Amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays last month, I began to think of my year-end tasks:  Have I prepared for my tax return, taking full advantage of everything my accountant suggests?

A sure way to determine the styling trends that will shape the world of commercial flooring in the coming winter months is to take a trip to Chicago in mid-summer.

Remember all those New Year's resolutions you made a few months back? When you think about it Spring is really the season of new beginnings. So let's consider a few Spring resolutions! The timing is good. I finally have some time to take a breather form the onslaught of first quarter trade shows. In addition to last month's Surfaces, there was the Builder Show, a few giftware shows and, of course, the many regional shows. The pace is a bit staggering but there is much to be gained from these shows. All around are ideas that can-and should inspire retailer resolutions.

Advertising and publicity are very effective ways of getting the name of your business in front of the public. The difference is the price. You pay for advertising. Publicity is (almost) free.

The lighting you select for your store can have a significant impact on sales-and your bottom line. Lighting can establish a store's image, lead customer's inside, focus their attention, make the products attractive and visible, and in general encourage purchasing.

For those who have never been to NeoCon, think of it as a cross between Oscar Night and the Super Bowl for the contract furnishings business.

When I was beginning my career as an interior designer, I designed my rooms to have a focal point.

Whether they admit it or not, everyone is interested in the latest design trends, be they architecture, fashion, or color.

Every once in awhile, we all seem to hit a brick wall. No matter how hard we try, we just can't seem to close the sale.

We've all seen the customer that falls in love with the aqua blue glass mosaic tiles. Or maybe it's the butter-yellow painted cabinetry in a kitchen display. Or how about that wonderful rose carpet you have on display?