I think it can be said that the most common trait that successful retailers have is a positive outlook. It's this positive attitude that keeps them thinking creatively and progressively. Whether they read Dr. Norman Vincent Peale's "The Power of Positive Thinking" or just have a natural positive tuning fork built in, they have a distinct advantage over their competition. You see, I believe and I hope you will agree, that we all perpetuate our own self-fulfilling prophecy. If we think good things will happen they usually do.

In the negative global retail environment we find ourselves in today, positive thinking retailers defiantly have a leg up. Many of their pessimistic retail competitors are currently fulfilling their own prophecies. These negative store owners are keeping stock levels extremely low and even run out of product before they reorder. These same retailers are cutting their advertising either drastically or entirely. They are cutting back on their services, employees and as a result, their customer service. What a perfect opportunity for a positive thinker!

Take the lead in your retail market. Hard times require positive solutions. Attack these problems aggressively and pursue good "positive" customer service. Shout to the world that you are open and remind them of where you are located. Look at new and creative ways to advertise. Provide services that others no longer provide. Your stores positive qualities will always prevail. It's those qualities that allow your store to adapt to change. Positive retailers know the power and value of good people, training and enthusiasm. Successful retailers make sure their employees are infected by positive energy. This positive energy is then transferred via osmosis to their customers. These stores remain cleaner, more organized and provide better customer service. Why? Because they...care!

What's your stores mental outlook? Does it say business is good and it's getting better? Successful retailers know that negativity costs! Invest in your stores positive future.