Hidden Splendor

Capture PC is Park City's newest, full-service vacation video/photography service.

See the ad in the Park Record

GOT TO HAVE GOTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

econscious - First Green Company to Earn the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certification

Petaluma, Calif., December 19, 2008 — econscious, experts in supplying organic and sustainable apparel to brands worldwide, is excited to become the first and only United States supplier certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

GOTS is the highest and most comprehensive international standard for Organic textiles from farm to finished product. As brands align themselves with the green movement, both to satisfy the growing demand of conscious consumers and to align with their brand's core-values, many are turning to econscious’ experts to streamline the time, expertise and resources required to ensure the organic status of their apparel. econscious' President, Dale Denkensohn, helped lead Patagonia's conversion to organic cotton in the 1990's and is amongst the pioneers of organic and sustainable manufacturing. According to Mr. Denkensohn, "Our goal is to be the most trusted source for organic and sustainable blank apparel and accessories." Denkensohn continues, "The GOTS certification is a hallmark achievement. It helps position econscious to make a larger impact towards a better future by guaranteeing piece of mind to the growing market of conscientious consumers."

The GOTS certification ensures that the entire manufacturing process adheres to a strict set of standards, including criteria such as types of dyes allowed, types of closures and hardware use, substances prohibited in manufacturing, and the treatment of waste water. GOTS also includes important social components to ensure living wages are paid and a safe, hygienic work environment is provided.

WCI Cap and Trade

In September of 2008, the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) released the design recommendations for its greenhouse gas Cap and Trade program.

The WCI is a collaboration of seven U.S. Governors and four Canadian Premiers, created to implement regional greenhouse gas emissions reductions with a focus on a market-based cap and trade system. Current WCI members are: Arizona, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.

The proposed cap and trade program would have broad coverage, regulating all greenhouse gas emissions from utilities, industrial and commercial facilities, transportation activities, and residential sources.

Studies have concluded that a market-based cap and trade system, in which total greenhouse gas emissions are capped via a set number of tradable emissions allowances, is the most cost-efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Still, such a system would not be without economic impacts. A study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research estimated that a national cap and trade program could result in price increases for gasoline of 13%, crude oil of 28%, and natural gas of 13% by 2015. Electricity prices have separately been estimated to increase by 24% under similar conditions.

It is the "cost of carbon" imposed by a cap and trade system that drives these price increases. The cap and trade system establishes the "carbon allowance" as a tradable currency similar to stock in a company. The number of these allowances is capped, and the cap is slowly reduced over time. As these allowances become more and more scarce, their associated price increases. Penalties for greenhouse gas emissions not covered by an allowance are typically 3-4 times the current allowance market value.

One study out of the Harvard J.F.K. School of Government estimated that a national cap and trade program would result in carbon dioxide emission prices of $18 to $41 per ton by 2015, and $70 to $161 per ton by 2050. Under the European Union's existing cap and trade program, carbon dioxide emissions are currently trading at roughly $20 per ton.

If this sounds expensive, think about the cost of doing nothing and just letting climate change happen. In May of 2008, a joint report between the National Resources Defense Council, Cambridge University, and others estimated the annual cost of doing nothing to mitigate climate change at $271 billion in 2025, $506 billion in 2050, and $1.9 trillion in 2100. The estimated cost of a cap and trade program? $153 billion in 2025 and $212 billion in 2050 - about ½ of the estimated cost of doing nothing!

When do you need to start thinking about how all this might affect your business? Now. In preparation for its cap and trade program launch in 2012, the WCI intends to initiate mandatory reporting of GHG emissions starting January, 2010.

I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIEND'S

LOCAL PRIDE

THE LOCALS STORY AS TOLD TO LIZ YOKUBISON OF PARK CITY MAGAZINE

LET SOMEONE ELSE CLIMB THE CORPORATE LADDER!

PRESS RELEASE - Locals Have More Fun debuts at OR Winter Show

Locals Have More Fun debuts at OR Winter Show

For Immediate Release

Brian Kahn
www.localshavemorefun.com
brian@localshavemorefun.com
435-659-6217

Park City, UT, December 3rd, 2008 —

WHEN and WHERE: Jan 22-25 - Winter Outdoor Retailer Show at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Booth BR 724

WHAT: Locals and Visitors alike in Resort and Destination Towns are already identifying with that "Locals Lifestyle".

Locals Have More Fun depicts the locals lifestyle and provides a high quality, environmentally cool souvenir for resort town locals and tourists.

To learn more about Locals Have More Fun and to see their current products, visit the website
www.localshavemorefun.com

PRESS RELEASE - Locals Have More Fun - ORWM Carbon Neutral Cup Giveaway

For Immediate Release
Brian Kahn
brian@localshavemorefun.com

Salt Lake City UT, December 17th, 2008 —

Locals Have More Fun, located at booth BR 724 will give away biodegradable cups to be used at "happy hour" during the 4 day show.

The giveaway will occur Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1:30pm.Each cup is printed with "100 Tons = 200 Trees" as Locals offset 100 tons of CO2 while satifsfying its 1% For the Planet donation.

Brian Kahn, owner of Locals Have More Fun worked with Jeff Olson of the National Forest Foundation to learn about carbon offsets and develop a unique dual marketing program. The National Forest Foundation will be handing out material during the 4 day show at the Locals Have More Fun Booth.

Mr. Kahn thought hard how his new company could deliver the "green message" while doing something totally unique.

"It will be environmentally cool to see OR attendees walking around with our cups and knowing that each one represents a tree planted."

ABOUT LOCALS HAVE MORE FUN

Locals Have More Fun is a Park City based lifestyle line that depicts the locals lifestyle on sustainable materials. The line is geared to be cool enough for locals, yet seen as an environmentally cool souvenir for the tourist market.

Locals Have More Fun is a 1% For the Planet member and is proud to protect the places that locals live and play.

To contact Locals Have More Fun, please visit
www.localshavemorefun.com
brian@localshavemorefun.com
435-659-6217

PRESS RELEASE - Locals Have More Fun - Vegas Baby

For Immediate Release
Brian Kahn
brian@localshavemorefun.com
www.localshavemorefun.com

Park City, UT, December 17th, 2008 — Locals Have More Fun adds another account, this time in Las Vegas with the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

Locals will be debuting its lifestyle line at BOOTH BR724 at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.

ABOUT LOCALS HAVE MORE FUN
Locals Have More Fun is a Park City based lifestyle line, concentrating on the resort and destination town markets. Locals Have More Fun provides a high quality, eco friendly souvenirfor tourists visting these locales. All clothing is produced with sustainable and fair labor practices. Inks are water-based instead of petroleum.

Locals Have More Fun is a 1% For the Planet member and is proud to protect the places we live and play.CONTACTwww.localshavemorefun.combrian@localshavemorefun.com435-659-6217

Local Pride

CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE LOCALS STORY

Peter Novelli Frim Examines US Holiday Shopping Trends

NEW YORK -- No one can truly predict the future in this volatile economy. What really matters for marketers is consumer behavior today -- what and how people are spending, or not, in reaction to the economic crisis.

"Black Friday sales were better than expected, but no one should be fooled into believing that the spike is a harbinger of good things for the rest of the holiday shopping season," says Michael Ramah, Porter Novelli Partner and Global Director of Strategic Planning. "Marketers don't need tea leaves. They need a cool-headed strategy in order to face their individual communications challenges during this time of unbridled change.

"Porter Novelli has identified 10 consumer behavior trends as the most impactful upon retailers, shoppers and marketers right now. The agency has also analyzed its 2008 ConsumerStyles data to segment consumers on dimensions that are most likely to drive shopping behaviors this holiday season (results below). Porter Novelli ConsumerStyles is a proprietary annual survey that explores attitudes, opinions and behaviors of consumers 18 years of age or older.

