Have fewer, but better people in management. As unemployment rises, raise the capabilities of managers, or replace them. Amateurs cut costs by less advertising and less maintenance. Pro's refocus on their most profitable customers. Even the best people are not getting bonuses.
Advertising Cut back to save expenses.
Totally vendor driven. Highly promotional to raise cash. Merchandising High proportion of out of date merchandise. Vendor Relationships Losing cash discounts. Totall dependent on marginal vendors.