Press

Retailers attend conference (.doc file)
November 11, 2016
Recently, representatives from Community Main Street’s Retail Promotions Committee attended a two-day retail training session in Mount Pleasant hosted by Main Street Iowa and conducted by Margie Johnson, a nationally acclaimed speaker, trainer, author and consultant.

Launch Gloucester announces winners
May 26, 2015
A bakery and cafe, a business catering to pets and pet owners and a massage and wellness clinic will be the newest businesses to open or expand on Main Street following Tuesday night’s Launch Gloucester awards ceremony.

Brainstorming a brighter future for Military Circle Mall
November 9, 2014
A panel discussion on the future of Military Circle mall.

If everything is on sale, how do stores profit ?
June 22, 2014
The email in my inbox shouted, “50% off everything – no really, EVERYTHING – today only!”The next day, the women’s clothing chain New York & Co. extended its 50-percent-off promotion. And two days later, it was “back for one more day!

How to Have Customers Choose You Over Your Competitors
March 9, 2010
A workshop sponsored by Pilot Media, the largest newspaper in greater Hampton Roads, for small to mid-sized retail and service businesses.

Target to open store in Va. Beach’s Pembroke Mall By Deirdre Fernandes
March 4, 2011
VIRGINIA BEACH The retailer Target plans to open a store in Pembroke Mall, the oldest indoor mall in South Hampton Roads, in the fall of 2012. The Pembroke Mall location will be Target’s fourth store in Virginia Beach. The mall’s attorney told the city’s zoning board that the store will open behind the Kohl’s store, taking over space occupied by the Regal 8 Cinemas.
Read The Virginian-Pilot Article

Bargain hunting a full-time job this holiday season By Carolyn Shapiro
November 22, 2010
Michelle Schaefer and her family wouldn’t have much of a Christmas without deals.
The mother of six looks for discounts everywhere, mostly on the Internet. She scours frugal-shopper blogs, finds Facebook discounts and searches store sales.
Read The Virginian-Pilot Article

Brand-Speak How do customers define your brand? By Margie Johnson
July 20, 2010
As the economic climate continues to challenge businesses on many levels, I think it is the opportune time for independent merchants, restaurant owners, and owners of service businesses to ask themselves some difficult questions about the perception of their “brand.” Often, as Shop Talk analyzes customers’ feedback about businesses they continue to frequent, or have stopped frequenting, it seems to always come back to reflecting on issues regarding the business’ brand/promise. Therefore, many of the indicators that make a successful business will need to be carefully critiqued by all business owners/managers.
Read the Fashion Advantage Article

Prime Outlets – Williamsburg unveils expansion amid weakening economy By Jennifer Jiggetts
April 19, 2008
WILLIAMSBURG Susan Hogan spent her lunch break Friday afternoon strolling past the new stores at Prime Outlets – Williamsburg. The part-time bookkeeper peeked into a few shops before entering American Eagle Outfitters and finding a bargain. The Williamsburg resident spent $30 on two shirts, saving, she said, about $70.
Read The Virginian-Pilot Article