At a time when many retail companies were downsizing or going out of business altogether, some were making history.Those were the ones who saw, and embraced, the advantages of a poor economy.

They understood that there would never be better conditions for gaining market share.

While their competitors were over-tightening their belts slashing expenses in every area - they were carrying on business pretty much as usual.Of course, they did not throw caution to the wind and they did make certain adjustments to protect their interests, but they cashed in by spending strategically on anything that would enhance their reputation and their customers perception of their stores.