Even a wobbly economy is no match for our 2009 Top Retailers, who share their strategies for buoying business and positioning themselves for a strong 2010.
NICHE magazine honored a total of 32 retailers and gallery owners: 24 Top Retailers and 11 special category winners, with three galleries garnering two awards each, and a tie in the Best Museum Store category. This year, we’ve combined the Top Retailers and specialty category winners into one list, ordered alphabetically by name.

Village Artisans Gallery

P.J. Heyman, owner
Boiling Springs, Pa.

Have you reduced your inventory levels? What needs to happen before you will feel comfortable increasing your inventory levels?

I don’t carry high inventory levels because of our very limited storage space. I’m more comfortable ordering inventory for just-in-time delivery, but am increasing orders specifically for the holiday season.

Timothy’s Gallery

Carolyn Luce, owner
Winter Park, Fla.

How do this year’s sales compare to recent years’? Are you seeing a consistent decline or a slow improvement?

As is true of other parts of our country, Florida has been very deeply hurt this past year by the economic collapse. Last fall, we began to partner with our artists, our landlord, our advertisers and our customers to find the most effective ways to get through these times.