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Retailers can avoid the rut of doldrums after Christmas by thinking creatively to get business. Hone time when I had a store, I randomly picked a customer to receive a prize. I had a box of names that the customers could put their name and address and otehr information in, then I would draw a name once a week and call the person and give them a prize. Some people were so shocked because they had never won anything like this before. You can imagine the good publicity I got as they told their friends and neighbors about my store. It also built goodwill

When the economy is bad you have to think outside the box of traditioinal thought. What was done last year or long ago may not work today. Here are a few duggestions to help you along the way:

1) Have a good attitude about your store and how you present yourself.

2) Make sure your employees are having good attitudes also so that they don't drive customers away.

3) Be prompt and attentive to your customers. Greet them with a smile and be concerned about what they are concerned about. If you are a praying person, ask if they would like prayer for what is happening in their lives.

4) Keep your store clean and presentable.Look at your store as the customer would to see any potential problems.

5) Keep a index card box of your customers with birthdays, anniversaries and other vital info about them. Then use this to bolster your business by sending cards or other remembrances for these occasions. You could give a special discount to them on their anniversary or birthday.

You can get relatively free publicity by participating in city events such as Christmas parades. Walk the parade route or have a float or something in the parade with your name on it. Have employees pass out flyers about your business with a special discount if they come in with the flyer.

Join the Chamber of Commerce as this will give you added recognition. Don't just sit on the roster of busnesses but get involved. When I had a store I was on the merchant's council. So get involved and encourage your employees to do so too.

At various times, start a food drive or something of that nature to help the community. You can either donate the proceeds to a charity or find families that need the help and do it yourself.

God is a creative God and has not stopped creating. You can tap into that creativity by being close to Him relationsally. He will give you the wisdom you need to overcome the post-holiday blues. Don't despair, God is there to help you. He loves you very much.

Learn more about this author, Dan Langerock.
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