Location, Location, Location?

It is an axiom that in retail it is location, location, location that breeds success for a business. However location is just one part of the equation, of equal or more importance is marketing,marketing, marketing. In this day of economic challenges I think a more accurate description is promotion, promotion, promotion of the business in cheap and creative ways. Carefully examine the ways in which advertising dollars are being spent and that a good return on investment is indeed being realized. Satisfied customers and word of mouth are still the cheapest form and most effective form of advertising. Capturing of customers e-mails and loyalty programs can be effective and inexpensive tools. Spend more time in employee training and education to insure that each customer has a good experience. In a down turning economy there is an increasing supply of truly qualified employees--no excuse except owner laziness not to take advantage of this economic reality and upgrade staffing, if necessary.