Savor the Season!

My "regular" job is office manager for a real estate lender in Atlanta, and like most businesses in real estate, times have been tough for almost a year. I read publications all the time, written by people who know a lot more than I do about the economic engine that drives our capitalistic nation, and let me tell you, not all of them believe in the doom and gloom that the media seems to enjoy pushing at us - every chance they get. Yes, we're all watching our money, being cautious about how and where we spend it, but I just read an excerpt by Chris Hurn, CEO of Mercantile Commercial Capital, based in Orlando, FL, that really hit home. He truly believes in the Darwinian theory in retail - that only the strong survive - and I have to agree with him. For example, while I love the clothing of Ann Taylor - the quality and fit - when was the last time you could get excited about taupe, black, ivory, and gray??? This seems to be the mainstream color scheme of this retailer. Women want a shot of color - a good basic red sweater set gets my attention every time! It's no wonder that Ann Taylor is closing some of their stores - and that Talbot's has gone back to some of the basics that have not only made the retailer prosper, but speak the language of the average American woman - give me something that fits well, is made from quality fabric, and I can wear for more than two seasons. So . . . along those lines, now is the time to support those things that you really love with your "purchase power" - buy a really big pumpkin this Halloween and give him a toothy grin from ear to ear!