By ALAN GOFORTH
Special to The Star

As the holiday season approaches amid tough economic conditions, many local businesses are walking a fine line between thanking loyal clients and not breaking their budgets.
“I think the smart businesses are going to continue giving, even if they can’t financially do what they have done in the past,” said Monica Alexander, owner of Best of Kansas City, which has four retail stores. Business clients account for half of her sales.

“They will spend to let their clients know they truly are appreciated,” she said.
Few industries have been harder hit this year than construction, but Great American Building Materials again will deliver gift baskets to its customers.

“It’s been an interesting year, but we’re still here,” said John Amor, president of the company in North Kansas City. “We have been in business for 14 years, and we decided to continue giving at the same level as we have in the past.”

Great American purchases bulk food items from a wholesale club and prepares gift baskets for around 200 customers.

“We hand-deliver the baskets so we can say hello to our customers and thank them for their business,” Amor said.

Other businesses opt for the turnkey service of a company such as Best of Kansas City or Grapevine Designs in Lenexa.

“Fortunately this year, despite the current economic climate, our clients are still very interested in thanking their customers,” said Janie Gaunce, owner and president of Grapevine.
She said areas of interest this season have centered around green initiatives, health and exercise, and music and sharing.

“We have created warm, heartfelt gifts in many price ranges that convey these types of themes,” Gaunce said.

Thoughtful gifts don’t need to be expensive, said Jeff Meyer, executive sales manager for Ad Trends Advertising in Blue Springs, adding that practical items that carry a corporate logo are always popular. Read More At KansasCity.com

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