An entertaining winter

Although winter is officially half over, there's still plenty of indoor time ahead for those of us in colder climates. I know that as anxious as I am to use the new hightech snowshoes I received for Christmas, I'll be spending more time inside for the next couple of months.

This is a particularly good time for home entertaining. What better way to brighten a dreary, grey winter day than to invite some friends over for dinner or breakfast or lunch?

Encouraging your customers to entertain, and suggesting menus based around products in your store is an excellent way to keep sales up in the winter doldrums. Ads in your local media of choice will draw people in so you and your staff can help with specific party suggestions. And remember Valentine's Day is another excellent promotional opportunity for candy, cookies and gift baskets.

While you're home and surfing the Internet this winter, let me suggest you check out www.gourmetnews.com. By the time you read this, our new Web site will be live.

We've made two significant changes to our Web site. First, it has been redesigned to look more like Gourmet News in print and to provide easier access to information.

Second, we have a completely new search engine with expanded search capabilities. Not only can you search stories with specific keywords, but new products will appear as part of your search. You can look for companies, people or products and find the relevant news and new products relating to your search.

You'll also be able to add or renew both your print and on-line subscriptions on the site. We'll be adding newfeatures from time to time so be sure to check back.

We're pretty excited about our new Web site. Please check it out. And be sure and let me know what you think or if you'd like to see something added.

Rick Rector

Publisher

rrector@gourmetnews.com

Copyright United Publications, Inc. Feb 2005
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved