Did you hear?...Flexible, proactive attitude can keep retailers healthy in down economy

In an article published Nov. 19 in The (Nevada County) Union, a small daily newspaper in Northern California, titled, "Local experts believe downturn has bright spots,"

Craig McGovern, owner of a local arts, crafts and frame store in Grass Valley called Ben Franklin spoke about his success even in recessions.

Ben Franklin has been in business for 35 years and has weathered, by McGovern's count, at least five recessions. How? By being proactive, he said, and by having the flexibility to accept new ideas and try new things.

McGovern recounted how one of his sons came to him with an idea to have the store imprint its name on recycled, reusable shopping bags for customers to take home.

Then, every Wednesday, the store would offer customers 20 percent off everything they could fit into he bags when they brought the bags back into the store.

He admitted being very lukewarm to the idea at first, but said he was willing to try it. The idea not only worked, but it has been so successful the program remains in effect.