Pretty much every morning I watch Good Morning America. Yup, I for-go the serious news shows for something a bit more light. Truth is I believe that the negative story lines make for a poor attitude. Not that Good Morning America doesn't offer plenty. But I digress...

Good Morning America regularly has a segment called Recession Rescue. It's probably more like every day than regularly but you get the point. Sometimes they talk about how to use coupons at the grocery to save money, one day; they actually covered how to shop high-end retail stores without paying full price...just what we need.

My philosophy is simple...be the place that your customer can go to get away from the negative. I like to have in-store events but that's not the only way. Those of you who began tightening your belts when the news started going south: do you have product for those who are still interested in shopping? Will you still have product in fourth quarter (when many experts say we will see improvements due to the election)? Did you see the new offerings at market or did you stay home?

We have committed, in our store, to ambitious sales goals for 2008. We've committed to maintaining a healthy product level. We've committed to offering new items. We've committed to having store events each month. What have you committed to? Only selling the tried and true best sellers, playing "A Coat of Many Colors" on the stereo (don't laugh, I actually heard it in a showroom in Atlanta)? Gosh, that was such a sad place too.

Independent retailers have the best opportunity at their feet. We have the ability to make each customer feel special. We have the opportunity to provide refuge for the customers who are being bombarded by negative news. If you ever wanted to be powerful, you have it!

Each day, I feel blessed by the fact that my customers have a vested interest in my success. The tightened economy has actually endeared these customers to me - more so than before. There have been many "Shop Local" campaigns over the years...the most successful so far has been the rising gas prices. Don't whine...embrace your opportunity as an independent to provide your customer with some refuge, a glass of wine and a smile.

For us, it's a W.I.N.O.S (women in need of sanity) party on September 16th. We'll be serving up discounts on spa products, giggling at the trinkets that carry the logo and yes, enjoying a bit of liquid sanity. Oh yes, and it'll be in my store with the registers ringing. So make the most of the opportunities before you and let this recession rescue your fourth quarter.