If ever there was something in need of a little global warming, it's surely the ice-cold home furnishings business. Maybe I'm overstating that a bit (I have a habit of doing that, sometimes), but no one could argue that business is great.

And the retail sector in general is not thriving, either. Just witness the everyday lineup of financial reporters going over and over the rising cost of gas, home heating, groceries, etc., throw in the housing market crisis and volatile stock market, and it's hard to feel great about getting out there and spending during the holiday season.

Certainly there are some bright spots in the business. See our story on page 8 about an aggressive launch for Crazy Mountain, entering the home decor category in a big way with a licensed line from gift industry maestro Jim Shore. Or see details about major showroom expansions for Murray Feiss and Sterling Industries. And the market centers are gearing up for a busy January with their packed educational and social schedules unveiled in this issue.

But we can't escape the pall that seems to be hanging over our business. Furnishings are a postpone-able purchase, and boy, have consumers been postponing lately.

I can't help but feel, though, that maybe there's a bit of an edge home accents retailers can use to market themselves. If your customer says she can't afford a new sofa or armoire — surely she could still buy a new lamp or throw or accessory to spruce up what she has.

Or, consider all those people who might have bought new houses, had the credit industry not tightened up the way it has. Maybe they will rethink their existing homes and invest a little cash into freshening them up.

Sure, it's a bit of a spin, but that's what creative retailers need to do to succeed when times are tough.

Take a look at Susan Dickenson's column this month, as well as the Business Memo from Lynni Megginson, about innovative ways that retailers are teaming up with other local entrepreneurs to drive business for both parties. There are some great ideas out there if you can think beyond dire holiday sales predictions and the same-old, same-old way of doing business.

When the going gets tough … Right?