Kitchener – Retailers who want to learn business strategies for tough economic times have the opportunity to attend a full day retail-focused event presented by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre and four local BIAs (Downtown Kitchener BIA, UpTown Waterloo BIA, Downtown Guelph BIA, and the Fergus BIA).

Set for Tuesday, February 24 from 8am - 4pm at Kitchener City Hall, High Impact Retailing is an interactive learning experience specifically designed for retailers who are looking for ways to succeed in the current economic climate.

The event includes three workshops and features guest speakers from retail consulting firms and community organizations. Kevin Graff of Graff Retail, Barbara Crowhurst of RetailmakeoverTM, and Larry Blundell of K-W Oktoberfest Inc. will provide practical instruction and offer helpful insights to retailers who want to recession-proof their business. Workshop topics will include: Driving Sales and Profits in a Down Market; Retail Business Planning; Store Design and Product Placement; City Centre Events & Promotions; and Effective Selling and Marketing on the Web.

Retail sales in Canada dropped 2.4% from October to November—the largest monthly decline since January a decade ago (Stats Canada). Experiencing the most drastic hits were retailers who sell large, high-end and high-priced goods such as furniture, appliances, and electronics.

The local retail sales industry is the fastest growing sector in the Waterloo Region. From 2001 to 2006, the change in the number of persons in the retail labour force increased by 18.4% (Waterloo Wellington Training and Adjustment Board).