Here, the 10 key shopping trends Porter Novelli encourages retailers and marketers to consider right now:

1. Willing to Wait. Consumers want to buy, but in this economic climate they're willing to wait until the price is right. For marketers, it'simperative to identify specific areas of pent-up demand: Who is waiting to buy which products, and what will trigger them to spend?

2. Decidedly Undecided. For many consumers, it's not that they don't want to buy--they have the urge. It's that they don't know what they want. The implication for marketers: For some consumers, the emotional high that comes from acquiring the purchase is more enticing than the item itself.

3. Discount Dash. With millions of Americans deciding whether to spend a little or spend nothing at all this holiday season, the outlook seems bright for discounters. That means non-discounters need to compete on value, because they can't compete on price.

4. One for Me, One for Me. The International Council of Shopping Centers found that 81% of Americans who planned to shop on Black Friday weekend intended to buy something for themselves--up from 69% in 2007. With funds limited, consumers are asking themselves, "Should I be altruistic...or narcissistic?" Either answer adds up to sales.

5. All in for Next-Gen. Familiar technologies such as computers and music players are facing likely sales declines of 10%, but newer productssuch as Blu-ray players, smartphones and HDTVs are expected to do well. To build sales, marketers should consider bundling the old with the new.

6. Online on Top. More consumers than ever will be shopping online this year, looking to save time and money, avoid crowds and find a better selection of products. Companies who can make online and interactive marketing work even smarter and more efficiently will win.

7. Text to Shop. Scarborough Research data shows text messaging delivers a young, multicultural audience for marketers by providing a very locally targeted vehicle. Amazon.com is already tapping into texting over the holiday period to deliver its Deal of the Day, which recipients can purchase using their phone. The critical point for text marketing pioneers is to figure out how to use this tool without becoming anuisance.

8. Future Tense. Black Friday retail performance was better than expected, but all signs point to tough times ahead for retailers. If sales contract and retailers scale back, marketing communicators will need to work a lot harder and a lot smarter to earn their keep.

9. Just Saying No. Not long ago, consumers blithely made impulse buys with cash or credit. But the less secure about cash flow shoppers become, the more they will have second thoughts. Retailers and product marketers must become adept at engaging with "second thought" consumers; they are likely to see a lot more of them.

10. The Cause Effect. As consumers shift from impulsive frenzy to second-thought hesitation, the notion of supporting a good cause may just provide a means to convert those second thoughts into buying mode. In a post-boom, post-greed retail climate, incorporating social and/or environmental responsibility into purchases could be the acceptable new version of instant gratification.

Retail Tips: Increase Your Business With Existing Customers!

By Jay Townley, The Gluskin Townley Group, LLC

Unfortunately, too many specialty retailers overlook the vital importance to their businesses of increasing transactions with their existing customers.

In today’s retail economy, your customer database is one of your key assets, and using it to drive direct response marketing is essential to surviving and thriving!

If your business doesn’t maintain an electronic customer database through your point-of-sale (POS) system or some other type of customer relationship management software, take immediate steps to set one up. There are two tasks here:

(1) If you don’t have an electronic customer database, initiate one ASAP! This should be easy with a POS system, but can also be easily initiated using Access, the database application that comes with Windows Office.

(2) If you already have an electronic customer database, make sure it is as accurate and up-to-date as possible for your direct-response marketing program. This drives your POS entry process and staff education to assure that all customer contact information is entered uniformly and consistently.

Establish a direct response-marketing calendar listing your store’s specific events, flyers, specials and newsletters and when you will use your customer database to reach out and invite them to do more business with you.

It can be as simple as planning to send 100 postcards or emails per week to targeted or selected customers inviting them to visit your store for an event or sale that your database tells you is of interest to them!

Active Americans Tighten Spending But Still Plan Vacation

Submitted by Leisure Trends Group Boulder, Colorado

Leisure Trends asked Active Americans* about their spending plans in the upcoming months. Close to 50% of Active Americans plan to spend less on sports related gear, clothing and equipment, while only 1.6% plan to spend more. The rest (48.2%) plan to spend the same amount.

Many people plan to buy what they “need” not what they “want.” Even those who are not feeling the crunch yet are being careful with their spending, just in case. This is what Most Active Americans had to say about spending and the economy:

“The economic crisis' personal effect on me is non-existent, but I recognize that that could change quickly so have gone into a money-conserving mode.”

“I would like to take advantage of the lower investment rates and put my money toward that, so we will be spending less on gear as we have plenty and will focus on diversifying our investments.”

“I am not buying anything at this time that is not a necessity. Christmas this year will be the family getting together for dinner and conversation and that is it. No shopping sprees.”

“I haven't felt the crunch yet but I'll watch my spending in all areas. It's a time to be careful as we don't know what lies ahead for our economy.”

“Usually I upgrade at least one or two components of my alpine ski equipment, but won't do it this year because prices are so high.”

“I will shop sales more often. But I will still look for quality. Shoes for my boys will be quality due to prevention of sports injury.”

“We are a retired couple. The value of a lot of our retirement savings has decreased proportionate to the stock market. This greatly affects our discretionary spending, thus we will decrease our traveling a great deal.”

“Just cutting back overall, including sports equipment. Every purchase will be evaluated more closely and will search harder for best price.”

“Even though gas has come down the rest of the economy is a wreck. I will spend less but plan to try and get more bang for my hard earned dollar. It will be interesting to see if retailers come up with a better sales pitch this season.”

Travel plans should fare better. Over two in five Active Americans do not plan to change their travel this winter, but one in five are expecting to do something less expensive than originally planned. 7.7% are really feeling the crunch and will cancel their leisure-travel plans. Over a quarter have no travel plans, yet, this winter.

“Airfare and lift tickets are off the hook. I don't know how anyone can still afford to do winter sports anymore. Traveling by air is a hassle, between the airport security and the mindless bag charges. If I go anywhere it will most likely be by car.”“We are looking into staycations, maybe not go so far and enjoy some local attractions instead.”

Consumers Pull Back on Holiday Spending

More than half of consumers are spending less on holiday shopping this year, according to a recent survey by Consumer Reconnaissance Inc.

Consumers are limiting their gifting to fewer people, setting price limits on gifts, scouting for sales, and even opting for homemade crafts, such as photo collages, over purchased gifts.

According to Consumer Reconnaissance, about 58 percent of people surveyed are spending less this year than last. The average person is buying gifts for four or five people, and spending about $43 per person, totaling around $200 for their holiday shopping.

NPD Consumer Spending Indicator Results Show Consumers in No Rush to Spend

With the distraction of the Presidential election behind us and the holiday season upon us, will consumers rebound? The November results of NPD’s Consumer Spending Indicator suggest consumers are not ready to head back to the stores, at least not yet.

The percentage of consumers who believe the economy is in a downturn increased again last month. In April, 84% of respondents said they felt the economy was either in or headed for a recession, in November that number increased to 91%. “Off-hand, that 7% increase may not sound like a lot,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc. “But when you turn the spending faucet of 14 million people off, that 7% from April to November represents trillions of dollars.”

Are consumers motivated by all the sales retailers held during the preceding month? The number of consumers that say they would take advantage of sales or coupons has remained relatively steady since July. “So those huge sales that were designed to lure the customer in really don’t seem to have had much of an impact. They aren’t bringing the consumers back in to shop,” said Cohen.

July November
No Difference 34% 35%
Sales 28% 29%
Coupons 28% 28%

Where do consumers say they will be cutting back? Most tell NPD that their cutting back will be on dining out. Fifty-seven percent of respondents say they are looking to spend less there. That is followed by cuts in spending on apparel. In the November Consumer Spending Indicator, 52% of respondents said they would cut back on apparel spending. Consumers have shown a continual decline in their desire to spend on apparel, with a seven point decline since April. Furniture was in the number three spot with 49% stating they plan to spend less.

