Beyond discounts: Innovative strategies for small retailers when consumer spending falls

I have a confession to make: A few weeks ago I found myself buying toys for my kids — toys that they really don’t need. I hadn’t planned the splurge, but as I strolled the charming streets of San Diego, my eyes fell upon an incredible feat of store design: a gigantic wooden puppet, its friendly face and welcoming arms beckoning me to step inside. The interior of the children’s retailer — Geppetto’s, a local brand — was just as enchanting; and before I knew it, the impeccably friendly staff were ringing up my purchase.