Cheap, Obvious, and Overlooked Marketing
from Entrepreneur
 Marketing isn't just creating a brand and pursuing advertising campaigns; it's about delivering value. So while many entrepreneurs are scrambling to attract new business, some have discovered one of the easiest (and least expensive) tools to keep their sales engines humming: holding on to current patrons through superb customer service. More
Beating the Small Business Blues
from Forbes
Mom and pop shops didn't need the nasty headlines of the last two months to tell them things were bad out there. The National Small Business Association's annual survey of small business owners published in August found that 67 percent of small-business owners are directly affected by the credit crunch--more than double the number expressing those fears a year ago. But, then, what's the alternative? Closing up shop? Going to work for someone else? Hardly, say three gutsy entrepreneurs Forbes spoke with. Here are some of their survival tips. More
Retailers: Surviving the Credit Crunch
from Businessweek
For retailers, the current credit crisis means the majority of customers will be putting a much-reduced spending limit on their purchases. As a result, retailers will see a change in consumers' demands. More
More on Mars Voluntary Pet Food Recall
from The Bay Net
Recently Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of all products produced at its Everson, Pa., facility beginning Feb. 18 until July 29. The pet food is being recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella Schwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects 31 states in the United States. In order to avoid any potential risk to pets and their owners, the company initiated an extensive internal investigation to determine the extent of the involvement of the Everson facility in cooperation with the FDA. Ultimately, none of the pet foods found in consumer homes have been determined to contain Salmonella, and there have been no reports of pet illnesses in those households. However, the strain of Salmonella Schwarzengrund involved in the illnesses has been detected in the company’s Everson facility. More
Holiday Giving Going to the Dogs
from The Abilene Reporter-News
A Consumer Reports' survey released recently says shoppers plan to spend less on gifts this year. Unless they are buying for their pets. Only 23 percent of respondents are cutting back on presents for their lovable companions. "Pets to some people are like their kids; people would rather buy presents for their kids before themselves," said Terry Mashburn, co-owner of Pam's Pets and Fish in Abilene. "Real pet people are going to take care of their pets -- buy them treats, good dog food and toys -- because they are part of the family." More
Failing Economy, Pampered Pets
from KXLY-TV
Even if the economy is forcing consumers cut back on their own needs, such as food and gas, it doesn't mean they're cutting back on goodies for their pets. When it comes to gifts for people the National Retail Federation says they expect to see more people buy practical gifts, like clothing instead of toys. Besides the pampering toys and clothes, pet owners are not bending on food either. Some pet owners refuse to give up the more expensive pet food and go back to generic, which is almost always cheaper. More
| Symbol |
Name |
Last |
Change |
| ALO |
ALPHARMA, Inc. |
30.28 |
 2.1% |
| CENT |
Central Garden and Pet Co |
3.24 |
2.1% |
| CHD |
Church & Dwight Co., Inc. |
56.00 |
1.6% |
| CLX |
Clorox Company |
58.22 |
0.9% |
| CL |
Colgate-Palmolive Company |
64.05 |
 0.8% |
| DLM |
Del Monte Foods Company |
5.87 |
0.3% |
| IAX |
International Absorbents, Inc. |
2.90 |
 0.0% |
| JAKK |
Jakks Pacific, Inc. |
19.61 |
1.4% |
| KFT |
Kraft Foods, Inc. |
27.97 |
0.8% |
| ODC |
Oil-Dri Corporation of America |
17.47 |
0.0% |
| OPCO |
OurPet's Company |
0.35 |
0.0% |
| PECD |
Pet Ecology Brands, Inc. |
0.09 |
0.0% |
| PETS |
PetMed Express, Inc. |
17.80 |
1.1% |
| PETM |
Petsmart, Inc. |
17.25 |
3.1% |
| PFE |
Pfizer, Inc. |
16.25 |
2.1% |
| PG |
Proctor & Gamble Company |
64.72 |
0.3% |
| SGP |
Schering-Plough Corporation |
14.89 |
2.5% |
| SPC |
Spectrum Brands, Inc. |
0.89 |
12.8% |
| WOOF |
VCA Antech, Inc. |
19.24 |
0.8% |
from Forbes.com (Stock quotes published at 9:45 a.m. Eastern, Nov. 11, 2008)
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