The same categories that were the least vulnerable in last month’s study remain so in the current month’s study with one slight change. Video games and toys remain steady while beauty is being edged out of the number three spot.

Video games take the top spot as the least likely to see cut backs in consumer spending with 32%, followed by toys at 36%. This month, however, movies took the number three spot at 39%. Beauty slipped to forth this month at 41%. “But beauty is still showing that women remain loyal to their regimen even in tough times,” noted Cohen.

As previously noted, an important measure of how consumers are fairing is how secure they feel about their jobs. Here, there is a sign of caution. In July, 25% of respondents said they were not concerned about their jobs, but in November 19% say they are not concerned. “This is a number I watch very closely,” stated Cohen. “I think it is the best indication of consumer behavior and now, what with the stock market, the political market, the media market and now, the job market we are seeing an all time low here.”

October Outdoor Sales Continue Industry Growth Trend During Recession

While early predictors show evidence of a decline in specific outdoor channels starting in November 2008, outdoor industry sales have remained fairly robust since the nation officially entered a recession in December 2007; posting a healthy 9.6% increase overall and outpacing traditional retail markets, according to the most recent edition of The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Outdoor Topline Report, produced for OIA by the Leisure Trends Group.

According to The OIA Outdoor Topline Report, the relatively inexpensive and convenient outdoor vacation has remained appealing to core outdoor shoppers throughout the year and may be the industry's bright spot as consumers look to the outdoors as an escape from the pressures of daily life.

Internet sales showed a robust 21.6% growth since December 2007 and core chain and specialty stores remained healthy, growing at 10.0% and 4.7% respectively.In monthly sales, October retail sales for all core outdoor stores (chain, internet, specialty)* gained 8% in dollars compared to October 2007.

All four major product categories (equipment, equipment accessories, apparel and footwear) grew in October. The largest increases came from apparel and equipment.According to The OIA Outdoor Topline Report, all core outdoor stores were up 6% in total unit sales and 9% in dollar sales year to date.

In YTD dollars, all equipment increased 10%, equipment accessories 11%, apparel 9% and footwear 4%.Comparing dollar sales growth October 2008 to October 2007:Outdoor chain +9% Outdoor internet +33% Outdoor specialty -3% Paddlesports -5%In specialty stores, equipment, equipment accessories and footwear each lost ground compared to last October.

However, apparel, with 64% of all specialty dollar sales in October, gained 7% in dollar sales.

Outerwear, water bottles and winter boots showed the largest gains in specialty stores this month.

Core chain stores grew 9% in total unit and dollar sales this October, with dollar growth coming from all four major categories (equipment, equipment accessories, apparel and footwear).

As in specialty stores, apparel was by far the biggest seller in core chains. All apparel accounted for 48% of October sales in core chains, while equipment accounted for 10%, equipment accessories accounted for 26% and footwear 18%.

Outdoor internet stores grew 31% in units and 33% in dollars from last October, moving from 19% of all core outdoor retail dollars in October 2007 to 23% this month. Online retailers enjoyed across-the-board growth as all four major product categories and most sub-categories saw healthy unit and dollar growth for the period.

All paddle product sales from all three channels (specialty, chain, internet) fell 5% in dollars on even unit sales as retail prices dropped 5%. Paddle specialty stores lost 5% in overall units and 8% in dollars for the period.

Overall chain paddlesport dollar sales were flat as units increased 10% but retail prices decreased 9%, caused by a shift in product mix toward smaller, less-expensive products. The internet channel saw October sales increase 44% in units and 35% in dollars.

However, internet sales accounted for only 9% of all October core paddlesport retail dollar sales.

According to trendspotter and OIA Rendezvous keynote speaker Marian Salzman, the only businesses in which she would consider investing right now are soup and camping. Her reasoning is that Americans will be looking to escape the long-term economic turmoil and constant barrage of the media by returning to low-cost, simple activities that involve the entire family. If this prediction holds true, as it has in the past, businesses that support cycling, camping, hiking, fishing and paddling activities may be very well positioned for several years.

OIA Topline October 2008 - Apparel Year over Year

http://research.outdoorindustry.org/online_delivery/~PF~2006_Portal_Structure/~PF~Clients/~PF~OIA_92VLEP/~PF~Member_Reports/~LF~Topline_Market_Summary/2008_10/OIA_Topline_Summary_October_%2008.pdf

October Outdoor Sales Continue Industry Growth Trend During Recession

While early predictors show evidence of a decline in specific outdoor channels starting in November 2008, outdoor industry sales have remained fairly robust since the nation officially entered a recession in December 2007; posting a healthy 9.6% increase overall and outpacing traditional retail markets.

According to The OIA Outdoor Topline Report, the relatively inexpensive and convenient outdoor vacation has remained appealing to core outdoor shoppers throughout the year and may be the industry's bright spot as consumers look to the outdoors as an escape from the pressures of daily life.

Internet sales showed a robust 21.6% growth since December 2007 and core chain and specialty stores remained healthy, growing at 10.0% and 4.7% respectively.October SalesIn monthly sales, October retail sales for all core outdoor stores (chain, internet, specialty)* gained 8% in dollars compared to October 2007.

All four major product categories (equipment, equipment accessories, apparel and footwear) grew in October. The largest increases came from apparel and equipment.According to The OIA Outdoor Topline Report, all core outdoor stores were up 6% in total unit sales and 9% in dollar sales year to date.

In YTD dollars, all equipment increased 10%, equipment accessories 11%, apparel 9% and footwear 4%.Comparing dollar sales growth October 2008 to October 2007:Outdoor chain +9% Outdoor internet +33% Outdoor specialty -3% Paddlesports -5%

NPD Holiday 2008 Survey Results Say All Signs Point to Flat to Declining Sales

The NPD Group, Inc., a leading market research company, released the results of its annual survey of consumers’ holiday spending intentions. This year 26% of consumers surveyed told NPD they plan to spend less. In the 2007 survey results, only 18% said they planned to spend less. “This 8% decline illustrates that consumers are already focused on the idea of spending less,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc.

	2008	2007
Plan to Spend More	11%	11%
Plan to Spend About The Same	63%	70%
Plan to Spend Less	26%	18%

"For the first time I am predicting flat to declining sales for the holiday season,” stated Cohen. “With consumers already saying they plan to spend less, stores with lean inventories, those inventories on sale as soon as they hit the floor, and tightening credit both for businesses and consumers, where can growth come from?”

The recent turmoil in the financial markets and the meltdown in the credit sector seem to have had an impact on consumers as they look to pull back on their credit card spending. The number of consumers who tell NPD they will "spend on credit" this year is down 2%. “Consumers will be keeping careful watch on their credit card spending this season,” stated Cohen, “I think many will refrain from purchasing an indulgence or splurge gift, and for the first time in years, may actually cut people from their shopping lists.”

With no “must-have” gift, what will drive consumers into stores this holiday? Sixty percent of consumers surveyed say that either a “special sale price” or “overall value for the price” will influence where they shop this holiday. “Last year we saw GPS systems used by stores as ‘Door-buster’ specials. Where is this holiday’s GPS?” asks Cohen, “So far nothing has surfaced, and in short-order if nothing does, it will be too late.”

The good news is that consumers will still be buying gifts this holiday season. Again this year consumers say Apparel will be the most often gifted item, followed by Toys.

1	Apparel	49%
2	Toys	37%
3	Movies (VHS, DVD)	29%
4	Books	27%
5	Electronics (TVs, Home Theater Systems/DVD Players/Recorders, Home Audio Products, Satellite Radio, GPS Systems, Cell Phones, Desktop/Laptop Computers, Computer Peripherals, Digital & Video Cameras, MP3 Players)	23%
6	Video Games	22%
7	Accessories (Bags, Small Personal Accessories, Watches)	20%
8	Music	20%
9	Food	17%
10	Fragrances	17%

One cautionary note Cohen sounds, "The Apparel industry is not doing enough to keep their products front and center for consumers. This is the least technically advanced industry these days, add in a lack of color and style changes, and there truly is no excitement being generated, nothing to ignite consumers’ passion. Apparel will be hard pressed to keep its number one ranking as most often given gift.”

