Recessionary State of Mind

Time and again history has shown that retailers that respond with aggressive marketing of innovative strategies come through and out of troubled times better than those who do not. Now response to the current recession is already beginning to show winners and losers.

Toyota to claim a self and consumer proclaimed position as the “official car of the 2009 recession”, claiming market share even while car sales drastically declined. Toyota is selling fewer cars while also gaining a higher percent of the market. Take special note that their strategy is to market aggressively but to focus on cost-savings to maintain margin rather than eroding long-term value by raising prices higher in order to introduce even greater discounts, rebates, and deals than the other car makers.

Please Do This When a Customer Interrupts You . . .

But how do you show the customer other cute perennials or exotic vegetable seeds so they end up buying more than they planned? Short answer – don’t if you have not properly connected with the customer. You may sell them something but you may also not create the long term buying bond that creates a long term relationship and true loyalty.

How to participate in the recession . . .

Have you decided that you will not participate in the recession this spring? While that could be good advice, even better advice may be to participate fully in the effects the economic downturn is causing.