Business Editor Mike Benbow writes regular columns about business issues and trends in Snohomish County.
Ten tips to stretch your gift budget Did you get all your holiday shopping done on the long weekend after Thanksgiving? If you did, this column isn’t going to be all that helpful to you. If you’ve still got some shopping to do, read on. [More] November 30
What if the customer isn't always right? I don't know a lot about retail sales, but I do know enough to be sure that the customer is not always right. While standing behind the register, I have had customers: [More] November 25 When the customer is wrong and a jerk I don’t know a lot about retail sales, but I do know enough to be sure that the customer is not always right. While standing behind the register, I have had customers: [More] November 23 Extended tax credit should spur home sales There was a lot of news on the real estate front last week. [More] November 9 South Carolina fit Boeing's long-term plan to cut costs On the wall above my desk is a framed copy of the Dec. 17, 2003, front page of The Herald with a huge headline proclaiming EVERETT WINS! [More] November 2 Bailout ought to come at a cost to recipients There are a lot of areas where I don't agree with the Obama administration, but I can say nothing but amen for its plan to pare the salaries of the highest paid executives at the seven companies with the biggest government bailout. [More] October 26 Spend here this year, say Everett businesses While most merchants would like to forget last year's holiday season, few can. It was that awful. [More] October 5 Perpetual scams target school boosters P.T. Barnum of the Barnum and Bailey Circus is widely believed to be the author of the popular phrase, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” [More] September 28