Well... the election is over so now the media is filled with stories of economy horror. Now on top of everything else I am supposed to worry about if I need if I need to stock up on parts to my Buick? Yikes. Friends, things could be worse, you could be an American car dealer.

If there ever was a time to absolutely focus on the joy and hope of the holiday season this year is it. Psychologists will say that people can choose to be happy and if feeling better isn't enough motivator- think of it as a marketing strategy.

We're all so stressed out that the last thing we need when we walk into  a retail store is to see a store in disarray staffed with unhappy people. People are shopping as an escape and retailers should be doing EVERYTHING in their power to provide that escape or safe haven for customers. People will spend time in stores that make them feel good.

Note that I didn't say spend money. That's because right now, you've gotta start by getting that foot traffic. You cannot let your customers forget about you!! Foot traffic will lead to sales.

There's lots you can do to create fun in your store.

1. Smile and be welcoming. Tell people THANKS for coming into the store today. Have a bowl of Hershey's kisses at the cash register. Have fun in your own store.

2 Keep the ideas coming. Folks will be crafting gifts- cards, gift card holders, food gifts-  samples sell.

3. Promote a "Holidays are over Hoopla" for January and invite people to show and tell what they scrapped over the holidays. Celebrate the time folks took to explore their craft.

4. Highlight projects for crafting with kids. We're all desperate for more connections with our loved ones. A friend of mine is having a cardmaking party where each of the kids gets to stamp a card for a loved one and a card for someone else, then were going to take the 6 year olds to the local nursing home to deliver the cards.

5. Be a drop off point for cards that folks can send to active duty service men and women, nursing home residents or shut- ins. Give folks a place where they can contribute cards- we're all looking for easy ways to be charitable. Turn demos into cardmaking opportunities, the customer can try a new stamp set and create a card that will be sent to brighten a soldier's day.

6. Move your stock around so it always looks fresh. Even if you're not getting lots of new stuff in, move things around to make it see like things are new. If lines aren't moving do a card and layout with the paper to show what can be done.

7. Offer free table space time- it's your gift to loyal customers.

8. Be grateful. I know it's hard when the bills are piling up but you're working in an industry you love. There's always something to be grateful for. One look around at yours staff is a good place to start.

I know I'm grateful to still have a venue to talk to you. It's awfully quiet, though I hope that means things are busy good...Be well. Beth