Just about a third of 2009 finds itself in our rearview mirror. The good news is each passing day brings us closer to the inevitable rebound. When it actually arrives is about as predictable as the stock market, but take solace in the fact we all knew this year would be tough and we’ve already gotten through a chunk of it.

Here at FCNews, we take pride in the fact we have been able to maintain business as usual. No combining of issues, no cutting of page counts, no cutting of trim size. It’s because we want to preserve the level and scope of industry coverage you’ve come to expect from this magazine. We believe when things get tough out there, you need more—not less—from us, whether you are a retailer, distributor of manufacturer.

That’s why we are looking to do more. And a key component of “more” is providing the words that will help your business. So with that as the backdrop, I want to call your attention to a special insert that will appear next month in the magazine titled, “The Retailer’s Guide to Survival in a Down Economy.” Much of the information will not be rocket science; rather, good, solid business ideas, much of which come from outside the industry to provide a fresh perspective.

At the same time, we have invited floor covering manufacturers to write about how they offer retailers a differentiated proposition to help them get through tough times. Be it product or programs, it’s always interesting to see how the suppliers define their relevance, especially now. Incidentally, any supplier that wishes to participate can contact me for specifics.

I’d also like to invite retailers or distributors to drop me an email and share some of the strategies they are employing. I’m not looking for basics like “watch expenses” or “downsize personnel to reflect sales.” I’m seeking innovative, creative ideas that may have been implemented within the last year and returned tangible dividends. Something that will help the industry. Because as the industry goes, so do you.

Here’s an example; consider it a sneak preview. One retailer contacted another local retailer in a completely different industry about the prospect of exchanging customer lists and having each endorse the other’s business. Seems simple, yet I’m sure many of you haven’t taken that route. In any case, these are the types of ideas I’d like to include in our Survival Guide.

Again, projects like this guide, our selling guides, green guides, etc. are what helps separate us from the competition. How do you put distance between you and your competitors? And by the way, if there’s anything else you’d like to see from this magazine, don’t be shy. You know where to find us.