• Make A Plan: Our Tips To Stay Ahead

    • Make A Plan: Our Tips To Stay Ahead


      For more than five decades, Dallas Market Center has supported Main Street retailers across the U.S. As a family-owned company it's in our DNA to serve as a hub for commerce and a unifying voice for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Now more than ever we need to remain connected and supportive. Some key points we want to share:

      1. Stay Informed
        Keep up with tariff changes but focus on how they specifically affect your product categories. Subscribe to trade news, join industry groups and social media groups that cut through the noise.
      2. Talk To Your Vendors — Now
        Ask suppliers how tariffs are impacting costs, lead times, and product availability. Some may be shifting production or offering alternatives—don’t wait to find out.
      3. Buy Smart, Not Safe
        Don’t freeze your buying. Instead, consider diversifying your sourcing. Explore new lines, domestic suppliers, or categories that are less affected by import costs. Several top retailers attending our recent roundtable webinar (see below) shared plans to walk the Temps to find new resources including American Made.
      4. Double Down on What You Know Sells
        Use sales history to focus on your proven winners. In times of flux, stick to products and brands with strong turns—that’s where your margin survives.
      5. Communicate with Your Customers
        If pricing shifts, explain why—honestly and clearly. Transparency builds trust, and your loyal customers are more likely to support your business when they understand.
      6. Watch Freight and Delivery Like a Hawk
        Tariffs can sneak into your bottom line through increased shipping and logistics costs. Stay on top of what you’re paying.
      7. Lean Into Flexibility
        Consider shorter ordering windows, smaller batch orders, and quick-turn inventory to keep you nimble along with your longer-term plans.
      8. Market with Meaning
        Focus your messaging on the story behind your products—especially those made in the U.S.A. or local or unique. Now’s the time to remind customers why your store is different.
      9. Use This Disruption to Your Advantage
        Bigger retailers move slow—you don’t. Use this moment to pivot fast, discover new vendors, and deepen relationships that strengthen your business long-term.
  • Stay Informed: Resources for Information and Action