Adapting will continue in subsequent Informer issues with various topics of how the recent changes in the market, economy and retail world are affecting your business. This is the second of the series by Evan Wise.

The hub of retail is moving out of the malls and into the streets. The recession has caused unemployment but the shoppers tend to be those who are employed, retired or otherwise minimally unaffected. However, even these shoppers can be more hurried and harried as the recession has caused most businesses to cut staff to the bone which puts more pressure on the rest to spend more hours, be more productive and work harder than ever before.

We value what is scarce and, because of the recession, it seems time is among our scarcest of possessions. The scarcity of time has put a greater value on convenience, availability and simplicity in shopping. A strip mall where a woman can take the dry cleaning to be done or have her nails manicured and can buy items for her wardrobe within 50 yards can be a huge convenience.

Other retailers have found ways to use their stores as bases and then move their sales influence beyond the physical location. Everything from bringing a wardrobe selection into an office to internet sales can move the boundaries to a much wider circumference and can make the shopping experience faster and more convenient. E-mail, social networking and even the phone extends your boundaries to expand your business. Now is the time to brainstorm ways you can make your store more available and easier to shop.