Advice from Fashion Reflection in Sherman, TX

It is our experience that when we focus upon our top 100 customers, our business increases, the customers are pleased that we are being attentive to their needs and wants, and we get ideas from them as to what we can introduce to our boutique. Business has had a real surge in the last 30 days for us. We have hosted a "Preferred Customer Sale" for the top 100 people July 9,10,11. And our experience was that while the customer may have come for the sale, they were also interested in seeing the new fall arrivals, or they were open to a new piece complementing a sale piece. Therefore, our sales escalated as they were making complete outfits . . . and not necessarily just with the sale merchandise. We have sent "Sizzlin' Summer Sale" cards to our next 100 customers for July 16, 17, 18. So, we are anxious to see what this weekend brings. The ultimate lesson from our efforts is focus upon the people that shop with us most often. They seem to appreciate the attention.

Retail Sales show largest RISE in five months!

Associated Press, Washington

The Commerce Department said Tuesday that retail sales advanced in June by the largest amount in five months, higher than economists had expected. It marked the second consecutive increase and boosted the belief that the economy may be on the verge of a rebound.

Sales showed strength at electronics, appliance stores and at sporting goods stores.

Many economists believe that the economy is in the process of stabilizing and are forecasting that the overall economy, as measured by the gross domestic product, will begin growing again this July-September quarter.

Smart Businesses Planning for Market Upswing

Small businesses are finding NOW is the time to begin new marketing campaigns, reworking business models and looking at possible real estate deals. Many are even hiring on the expectation an upturn is right around the corner.

These smart retailers are moving away from "thinking in the short term, business is bad, I've got to really cut my expenses and keep it tight," and are now saying, "Business is going to get better, so I'm going to do something to position myself to do even better than my competition."

It's important NOW to look at all aspects of your business operations and try to ensure that it's working efficiently. Companies should be developing a system that helps it analyze how much merchandise it is buying compared to recent sales and sales forecasts.

This is also a time to figure out where you can expand your business. Market positioning is best done in a down market. Donn Flipse, owner of Field of Flowers in Davie, FL, says "We're looking at acquiring a business or businesses in a new geographic market and extending our reach. In time, we hope to consolidate those businesses into a new superstore, and we're already considering a location. We certainly should be able to get better terms from landlords than we would have a year ago, and better than we would two years down the road when the economy will be much better," he said.

"The smart thing is to do it NOW. When the boom kicks back in, other companies are going to start doing what I did a year ago. We will have the competitive edge."

Nate Page, Big Winner at World Series of Poker!!

Big Hairy Dog loves to hear about the successes of all our employees and family members outside of the achievements of BHD. Nate Page, husband of Karen Page, BHD Sales Rep., recently came home a Big Winner from the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas, NV.

Nate began his poker playing with friendly games with his brother-in-law. The two of them started a leaque and the players agreed to save all earnings to send the top winner to the World Series of Poker.

Last year, in 2008, the league sent one player to WSOP. This year, however, the league was able to send two players. Nate and one other league player flew to Las Vegas and entered Event #51 (No Limit Hold ‘em), with a $1,500 buy-in, which included air fare and hotel.

The event consisted of 3 days of poker playing, running into the early morning hours. Out of nearly 3,000 entries, Nate made it to the final table of 9 players. Even though he was the first to leave the final table, he left with winnings of just over $81,000.

Big Hairy Dog was rooting for Nate throughout the tournament, and followed his progess as he made his way to the final table. Congratulations, Nate!! Big Hairy Dog is excited and happy for you!!