There are two items that could emerge as this season’s bright spots. They are Televisions and Sunglasses. This was the last full year for analog TV reception, and NPD research shows consumers may be looking to purchase new digital sets. “With prices at all time lows and not all wanting to deal with signal conversion boxes, we could see some good news here,” said Cohen. The sleeper category for growth this year is Sunglasses. “The younger market is all over them and the bigger the logo the better. They are the most sought after item by young adults and will surely be their most desired gift. Sunglasses will be this year’s handbag,” predicted Cohen.

Current holiday study results indicate that gift cards are not yet “top-of-mind” with consumers. Thirty-eight percent of survey respondents state they will buy a gift card this year; 49% said they purchased one last year. “Keep in mind many consumers don't go out with the intention of getting a gift card but will likely do so when they can’t find an appropriate or affordable gift. And don’t forget those post-holiday promotions. The markdowns could almost double the value of a gift card,” stated Cohen.

Dawn Patrol #1

Dawn Patrol #2

Locals Take: Whistler Blackcomb

Jackson Hole - Locals Take

Retail Upsell

Retail 101

My Skis Complete Me

Head Local's Car

Is outdoor retail recession proof? Maybe not…

A chat with retail buyers from around the country

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.

Dear Santa … What Are Outdoor Enthusiasts Wishing For This Holiday?

When times are tough, the tough want to look good while practicing their favorite sport.

What tops the list of sports, fitness and outdoor merchandise that Most Active Americans want to give and receive this holiday season?

Athletic/fitness apparel followed closely by outdoor apparel (jackets and pants).

Here is the top ten list of Outdoor, Sports and Fitness Product Categories that Most Active Americans wish for and plan to give this holiday season:

1. Athletic/Fitness Apparel
2. Outdoor Apparel
3. Camping Equipment and Accessories
4. Athletic Fitness Footwear
5. Athletic Equipment
6. Electronic Devices/Instruments (GPS, Altimeters, Heart Rate Monitors)
7. Outdoor Footwear
8. Fitness Equipment
9. Fishing Equipment and Accessories
10. Ski/Snowboard Equipment

Are Active Americans going to buy for the holidays or play Ebenezer Scrooge because of the economy?

Eighty-five percent have the spirit to buy and give, but they will buy fewer gifts and may not spring for big-ticket items. Only two percent say they will increase their spending this year.

Where will they shop? Outdoor specialty chains will be most frequented (74% say they will visit one or more before December 25), followed by the Internet (55%), sporting goods chains (56%), discount stores (52%) and independent specialty stores (45%).

When asked about vacations: bike trips, adventure travel, ski vacations, rafting and mountain vacations were mentioned most often. One respondent described her personal nirvana, "a fitness vacation – hiking, a spa, a great bed combined with healthy cooking seminars."

Here are other Active American vacation wishes:

“A fly fishing trip to Montana. Why? A conservation and nature based activity in one of the most wild and beautiful areas in our nation!”

“A hiking vacation, preferably in the Smoky Mountains. I miss the mountains and I want to spend several days walking in the mountains.”

“Hiking in Denali National Park in Alaska.”

"A vacation to the see the redwoods and fish this summer. Reason is to see the things in nature that few people get to see. In reality, though, maybe a fly rod or camping supplies."

Longer Sustainability Reports Win Awards, Carbon-Intense Companies Report Less

LONDON, UK -- Companies that publish longer environmental reports tend to earn more awards, companies in low carbon-intense sectors put out longer reports and almost all companies fail to define key sustainability terms, according to a study of corporate reports.

Admitting the variety of reporting methods and ways companies present sustainability information presents many limitations, communications consultancy Spada hopes its white paper, Environmental Reporting: Trends in FTSE 100 Sustainability Reports, spurs further research and discussion on sustainability reporting.

"Now is the time to develop a more rigorous consensus on how theseissues should be communicated and appraised in the public domain,"writes Spada managing director Gavin Ingham Brooke and research consultant Ana Catalano in the report.

Spada looked at reports from companies listed in the U.K.'s FTSE 100, examining terms and themes used and the report lengths.

Many corporations do not define important and frequently-used termssuch as sustainability, clean energy and zero carbon.

In the case ofsustainability, 79 companies use that word, but only two define whatsustainability means to them in the first instance.

By using a standard word count as a baseline for how long a page is,Spada calculated that the average report from FTSE 100 companies is 21pages.

Those companies that have won Business in the Community Top 100 awards averaged 25 pages, winners of Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations averaged 26 pages and Carbon Disclosure Project Leaders averaged 30 pages.

For every 10-page increase in a sustainability report, the odds of acompany winning an award increase 30 percent. However, Spada admitsthat its findings do not mean the length of a report is the sole causeof a company winning an award.

Although Spada questions that heftyreports might be seen as meaning more than smaller, though possibly more substantive, reports, it does not investigate if the quality ofreporting also coincides with report length.

Spada also found that companies in more carbon-intense areas do notc ommunicate as much as companies in lower-carbon areas or companies that are more in the public eye.

Sectors that affect consumers tend to devote more writing toe nvironmental issues than companies with lower public awareness, such as those in metals and other industrial areas.

Utilities and oil and gas companies, though, exhibit a better spread and depth of reporting, Spada says, than companies that face higher regulations or are less known to the public.

Analysts Advise Proceeding With Caution

Industry analysts say cutting costs and managing conservatively are more imperative than ever.

“Right now this is survival mode for everyone,” said Allan Ellinger, senior managing partner of Marketing Management Group.

“While you can’t always control your sales, you should always be able to control your expenses. Every business leader needs to manage his expense structure, and every line item within it, on a daily basis.

You should be going into next year with a sales plan that is extraordinarily conservative, and an expense structure that brings your overhead down so you can maintain your margins and guarantee you can get through the year unscathed and ready...

One Percent For the Planet Store

Support the One Percent For The Planet Store by buying environmentally cool products.

The best part about this hat, is another one percent for the planet member makes it. Kind of like the circle of life, kind of...

Visit One Percent For the Planet to find how you can become a member/donate.

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Signs of the Future? Zion Canyon During the Controlled Burn in November 2008

Bush just gave the okey-dokey to drilling not far from hear.
Do you think this could be a sign of the future?

Gear and equipment for being active may still be bright(er) spot in today’s economy

It used to be said that when the economy got ugly, more people went fishing.

Fast-forward to today’s culture and you might be able to say, instead, when the economy gets sluggish, more people try to get active.

By almost all measures, the U.S. economy is now in a recession. Real estate, banking, and insurance sectors have been badly weakened and are dragging down overall economic activity. Most of the nation’s top retailers reported double-digit declines in October sales in early November, following a weak September and forecasting what could be a grim holiday shopping season.

But consumers, who have sharply cut spending, are still investing some of their discretionary dollars in physical activity of some sort.

“People are spending money,” said John Wilson, general manager of CW-X, which produces active wear such as tights for running, from the bustling New York City Marathon expo the first weekend of November. “When it comes to your sport, you invest. People still want to get out and do their thing.”

While the weakened economy finds consumers hunkering down, delaying big purchases and tightening their belts, the outlook may not be quite as bleak for outdoor sports, fitness retail or health club industries. Citing historical data, economists say the categories may weather the economic downturn.

