“Retailers Temper Recovery Hopes with Caution” read the headline on a recent newspaper article about business and the economy, and I think that pretty much says it all. It’s been a roller-coaster ride of peaks and valleys, but after more than two years of uncertainty, everybody—retailers, shoppers, suppliers, makers—just wants it all to go back to the way it was before the bottom dropped out of the stock market in 2008.

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.

Petroff Gallery

Sara Levine Petroff and Steven L. Petroff, co-owners
Toronto, Ont., Canada

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

Overall, we have reduced inventory. Since early 2008, we have decreased some artists’ works, but have increased others. We have purposely ordered more often, with smaller orders, rather than risk stocking too much work.

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Museum Store

Leslie Genszler, director of retail operations
Madison, Wis.

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

Sales were a little slow during the first part of the year. But in September, it was like somebody flipped the switch, and sales have been strong and steady ever since. A couple of departments have really stood out. Jewelry has sold steadily.