small Business Report admit that they struggle to prioritize social media and consistently

Consumers Are Afraid of Tariffs, Yet They Keep Buying

July 16, 2025

Consumers are confused about the economy and the impact tariffs will have on their wallets. The deadline for imposing tariffs is approaching rapidly, and consumers are feeling anxious. Many shoppers report that they are scaling back on their spending.

Launch a Plan Now to Rake Up Hefty Fall Sales

July 2, 2025

Fall is a busy season for hardware stores. Store owners should develop a comprehensive strategy that considers inventory, visual merchandising, promotions, events, and the overall customer experience. It's essential to get the plans and execution right.

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Reap the Benefits of Selling Gift Cards to Diverse Customers

June 16, 2025

Gift Cards are becoming more innovative while focusing on maximizing the customer experience. These popular giftable items are simple to give and redeem. Many successful independent retailers promote physical and digital cards to help their businesses stay competitive and attract new customers.