Get active, stay active
Despite the gloom and doom, sports enthusiasts will continue to support their activities. Cash-strapped consumers may fork over cash for accessories, but forgo big ticket items – or chose ones that cost slightly less. Skiers will still ski, though they may ride chairlifts locally instead of heading off to a destination resort. Health clubs owners may also still people coming in the door.

Of course, retail economists and trend analysts don’t agree on everything: Some simply say retail sports categories will lose less this time around than other sectors. Others are doing their best to forecast, knowing this is a different situation than in the past. Basically, data from previous recessions indicate that sporting goods fare well, said Julia Day, director of sales and marketing for Boulder, Colo.-based Leisure Trends Group.

“People who are active and passionate about their sports won’t stop doing their sports in a downturn,” Day said.

One likely change will come in accessories, she said. They may be favored over big ticket items. If the weather is colder, hats and socks might sell well. Camping accessories such as lights, cooking products and headlamps might move off the store shelves faster than tents and sleeping bags. In the economic slump in 2001, sales of tents, bags and high-end backpacks headed south, Day said. Small fitness items may be the chosen purchase over large equipment.

“Consumers will participate, but less frequently,” she reassured. “They will change habits.”

Day said her market research firm tracks heart rate monitors and GPS devices as both accessories and technology products -- and buyers dig the gadgets. “If it’s new and hot, it sells,” Day said. “If it’s tech and consumers want it, it sells.”

Everything in outdoor retail sales, which tends to be resistant as a category, soared through August, but things changes in September, Day said. However, helping to offset the economic cooling is a trend toward healthier lifestyles.

“One thing we know is if you are active and healthy, you’re going to be happier,” she said. Leisure Trends monitors what if calls a “happiness track.” On it, they find that people who are active and participate in outdoor activities are happiest.

In another recently quarterly report, for example, Target Corp. noted that despite sales declines, fitness and yoga apparel remained strong.

Quality counts
Because cash is tighter, consumers may also be looking for higher quality goods. They want goods that last longer, Day said. Consumers may be leaning toward less of a throw-away economy.

“Consumers might be willing to pay more for quality but buying less,” she said.

One study Leisure Trends conducted on consumer buying intent shows that nearly 70 percent of their most active buyers will be making adjustments in their sports equipment and apparel purchases this year. And quality drove purchase decisions. “Over 92 percent of respondents agree that paying more for a sports product with the expectation it will last longer is their preferable buying strategy.”

Another key amid the gloom: 44 percent claimed they will take part in their favorite activities this fall and winter. And 27 percent they will participate more.

“Sales will go down, but we know that people who are enthusiasts will continue to do their activities. Skiers, for example, will still ski in a down economy, but they’ll ski more locally,” Day said.

Tom Doyle, vice president of information and research at the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), supported the view that there won’t be a huge drop in sporting goods equipment sales. Doyle has charted consumer purchases of equipment and footwear over the last 20 years. His research indicates fairly healthy sales even during slumps.

“My general observation is that consumer purchases of sporting goods flatten or decline slightly, less than 2 percent, in recessionary times,” Doyle said.

“A decline is likely to come in units, but will likely be offset to some degree by higher prices. I would expect to see any declines to be in the purchase of high-ticket items over the next several quarters.”

Doyle predicted the current economic crunch will create “a slackening, but it isn’t a huge disaster” for retailers.

He noted that treadmill sales did not drop off in 2001, but some other big ticket items such as backpacks and sleeping bags did, and they did not bounce back until 2004.

“It takes awhile for consumers to regain confidence,” after a recession, he said.

Maybe it’s the stress induced by job market conditions or plummeting stocks, but apparently consumers still find their way to health clubs.

Club membership leveling off
Health club memberships nationwide have leveled off since 2004 – the first year without a jump in several -- but haven’t fallen, according the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). Total health club memberships at the close of 2007 numbered 41.5 million, IHRSA said. That is statistically about the same as the 2004 number of 41.3 million.

Taking a long-term view, the health club industry expects strong 2008 performance despite the economic picture, said IHRSA spokesman Rosemary Lavery. The industry has seen 41 percent growth in total number of members since 1998, she said.

“While the economy has been enduring some difficulty,” Lavery said in an email, “the health club industry looks to the following positives for growth: the increase in industry revenue numbers on the non-dues services, the importance of exercise as overweight and obesity rates continue to rise, and the correlation between chronic disease and health care costs.”

Several factors can affect club membership levels, and there are indications the fitness movement remains strong. Major marathons continue to sell out and new runs are added every year. Anecdotally, one vendor at the recent New York City marathon said running enthusiasts were “crazy” there, and that “people are spending money. People still want to get out and do their thing,” he said.

Running specialty store franchiser Fleet Feet Inc., based in Carrboro, N.C., recently logged its best quarter in the company’s 32-year history. Retail sales shot up to $24.8 million, up 16.5 over third quarter 2007. Year-to-date sales were up 17.8 percent through September 2008.

That kind of business performance wouldn’t surprise market researchers at the Leisure Trends Group.

“During a downturn, people will still go for a hike. Running and trail running also does well,” said the firm’s Day. “All it takes is a good pair of shoes.”
--Stuart Glascock

LIned Up at Alta For Another Record Breaking Year?

IT WILL HAVE TO BE ANOTHER GREAT SNOW YEAR
AND IT WILL TAKE A LOT OF TRAVELERS IN A TOUGH
ECONOMY TO CREATE LINES LIKE THIS - GOOD TO BE A
LOCAL!!

Recycling at the Ski Swap

Nov 7-9, Basin Recreation Center - Park City, UT

Recycling at its best. Very old, old, somewhat new, brand new! This was the range of goods you could find at the 38th Annual Park City Ski Swap.

I am sure with this economy their will be newer and newer "used" equipment that people are looking to sell and get some greenbacks for.

Talk about the greenback - a new breakout from the consolidation.

Check out Into the Markets for more education on the financial markets!

Green Word of the Day

Sustainable Development

Economic, social and environmental development that is harmonized for the good of all interests.

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs - from the Brundtland Report "Our Common Future" - The United Nations uses this definition.

Is the concept of growth and depleting non-renewable resources mutually exclusive?

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Consumer Reports: 76 Percent of Consumers Plan to Cut Back on Holiday Spending

YONKERS, N.Y. -- 'Tis the season to tighten the belt on holiday spending for many Americans this year.

Over three-quarters (76%) of Americans plan to cut back on spending on traditional holiday expenses such as gifts, travel, entertaining, decorations, charitable giving, holiday cards, and tipping, according to a new Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll.

Full results of the poll are available at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll also found that some consumers will be starting the holiday season with leftover holiday debt. Six percent of Americans -- some 12 million consumers -- are still carrying debt from last winter's holiday season.

Among the holiday spending cutbacks, 59 percent said they will be giving fewer gifts, and nearly half (49%) will be cutting their travel plans.Who is most likely to be left off the holiday gift list?

Among consumers scaling back on gifts, most (84%) were willing to cut back on buying for themselves. But the family pooch may still get a treat or two. Only 23 percent of respondents plan to cut back on gifts for their pets this season -- far fewer than those willing to cut back on buying for friends and families (40%), service providers (30%) or co-workers (29%).

Release of Consumer Reports' Holiday Shopping Poll coincides with the launch of the "Tightwad Tod" Blog on www.ConsumerReports.org/TightwadTod.

For shoppers looking for great ways to save this holiday season, Consumer Reports' Tightwad, Tod Marks is the guy. Every day, Tod will blog on the news that affects the pocketbook, great buys for the holidays and those offers that sound too good to be true."Being a tightwad doesn't mean you're a cheapskate -- it just means you spend your money wisely, and have more to spend on the things you really want this holiday season," said Tod Marks, senior project editor, Consumer Reports and "Tightwad Tod" blogger.

The Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll also finds:Shopping Season 2008: Off to a slow start-- Similar to the 2007 holiday shopping season, 2008 is expected to getoff to a slow start.

