Pinnacle Gallery

Joanne and Peter Hildt, co-owners
Scottsdale, Ariz.

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

We saw declining sales beginning in October 2007, and 2008 was our worst year in 12 years. Our season in the Arizona desert runs from October through May, so at this writing we are just approaching our season. So far business is slightly improved, but we do not expect sales to recover to pre-recession levels for a while.

Museum of Craft and Folk Art Store

Kpoene’ Kofi-Bruce, buyer and store manager
San Francisco, Calif.

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

Our sales are down from last year, but are flat compared to 2007—some months have been up and some have been down. We rely very heavily on tourist and convention traffic.

This year’s sales goals have been about achieving a realistic sales plan with more affordable merchandise, and we will continue that approach for 2010. I think something that works well for our shop is that we have a large number of items for sale for under $50; in fact, 70% of our sales are items under $50.

Luma

Cathy Coleman, owner
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Have you reduced your inventory levels? What needs to happen before you will feel comfortable increasing your inventory levels?

I can honestly say that I haven’t reduced inventory levels in 2009. Most customers, I believe, want to select from full displays. I will continue throughout 2010 to stock my best-selling artists’ lines more deeply.