by Gianna Agnew, Sam Matlick, Sarah McGrath
and Stephanie Githens

In order to cope with today’s struggling economy, some businesses are reinventing themselves to maximize profits, limit costs and attract new customers. As you’ll see, the general theme is less is more. However, we think these new approaches are an interesting twist on some familiar places.

1. “Dissect-A-Bear” (Build-A-Bear): providing you an insider’s look at a genuine hand-me-down, stuffed animal. It’s like your biology class all over again so make sure your scalpel is sharpened. Occasionally you might even find a music box, hidden family heirloom or other fun surprises.

2. “New Jersey & Company” (New York & Company): ever wanted to look like you’re going to the boardwalk with the cast of Jersey Shore? Well dress the part with the latest in graphic tees, sunglasses that you can wear at night and the hottest hair extensions on the market!

3. “M by Mess” (G by Guess): get the sloppy look for less! Become an eye sore and trendsetter at the same time. This year’s fall collection includes pajama jeans, snuggie blouses and there’s our new scent, locker room musk. Only available at M by Mess.

4. “Extremely Dry Seal” (Wet Seal): sick of all the brightly colored clothing and whimsical outfits? Then come get the new poppin’ dry look! You’ll be the “New Plain Jane” on the block complete with white polo, khaki pants and the latest in tennis-shoe style. Join the crowd that hides Waldo and discover the power of blending in perfectly.

5. “Home Repo” (Home Depot): tired of defaulting on credit cards, car loans and mortgages? Drop by your local Home Repo and surrender your most valuable possessions for criminally low payouts. We make bankruptcy easy. Let’s face it, you can’t do it. We make giving up less painful.

6. “Adults R us” (Kids R 'Us): ever wondered why there is a Kids R 'Us, Babies R 'Us, and Toys R 'Us? In this economy you can’t afford toys for your child, but you may be able to take care of yourself with some hand-me downs that will allow you to reconnect with your favorite childhood games. Who doesn’t like to indulge in some classic Battle Ship, Operation or if you’re feeling generous maybe let your kids join in with a little game of Twister.

7. “Bestest Buy” (Best Buy): we blow the competition away with repurposed household items that do everything except for what they were originally designed to do. Flat screen televisions become coffee tables, smart phones make outstanding paperweights and your overpriced speakers make great bookends. Unsure of how to use your repurposed items? Our Bleak Squad is always on call to help you figure out a way to waist space in your home!

8. “Burger Queen” (Burger King): have it her way! Well, my mom’s way that is. Try crazy, outlandish foods only she approves of like cabbage, brussel sprouts, and for dessert, there’s the never appetizing rice pudding. If you can manage to keep this food down, you certainly won’t be able to eat a lot of it. Have it her way and watch that waistline shrink faster than your appetite.

9. “JC Nickel” (JC Penny): we make saving pennies worth it with our collection of clothing and furniture that makes you feel like you’ve spent a whole dollar. Our furniture has its own ecosystem complete with rodent and bed bug surprises. Even more impressive is our clothing selection where stains become the latest fashion trend. These are gifts that keep on giving! Get what once was fancy for less at JC Nickel.

10. “TJ Mini” (TJ Max): pay less for less. Get all of your skimpy wants and needs at a store that is sure to win you a trip to the Mainland front office. At TJ Mini you get the bare minimum with our colorful array of spaghetti straps, midriff revealing ts and our most popular item – the mini-mini skirt.