Only 29 percent of consumers have started theirshopping. Only about half (45%) of consumers anticipate they will bedone buying gifts by the second week in December. Approximately 24percent say they will push their holiday shopping right up to December24th. About 5 percent of consumers don't plan to complete theirshopping until after the holidays.

No humbug for the holidays: Consumers remain optimistic-- Despite all the budgeting and cutbacks, consumers remain optimisticthat their holiday will be as enjoyable as in year's past. Themajority (88%) expect their holidays to be at least as happy as lastyear, including 28 percentage points who expect to be even happierthan last year.

Making a list and checking it twice: Holiday Budgets-- If you want to control your spending over the holidays, considermaking a budget before you begin to shop. You won't be alone; thisyear 59 percent of consumers plan to make a budget -- an increase ofmore than 17 percent from the year before.-- Making a budget is the easy part, sticking to it proves harder formany shoppers. Of the 39 percent of consumers who made a budget lastyear, only 45 percent stayed on it while, nearly as many (44%) wentover budget last year. Only about 3 percent went way over budget.--

This holiday season may see an increase in the usage of cash.Twenty-one percent plan to use cash moreover half plan to rely less oncredit cards (51%). The change is especially evident in young peopleages 18-34 -- who have tended to favor credit in the past.Is it always better to give than receive? Not if it's socks!

-- The number one gift consumers are planning to buy for the 2008 holidayseason is clothing (69%). But, that was the category of gifts receivedin 2007 that triggered the most disappointment among recipients (39%).Forty-seven percent of men said they were disappointed to receivevarious types of clothing for the 2006 holidays including themost-hated socks.

-- The number two gift consumers are planning to give for 2008 is giftcards (66%), followed by toys (62%), cash (61%), electronics (47%),jewelry (40%), pet toys (31%) and small appliances (24%). Toys seem tobe making a comeback this season after last years recalls when only49% of consumers had planned to purchase toys.

-- Consumers planning to give electronic gifts on a whole have declinedfrom last season from 53 to 47 percent this year, despite the factthat it remains the most wanted gift for both men (26%) and women(14%). Women also were equally interested in gift cards (14%),followed by jewelry (13%), and money (12%).

-- Gift-givers may still want to opt for electronic gifts; ConsumerReports poll found that it's the gift people would most like toreceive (20%). Mp3 players or iPods (18%) remain strong at the top ofthe most wanted electronics, and video games, which fell back lastseason, are back on top (18%).

-- Among those who plan to give money or cash as a gift this year, nearlyone-quarter (23%) plan to give it less frequently than they did lastyear.-- Does that gift look familiar? Re-gifting is on the rise. Nearlyone-third of respondents (31%) admitted to re-gifting a present lastyear. This is up from 25 percent in 2006. The most likely suspectsare still women (38 %). Only 24% of men admitted to ever re-gifting,which is about the same as last year.The gift that keeps on taking: Gift Cards

-- Gift cards continue to be a popular choice among shoppers, 66 percentof respondents plan on buying gift cards, up from 62 percent in 2007.Gift cards are second only to clothing (69%) for the 2008 holidayseason.-- For the 2007 holidays, 62 percent of respondents received a gift card,which is up 6 percentage points from the previous year. Nearly a yearlater, 25 percent of the gift card recipients have not used one ormore of these cards. Among consumers with unredeemed cards from lastseason, 57% have two or more.

-- The gift card is a gift that keeps on taking 58 percent of consumersspend more than the amount of the card when they go to redeem thegift.-- Time continues to be the most common reason gift cards have not beenredeemed. Well over half (54%) of consumers indicate not having thetime was the reason for unused cards. This was followed by they forgotabout it (38%) and can't find anything they want (35%).

September Outdoor Sales Mixed Bag, Buoyed by Accessory and Internet

Overall September numbers reported in the most recent edition of The Outdoor Topline Report, produced for Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) by the Leisure Trends Group are a mixed bag as September saw one of the worst economic crisis in recent history affect all types of consumer spending.

The Commerce Department reported overall personal spending dropped .3 percent in September, the largest drop since June 2004.According to The Outdoor Topline Report, core outdoor retailers saw sales in all three channels (specialty, chain, and internet)* total $351M this month, 2% above September 2007. Unit sales for all three channels increased 5% for the same period.

But specialty stores posted a decline for the first time since October 2007.Channel & Category BreakdownBreaking down the September sales by store channel, chain store sales totaled $174M, gaining 6% in units and 4% in dollars compared to the same month last year.

Independent outdoor specialty stores sold $111M, a 5% decline from September 2007. Unit sales also dropped 5% for the period. Outdoor internet merchants were not slowed down by the economy at all.

In September, the entire outdoor internet channel brought in $67M, increasing sales by 20% in units and 11% in dollars compared to September 2007. Similar to findings in other industries, core outdoor shoppers seemed reluctant to buy big-ticket items such as tents, sleeping bags, packs, instruments and sport racks.

However, lower-priced camping equipment accessory categories gained 15% in units and 8% in dollars helping buoy overall outdoor sales.Apparel and footwear were mixed, with outwear and sportswear remaining flat, boots and shoes made modest gains and sandals declined.Following the accessory trend, apparel and footwear accessories saw healthy increases compared to last September.

Look for accessories and small-ticket items to gain traction in a soft economy. PaddlesportsAll paddle product sales from all three channels (specialty, chain, internet) totaled $26M in September, down 13% from September 2007. Unit sales decreased 8% for the same period. Paddle specialty stores had sales of $20M this month, suffering a 17% decline in units and a 15% decline in dollars. Total chain paddlesport sales reached $4.5M, down 3% from September 2007.

The internet channel saw September sales increase 14% in units but decrease 7% in dollars with $1.8M in total sales.

Year-to-date, all paddlesport sales from all three channels totaled $327M, down 1% from the same period in 2007.Big-ticket paddlesport items saw the largest declines in September. Boats and paddles lost sales in each of the three distribution channels, while accessories and apparel saw sales increase in chain and internet stores.

August & September Sales CombinedSeptember sales numbers alone miss a key factor in sales growth. A large portion of revenue in August and September occurs during the traditional Labor Day Sales. In 2007, Labor Day Sales were mostly counted in September, while this year’s sales gave August the boost because of the calendar.

Looking at August and September together, all products in all stores grew 8% in units and 7% in dollars. Equipment increased 6% and 5% in units and dollars, respectively. Equipment accessories grew 16% and 13% respectively and apparel grew 5% and 4%. Footwear dropped 10% in units but grew 5% in dollars

2008 Retail Container Traffic to be Lowest Since 2004

WASHINGTON – Cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports fell again in October, and 2008 is now expected to be the slowest year since 2004 as the downturn in the nation’s economy continues, according to the monthly Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and IHS Global Insight.Volume is projected to total 15.3 million Twenty-Foot-Equivalent Units for the year, compared with 16.5 million TEU in 2007.

That would be a decline of 7.1 percent and the lowest total since 2004, when 14 million TEU moved through the ports. The estimate is down from the 15.43 million projected a month ago, which would have been a 6.5 percent decline from 2007 and the lowest number since 2005’s 15.4 million TEU.

One TEU is one 20-foot container or its equivalent.“Retail sales forecasts this year are the lowest they’ve been in more than half a decade, and the cargo volume we’re seeing reflects those numbers,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said.

“The balancing act between supply and demand is tougher than ever because retailers want to make sure they have enough merchandise on the shelves to satisfy customers and not be forced into unplanned markdowns to move excess inventory once the holidays are over.”

U.S. ports surveyed handled 1.33 million TEU in September, the most recent month for which actual numbers are available. The number was down 2.9 percent from August and 9.8 percent from September 2007. October was estimated at 1.36 million TEU, down 5.7 percent from a year ago.

