Earlier this month, Barneys filed for bankruptcy, joining a growing list of other large retailers to file in recent years including Toys “R” Us, Radioshack, Sears and Sports Authority. Another story in the Guardian newspaper last week reported that tourists in NYC are surprised by the shuttering of retailers. What's going on?
Topics: Small Business, Retail, Retail Business Builders
Carmen Ripley Wilson approached the PCC Small Business Development Center seeking help with her new retail business. She was going through a career shift, having spent 15-years working as a naturopathic doctor. Combining her passion for retail with an emphasis on sustainability, Carmen came up with the idea for Beanstalk Children's Store!
Topics: Small Business, Business Profiles, Retail, Retail Small Business Management, Retail Business Builders
Small business owners have avoided making real strides into developing a proper online presence because of uncertainty about how to design their website or use social media in a meaningful way for their business.
But, you can't afford to think that way--especially THIS holiday season!
Topics: Small Business, Retail, Growing a Business
Holiday season is quickly approaching, and for many retail businesses this time of year has the potential to make or break the entire year financially. It’s vital to start preparing as early as possible, so you don’t leave any potential sales or revenue on the table after the holidays are over.
Holiday sales make up about 18 percent of overall annual retail sales, and in 2016 those numbers are expected to grow around 3.7 percent. Combine this with recent evidence that a growing majority of American consumers favor buying and shopping local, and it’s no wonder holiday craft fairs have seen a boom in recent years.
Topics: Small Business, Retail, Starting a Business, Growing a Business
The Holidays are such an important time of year for small businesses. For many, especially in retail, the Holidays may make or break the entire financial year. Craft fairs and holiday markets have become popular among both consumers and small businesses during this time. But are businesses doing all they can to maximize their retail sales from holiday markets?
Topics: Small Business, Retail, Leadership, Management, Starting a Business, Growing a Business
Small business ownership runs in Leslie Hildula's family. Her parents and grandparents were entrepreneurs, so she's been around small business owners all of her life. These days she is busy running the Restaurant and Retail programs for the PCC Small Business Development Center. (Click on the links below to review upcoming course dates and locations.)
Here is her story. . .Topics: Small Business, Retail, Restaurants, Retail Small Business Management
Starting, running, and maintaining a retail business can be a rocky road. The hard truth is that only 47% of retail businesses survive longer than four years. The good news is, mistakes can be avoided if you learn from others’ mistakes!
Topics: Small Business, Retail
Retail stores often struggle to get the customer traffic necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world. It’s even more difficult for stores that aren’t located in a high-traffic area. While a good location definitely helps, it’s not the only way to drive traffic to retail stores.
Topics: Small Business, Retail, Growing a Business
Originally created for the Portland Chinese Times by Leslie Hildula, Jade District Business Liaison from Small Business Development Center at Portland Community College.
Topics: Small Business, Retail
It goes without saying that opening a restaurant is a huge commitment. This is especially true for those who have never opened a restaurant before, and are putting all their chips on the table to fulfill a lifelong dream or passion.
Topics: Small Business, Stories & News, Retail, Starting a Business, Food