Just Got Back From The PGA Merchandise Show - I've got a plan!

Well, the collateral damage from our nation's economic ills was certainly evident at the recent PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida. The show's attendance and the number of exhibitors was down. Directly across from my booth location there was an empty 20'x20' island space with two easels explaining the exhibitor was unable to attend as it re-organized. These are the signs of the times. 

We can all drive down the street every day and see the proliferation of "For Lease" and "For Sale" signs, sightings of newly purchased cars are scarce, and every week there's new scuttlebutt about how our favorite restaurant or retailer is closing its doors. How do we stay positive?

It's simple; we must work harder and smarter. There's no economic bailout coming for the small business owner, so we'll have to weather the storm and come out stronger because of it. As the competition is thinned, those companies that focus on delivering revenue/profit solutions for their customers will gain market share. 

If you have a good product or service there's no "smoke and mirrors" involved, rather there's and opportunity to offer a value proposition. In the golf industry, the economic turmoil is causing panic, but in the wake of the panic there is a merchandising paradigm shift occurring. Those determined retailers are listening and embracing products and services that assist their survival. Moreover, the smaller golf retailers have the advantage to be nimble and responsive to their customers' needs. 

Like all economic cycles, this period of decline will be followed by a period of growth. At that point, I plan to be a stronger, preferred supplier.