RECESSION IS COMING...CELEBRATE!

Nobody of any influence wants to talk about it. The big stock analysts are avoiding it, playing it down - and what a shock - if they admit it and stocks fall as a result, they stand to lose the most.

But, try as they might to convince the nation at large that it isn't happening, the mortgage and housing market slump is going to have a substantial impact on the economy. Maybe a huge one. My personal prediction is this one's going to be a doozey.

And as the financial markets brace, consumers cringe and pundits do...well whatever it is that they do...I'm going to open a fresh beer, turn on some music, put my nose down and work with a smile.

Why? Because a recession is *good* for me. And if you're a small retailer with price point as a unique selling position, or focused on a luxury market (as most of ours are), it's probably going to be good for you too.

A broad recession will impact the middle class the most. And that means the middle class consumer will tighten their spending. They'll buy less...OR they'll seek better VALUE out of their purchases. And that will drive many of them online, where they can get great deals on the brands they love (versus switching to Wal-Mart brands).

The "upper class" (much as I hate that descriptor) will largely be unaffected. Sure some of their stock value will fall, and some will be "less rich" - but they'll still be wealthy and still purchasing luxury goods.

Good things come out of the hard times all the time. My company was born out of the dot-com bubble burst. Limelight Networks (IPO'd to the tune of $300M) was born out of the same economic downturn.

In every economic cloud there is a silver lining. You just have to pay attention, scrutinize and see the silver lining.

If you're a small retailer, prepare for the impending recession - but don't fret. Position yourself properly and you'll grab serious market share from the big dogs in your market!