Earnshaw's

One of the interesting things about this industry is the relationships behind the companies. Whether it's parent and child, siblings, best friends or husbands and wives, lots of businesses on both the retail and manufacturing side are run by people who have long histories together.

While an arrangement like this might be scary for some, in most cases it seems to work. One thing I've noticed lately is there's typically a good cop and a bad copy.

Recently I polled a few exec teams I know to find out which role they play. It's funny to find out how they see themselves..

How are you reaching out to retailers who can't make it to your booth or showroom?You've probably heard this one before but it bears repeating: Why do thieves rob banks? Because that's where the money is.. .

Go to a children’s wear market (or men’s or women’s) and look to your right. Now look to your left.

It won’t be long before you realize more than a few items look more than a little familiar. If you’re a buyer, you might see a bonanza of price wars.

If you’re a manufacturer, chances are you’re seeing red. Knock-offs, flattering though they might be, are the bane of designers’ livelihoods as copycat designs pop up at every tier.

These days knocking off top fashions has become something of a sport.. .

What to do when times are tough? Print your own money, of course. That’s what some cities and towns are doing.

http://tinyurl.com/qkb4wr Apparently it’s legal, and local currency helps encourage residents to spend locally. With stores and restaurants closing with a scary frequency lately, many people have devised ways to help their city economy.

Here in New York, some consumers have opted to pick a few shops they love and patronize them regularly.. .

I always complain. Hey, it’s not my fault.

Growing up, my parents were big letter writers. If they felt they weren’t being treated fairly, they put pen to paper.

These days, my upbringing has combined with my professional curiosity. Everyone always claims to offer great customer service, so I often test it.

My conclusion: I wonder if stores and vendors know what customers really want. For example, recently Revlon discontinued my favorite nail shade, which I wore every day.

I sent them an email begging them to reconsider.. .