If estimates hold true, October will have been the peak shipping month for 2008 but will have fallen significantly short of the 2007 peak of 1.48 million TEU set last September.November is forecast at 1.26 million TEU, down 8.7 percent, and December is forecast at 1.21 million TEU, down 5.5 percent.

January 2009 is forecast at 1.17 million TEU, down 5 percent, and February – traditionally the slowest month of the year – is forecast at 1.12 million TEU, down 8.3 percent. The first year-over-year increase in months is expected in March, which is forecast at 1.18 million TEU, a 2.3 percent increase from March 2008.

Meanwhile, Port Tracker’s congestion rating for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach – the nation’s two largest retail container ports – continues at medium because collection of fees for the new Clean Truck Program there begins this month.

“The October startup of the Clean Truck Program regulations did not cause the disruptions we had been concerned about, but collection of fees for the program begins this month and it is not clear that all trucks will be ready,” IHS Global Insight Economist Paul Bingham said. “

Despite that, weak import demand has reduced pressure for port truck drivers, so capacity should be adequate.”The remainder of the U.S. ports covered by Port Tracker – Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston and Savannah on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast – are rated “low” for congestion, the same as last month.

Port Tracker, which is produced by the economic research, forecasting and analysis firm IHS Global Insight for NRF, looks at inbound container volume, the availability of trucks and railroad cars to move cargo out of the ports, labor conditions and other factors that affect cargo movement and congestion. The report is free to NRF retail members.

Managing your retail business for stability in a tumultuous economy

And the hits just keep on coming. Consumer Reports just released a report that finds 76 percent of consumers will be cutting back on their holiday spending (click here to read). Outdoor Industry Association reports outdoor retailer sales, long argued to be recession-proof, are now taking lumps, too (click here to read). And, the National Retail Federation issued a November report that showed cargo volume at major U.S. retail container ports fell again in October and hit their lowest levels since 2004 (click here to read).

In an email notice to his retail clients, Pruitt wrote, "Business may be down by 30 percent, but remember, 70 percent of customers are still shopping. Keep your focus on these customers." Which is very good advice, considering that Pruitt sees the economic downturn lasting well into 2009. "We actually started seeing a retail slowdown starting during the April/May period of 2007. Typically, these cycles last 18 to 20 months, which meant we were anticipating a rebound just in time for the holidays this year," Pruitt told us. "But five weeks ago, the dream of a holiday rebound was shattered with further financial unraveling that was unprecedented, meaning we are in a double dip -- back into another 18- to 20-month cycle of slowing retail trends.

"Pruitt said he hopes that this second cycle will last less than the typical 18 to 20 months, shortening to 12 months, but he admits everyone is in uncharted territory now. He did point out bright spots and opportunities, though. Retailers with strong vendor relationships have been able to work with those companies to discount in-stock merchandise, trim or cancel existing orders, and work to extend terms. Of course, vendors are also feeling the economic pinch, so their support can and will continue only for so long. The most important steps a retailer can take immediately are:

Minimize excess inventory risk now. While the holidays may generate a small sales lift, immediately following the holidays, business will likely slow as everyone tries to liquidate inventory.

Adjust your merchandising style. With the inventory you do have, work to flow it onto the floor and onto shelves in smaller amounts to keep your store looking fresh with new inventory. It will give those consumers who are still shopping a reason to keep checking back in.

Get a handle on inventory. Have a very good understanding of how much inventory you now own, and how much you will need in the future. You have to be able to maintain sufficient inventory on hand to be able to buy into margin on a consistent basis. It used to be that 10-percent open-to-buy levels were sufficient. The new rule of thumb is 25 percent.

Be realistic with your inventory management. Once you determine what your reasonable sales targets will be, and how much inventory you will need to achieve those targets, plan down, not up from there. Be conservative!

Be flexible and responsive. Where it may have been traditional to manage retail inventory in terms of monthly performance levels, in this economic climate, retailers need to shift to weekly reviews of inventory levels and manage accordingly.

Keep expenses in check. This is perhaps the most challenging aspect for smaller retailers who do not enjoy the capital backing of larger or public companies. When sales start dropping quickly, it is very difficult to push expenses down fast enough to compensate and doing so without the proper strategy can put a company at risk simply because it is eating the bottom out of its business.

Grow your gross profit dollars. One way to ensure cash flow that will keep a retail business healthy even in a depressed sales market is to ensure you are able to create more gross profit dollars by building higher initial markups and minimizing your inventory markdowns. As a guide, Pruitt has developed a formula: "For every one point of additional maintained markup (M/M), you will need to increase your in-season open-to-buy (OTB) by 5 points. So, if you want to increase your M/M by 5 percent, you need to increase your in-season OTB by 25 percent to be able to execute your plan, going after off-priced and immediate buys."

Pruitt pointed out that there are huge opportunities for stronger businesses in this economic climate, but retailers need to be sure they are positioned to take advantage of those opportunities as they come along. And, he adds, the opportunities are going to be coming fast and furious in the form of distressed merchandise, bankruptcies and more. It is also a great time to negotiate leases at low rates and build out stores at a much lower cost. He said he believes these opportunities will last for another year.

Industry Must Lead Toward Sustainable Economy: Panel

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- In his acceptance speech Tuesday night, President-Elect Barack Obama acknowledged a planet in peril and global economy in tatters.

Yet he didn't connect the two crises.

"We cannot think about these two issues separately," Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, told business leaders gathered for the opening of the Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) conference Wednesday. "They have got to be integrated."

The business community needs to take on a leadership role in addressing societal problems by incorporating sustainability into their economic policies, according to Lubber and a group of experts gathered as part of a panel discussion on how the economic crisis and presidential election will impact sustainability and industry.

They must look beyond short-term financial performance to the bigger picture, the panelists said. And despite the historic election and Obama's promise to foster a green economy, the business community must not wait for government to come to the rescue.

"Barack Obama is not the only person who has an opportunity to capture the mantle of leadership and take us in a positive direction," said Aron Cramer, BSR president and CEO. "Everyone in this room holds in her hands or his hands the very same opportunity to demonstrate leadership and take the passion for sustainability we all have ... and to be part of the story of how we build economic recovery that points in the right direction not only in the next two, three or four quarters, but over the next two, three, or four decades."

Cramer agreed that times were tough but urged attendees to rise to the challenges before them.
"If we are going to navigate a more punishing business environment, we who believe in sustainable business have to make the case that it's an essential piece of a strong economy," Cramer said.

In order to do that, he offered three three prescriptions: concentrate on the long-term, focus on value and think big.

"We have very strong short-term pressures but we have to make sure that we and all of our companies and all of those with whom we work stay focused on the long-term trends that really are shaping our world and remain very dynamic," Cramer said.

The economic downturn creates a stronger need to demonstrate that corporate social responsibility brings value to business and society, he said. Businesses need to think big by honing in on the systemic and collaborative solutions that go beyond the limitations of what an individual company can achieve.

"In fact, in a difficult economy, collaboration is often the efficient choice," Cramer said. "It's a way to leverage the power of individual companies by acting together. This is especially true on supply chains, which is why we've seen so many industry groupings come together to try to make progress jointly."

Lubber of Ceres, a coalition of investors, environmental and public interest groups, argued that building a sustainable economy is impossible if businesses continue to ignore resource challenges. She pointed to two examples of bold and practical actions companies can take to integrate sustainability into their business models.

"I want to issue a challenge to all of us and that is that we move towards universal, mandatory reporting," Lubber said. "Why (should) these issues be voluntary, why (should) they be a burden that you all share but not your competitors?"
American companies need to "scale up," she said.

"What we do in the United States needs to be exported to other countries," Lubber said. "We need to make sure our products, our facilities and our employees are part of the solution. We need to integrate principles that we apply here to our supply chain."

