Spotlight on Business

Simple Ways to Start the New Year on the Right Track

December 30, 2025

People often make resolutions they seldom keep. When life gets busy, everything they hoped to accomplish is soon forgotten. However, businesses rely on a more concrete approach to solve problems and effect change. Forward-thinking store owners understand the importance of developing a game plan for the team to follow.

Diverse,Colleagues,In,Festive,Accessories,Smiling,Together,For,A,Celebratory

Doing Something Special Makes Customers Feel Appreciated

December 15, 2025

Customers like to know that the stores they support appreciate their business. While the holidays are swiftly approaching, the New Year is also an ideal opportunity to celebrate the special relationship you have built with customers.

Hardware,Store,Worker,Assisting,Customer

Motivating Your Staff Grows the Store’s List of Happy Customers

November 20, 2025

So, what does it take to make customers consistently happy with your service? Nordstroms and Apple have figured out how to deliver white-glove experiences by meeting the needs of people, rather than simply selling products. The companies also understand that caring about people extends to their employees, who are the key to building a loyal customer base and achieving long-term success.

Beautiful,Mother,And,Daughter,Buying,Christmas,Decorations,In,Store

Get Customers Excited About Shopping on Small Business Saturday

October 29, 2025

Time to get ready! This year, holiday shoppers will make a renewed effort to "shop small" and support local businesses. Small Business Saturday will be held on November 29, the day after Black Friday. It’s an opportunity for your independent business to attract new customers and benefit from the special promotions developed to support this popular shopping day.

Couple,Buying,New,Year,Goods,In,Supermarket

Practical Ways to Connect with Shoppers and Generate Holiday Sales

October 16, 2025

Store owners typically have such busy schedules that promoting the business and planning events get put on the back burner. However, it's essential to take the time to come up with ideas to keep shoppers engaged with your store, especially during the holidays. Consumers have many options for where to shop for similar products, so it’s critical to stand out from competitors. Generating robust sales in November and December

Online,Security,Protection,Strategy,Concept

Training Employees to Defend Against Cyber Threats

September 29, 2025

Teaching employees to recognize cyber threats and holding each person accountable for following the proper procedures will improve data security. Businesses operate in a digital world, and owners must be aware of the roadblocks that could become barriers to their success.

Putting Customers 1st Generates Loyalty and Sales

September 10, 2025

Truth be told, many stores sell comparable products, and if customers search hard enough, they can find something similar at a lower price. But you can't put a price tag on how customers feel about your store and its associates; that’s where personal service and building relationships come into play. When making a sale is the main priority, loyalty becomes secondary.

Woman,Preparing,Rice,In,Multi,Cooker,At,Kitchen,Table

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.

Multigenerational,Group,Of,Carpenters,Working,Together,In,A,Woodworking,Workshop

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

Beautiful,Young,Red,Haired,Caucasian,Tired,And,Frustrated,Business,Woman

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.