by Christina Lee on July 1st, 2009
Following a studio release and launch of a nationwide tour, Beyonce has found yet another way to celebrate her newfound alter ego: a junior apparel label.
With a debut in time for back-to-school shopping, Sasha Fierce for Dereon offers a more wearable version of what designer Tierry Mugler designed for the pop star’s concerts. Against a mainly black backdrop of fake leather and body suits are bold details and accessories, such as mixed silver and gold chains and denim rips lined with mesh and lace.
In comparison, parent label Dereon showcases billowy materials, vivid colors and exotic prints, with input... Read more »
by Christina Lee on July 1st, 2009
The latest initiative from the Small Business Administration and President Obama’s stimulus plan has experts wondering whether changes meant to help small businesses refinance will be beneficial at this time.
The administration’s Certified Development Company (504) lending program traditionally provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for assets like real estate, heavy machinery or other improvements. But as of last Wednesday, it now permanently allows small business owners to refinance such debt, as long as it is used for expansion purposes.
“This is one more piece of the Recovery Act that is going to have a direct impact and put more money in... Read more »
by Steve Strauss on July 1st, 2009
Q: I keep hearing that one way to make it though this recession is to advertise more – that is one thing that successful companies did to make it through previous bad economies. Is that an accurate analysis of those companies did right?
Amy
A: Advertising more right now makes intuitive sense to me, but does it make actual real business sense? Maybe, but maybe not.
Intuitively, one thing that is clear right now is that people are looking for a bargain; customer loyalty is a bit of any oxymoron as customers are generally more interested in saving money than... Read more »
by Christina Lee on June 23rd, 2009
If a small business grant still seems within reach – that is, if your business meets basic qualifications – then it may be time to figure out where to search for such funding.
Do take advantage of programs offered though your state government, including the Department of Commerce and Chamber of Commerce. A quick online search for “(your state) small business grants” may also prove to be fruitful.
Do not start searching through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The agency does not offer grants to start up or expand small businesses. However, it does offer a variety of loan programs... Read more »
by Christina Lee on June 23rd, 2009
This month, Entrepreneur focuses on forms of “Creative Financing,” or non-traditional means of funding small businesses. One of these – grants – is generally advertised as free government money, no strings attached.
However, applicants must prove themselves worthy before reaping any rewards, through a rather extensive application process. Each grant program holds their own requirements, though in general, applicants can qualify if they meet these few:
Your business is small enough. Such size requirements are typically determined by the U.S. Small Business Administration. For all wholesale trade industries, this means 100 employees or less, according to clearinghouse Grants.gov.
Your business... Read more »
by Christina Lee on June 16th, 2009
Wholesale prices rose just by 0.2 percent last month, following a 0.3 percent increase in April and a 1.2 percent decrease in March.
Economists made predictions ranging from zero change to a 2.3 percent gain, according to Bloomberg. And while they had initially feared any sign of inflation, actual prices suggest that they now have no need to worry.
“There’s no story on inflation here, and deflation doesn’t seem to be a concern,” said Anika Khan, Wachovia economist, to CNN.
Most of the major increases and decreases since last month occur in food and energy prices, according to the Bureau... Read more »
by Christina Lee on June 16th, 2009
A note to hope to budding entrepreneurs – a study released last week found that more than half of Fortune 500 companies had been founded in a recession or bear market.
The Kauffman Foundation cross-examined data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Fortune 500, and Inc. magazine to figure out how recessions affected new firm formations.
The study found that in general, bad economic times for the nation may not always impact entrepreneurship in the same way. After all, an individual may feel more apt to start a business once laid off, while entrepreneurs could target the newly unemployed as potential... Read more »
by Christina Lee on June 8th, 2009
Apparel retailers and wholesalers: though swimsuits will always be a summer essential, you should still give your customers plenty of reasons to purchase this year’s batch. If you have these trends handy, flaunt them – and if you don’t have them, go get them:
One-pieces are making a huge comeback this year, tough modern touches make these suits anything but demure. The hottest pieces with the most coverage will have draping, ruching or paneling, if not lower leg cuts, that recall the retro glamour of the 1950s.
Example: Victoria Secret’s firm control twist-front one-piece, by Magicsuit
One-shouldered wonders may allude... Read more »
by Christina Lee on June 7th, 2009
This Father’s Day, U.S. consumers are buying what they know will suit their loved ones, while spending just a little less.
After spending $88.01 on recent graduates and $123.89 on mothers in May, U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $90.89 on fathers, down from last year’s $94.54. The National Retail Federation also expects total spending to reach $9.4 billion, according to the D.C. trade association’s most recent survey.
Sporting goods, gardening tools and appliances are still mainstay Father’s Day gifts, as consumers anticipate spending more than $500 million in each product category.
But while ties and socks also... Read more »
by Christina Lee on June 2nd, 2009
As small business owners continue to seek credit in any way they can, recently passed legislation may end up eliminating one viable option: credit cards.
Over the past few years, credit card companies and small business owners have become more dependent on each other to conduct business. About 12 percent of 6 billion mailed credit card offers target small businesses, while their owners account nearly as much of all Visa and MasterCard charges, according to industry studies.
But with the development of the economic downturn, both are now struggling to stay afloat. And as small business owners continue to rely... Read more »