Panelists George Kell, executive director of the United Nations Global Compact, and Kumi Naidoo, secretary general and CEO of CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, called on governments and businesses to recognize and address the "imbalances" with which we live.
"The leadership that is required for governments, businesses and civil society right now is for us to be able to recognize that this world is out of balance and that we have to recognize that finding the answers to re-balance this world is going to be difficult," Naidoo said. "But if there is political will, this can be achieved."

Naidoo advised the business community to align itself with the civil society and push the new Obama administration to turn the campaign rhetoric into action.

"As somebody coming from the developing world, we have a lot of optimism ... for what you achieved yesterday but we are also not naive," said Naidoo, a South African native. "People and leaders only change when there is constant vigilance, constant pressure and people are willing to step up."

Angel's Landing

Locals Photographer #2 - Before the Snow

The snow is coming down - 12"-24" expected in the Wasatch Front. Just before it came, our Local Photographer #2 was able to snap some last minute pictures of the fall foliage.

I am thinking (hoping) that this storm provides our blanket of snow which all future storms will begin to accumulate upon.

Ski season is upon us and if you aren't already in ski-season shape, it may be too late. Pre-season skinning is only a few weeks away so heavy leg workouts at the Local gym are necessary!

See you on the squat racks!

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10 Tips To Maximize Holiday Sales

In its countdown to the holidays, SmartReply, a retail marketing firm, offered 10 strategies to implement to maximize sales. The tips are designed to improve retailers' knowledge of their customers' media habits to create integrated marketing campaigns that speak their language.

1. Prep your program and build your database. As you prepare to launch a holiday campaign, start cleansing your data, reactivating inactive customers and soliciting opt-ins. Be sure that your customer data is up to date, error free and complete.

2. Speak your customers' language. Get a handle on how your customers use new media (i.e., email, mobile device, TV, etc.), which channels they interact with daily, how and when they use them. Keep your brand theme consistent across all channels, and customize the message to match the channel's capabilities to ensure relevance and increase customer's convenience. Keep registration or opt-in easy, requiring only one or two clicks to reach the designated page.

3. Create an integrated marketing campaign. Design a marketing campaign that engages customers through the channels of their choice at times when it is most relevant for them. Send emails during what your data shows are peak times when they open their messages. Understand your customers' attitudes, lifestyles and behaviors, and maximize their needs in your message and in the channels you use.

4. Permission granted, don't wait. When a customer opts in to receive communications from you, don't wait. Set up business rules to generate an immediate or near immediate response through the same channel they opted in to. Engage them more readily by using a soft introduction rather than a hard sale. For example, thank them for opting in, remind them what they opted in for, and then summarize in a couple sentences the great merchandise they can buy in your store or on your website.

5. Engage them. Today's customer likes to be engaged and involved. They want to feel that they are an important part of the relationship and the product choices they make.

6. Help them manage their lives. Customers want to interact with brands that help organize their lives. Offer to remind them about your sales. Let them know when you receive a new shipment of their favorite merchandise or brand and give them advance notice before the public is informed. Alert them when a coupon is about to expire and ask if they'd like an extended deadline.

7. Customize, localize, revitalize. To avoid media fragmentation, make your message stand out enough to capture your customers' undivided attention. Use everything at your disposal to create ultimate relevance -- media channel, geography, demographics, behavior, even local, regional or national news headlines. Target your customers' emotional hot buttons; aim to solve a problem they're struggling with; or fulfill a need.

8. Encourage them to share. Encourage and incentivize your customers to share your message and promotion with their friends and family. Coupons, surveys, blogs, games, even photos of the hottest products -- if it's important to them, they'll share it. It costs you nothing and you have everything to gain.

9. Come full circle. Customers active via multiple channels result in longer brand engagement, deeper interaction, higher spending and higher customer lifetime value. For instance, encourage customers to sign up for email alerts on your website. Hang a sign in your storefront window or at the cash/wrap counter displaying an offer message with your web URL and a text opt-in short code. The deeper the relationship, the more likely your customers will be engaged for the long haul.

10. Keep it going. Even when the holidays are over, the valuable relationships you have with your customers needs to be nurtured to keep going. Since your brand is fresh in their mind, continue to keep them engaged. Search your campaign results for nuggets of information you can continue to act on. Once you have a good understanding of your customers' holiday behavior, take the next step and continue to build your relationships all year long.

Consumers Hunker Down - Latest Forecasts

It's starting to become a broken record: Consumers are feeling pressure from higher food and fuel prices, from the housing market meltdown and the financial industry upheaval, and from credit crunches and approaching holiday stress.

Consumers hunker downBrand Keys says it expects to see sales decline by some 5 percent for the upcoming holiday season. Based on a survey of 16,000 consumers across all nine census regions, the New York-based brand and customer loyalty research consultancy finds that 35 percent say they plan to spend less on this year's shopping -- shelling out an average of about $775.

That estimate is decidedly more downbeat than projections recently released by the National Retail Federation, which is predicting a small increase of 1.9 percent, with shoppers spending an average of $832.36 on holiday-related shopping.

The International Council of Shopping Centers just released its forecast, calling for a gain of 1.7 percent. And last week, NPD Group predicted flat-to-declining sales.In short, cash-strapped consumers are hunkering down for the holidays. They won't totally walk away from spending, but will be more cautious, the experts seem to agree. They'll also be turning away from their credit cards and paying with cash.

A survey conducted last month by Javelin Strategy & Research showed 39 percent of consumers decreased their credit card usage, up from 37 percent in April.What's more, industry watchers point out that a growing preference for cash poses a more direct challenge to brick-and-mortar retailers who are struggling to lift sagging sales, as well as online retailers since computers don't accept cash."With credit cards, consumers spend 30 percent more (on purchases) than with cash," said Howard Dvorkin, a financial expert on consumer credit and the founder of Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, in a CNN Money.com article.And, if they're paying cash that means they'll be more selective in what they're buying and probably buy fewer items.

Also this year, consumers are expected to shop sooner, because there are five fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Brand Keys reported that almost two-thirds of the consumers in its survey (60 percent) say they have already started shopping, looking for bargain gifts well before the traditional Thanksgiving kickoff period.

Local Artist with His Arts-Kids Created Bus Shelter

Arts, Kids, Troubled Youth, Bus Shelters, and THE Locals Artist

Click the link below to read about art, vandalism, troubled kids, and your Local Artist, Bob Commander

Arts-Kids Create Newest Bus Shelter in Park City

Bob the Voter

Bob the Voter

See the Local Voter in line to early vote.

Gimme Shelter, Not Vandalism

10/30/2008 THE NEWEST PARK CITY BUS SHELTER IS COMPLETE

LOCATION: NORTH SIDE OF KEARNS BOULEVARD BETWEEN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL

Local artist Bob Commander, well known for his community projects in the Park City area has completed a summer long project, known to close friends and business associates as "THE Shelter".

Mr. Commander, also known as the "Local Artist" is a partner in the Park City based, eco-friendly clothing company: Locals Have More Fun. He stepped away from creating new art for the young company to work with a local non-profit, Arts Kids. Mr. Commander worked with Arts Kids in creating a bus shelter by the community for the community.

His work culminated in the installation of the "shell". Mr. Commander called on close friends and business associates to help with the heavy lifting of the metal pieces. Mr. Commander oversaw the installation so as not to damage the art, the coating that protected the art, and to make sure that the proper steps were taken to install the sheet metal to the existing bus shelter.

Mr. Commander on the completion and famous last words: "I just hope the older kids appreciate this "cute" bus shelter that the younger area kids worked so hard on."

I say famous last words, because the bus shelter didn't last a week before it had graffiti art on top of the existing art and also some of the pieces were mangled and pulled apart.

So much for pride in Park City.










and corporate projects in the Park City area, but better known as the "Local Artist" for the local eco-friendly clothing company, Locals Have More Fun