In a tough economic climate, a difficult decision for any small-business official must be whether to expand or stay the same.
The Post-Journal talked to a few local businesses that made the difficult decision to expand its operations last year to see if the choice worked.
LABYRINTH PRESS COMPANY
In 2011, the Labyrinth Press Company expanded its operation in two areas - serving dinners and doing downtown deliveries. Jeff James, Labyrinth Press Company owner, said the business decision to expand into also doing dinners worked out well for the coffee house, vegetarian restaurant, all-ages music venue and art gallery.
''It's been great. We've really doubled everything. It has allowed me to give a couple people jobs,'' he said. ''We're still trucking along and pushing further ahead.''
The Labyrinth, which is located at 12 E. Fourth St., Jamestown, however, did not fair well with the decision to start deliveries downtown. James said it really didn't work well, being sporadic with days where they would receive several calls for deliveries and other days when they would get none.
''We phased that out. I think most people want to get out on their lunch break,'' he said. ''It was all on foot, too, so we couldn't get very far.''
In 2012, James is hoping to continue expanding his business. James is planning to open a craft beer lounge, which will be established above the Labyrinth's location. He said the new business will be a separate operation from the Labyrinth and will be called Brazil. James said he is going through the process of finishing paperwork necessary to complete before opening. Once opened, the lounge will specialize in independent breweries, especially from local companies like Southern Tier Brewing Company.
Overall, James said his 2011 decision to expand was the right one to make.
''I think it is a lot better move for businesses to keep figuring out what to do next. How to upgrade what they do instead of just sitting there and hoping everything works out fine,'' he said. ''I'm glad we did it. I have no regrets. I learned a lot and, next year, we will keep moving up.''
COLECRAFT COMMERCIAL FURNISHINGS
Colecraft Commercial Furnishings is a local commercial-furniture manufacturer located in Falconer. The company in 2011 implemented new marketing initiatives that included an updated website - www.colecraftcf.com - to compete in a difficult economy. Dave Messinger, Colecraft chief executive officer, said 2011 was a challenging year for the company, as it was for most small furniture manufacturers.
''The good news is that these tough times have forced us to focus on what we need to do to compete more effectively,'' he said. ''We've nearly doubled our product line - we've implemented new marketing initiatives including a new website and sales support literature.''
Messinger said the company expanded its sales distribution by adding representatives to most states east of the Mississippi. Also, the business has focused on improving customer service and manufacturing efficiencies.
''Over the past quarter, we've seen our quoting activity increase by over 40 percent as compared to the previous year,'' he said. ''This is a good sign because it is a sign of optimism by our customers and an indicator of future order strength.''
Messinger said the key to Colecraft Commercial Furnishings' survival and success has been its ability to identify the market niche that matches the company's core competencies while serving a need in the marketplace.
''All in all, we are optimistic about 2012. We feel that we have positioned ourselves for growth as the economy improves and that we will be a much stronger company,'' he said.
ROBO ENTERPRISES
In 2011, Robo Enterprises continued to make the convenience store experience even more convenient.
The family-owned and -operated business opened a new location at 817 N. Main St., Jamestown. It is the company's third gas and convenience store location, with one also located at 111 Marion St. and another located at 435 Central Ave., Dunkirk. The new location also features the company's second upscale laundromat, which the business first started at its Marion Street location in 2007.
Kim Carlson, Robo Enterprises co-owner along with Aaron Beichner, Tom Beichner and George Carlson, said the business decision to open a new Robo is progressing quite well.
''We're always looking for opportunities to fit in the right neighborhoods,'' she said. ''I think it is our consistence and being family-owned and -operated that has brought us loyal community customers.''
The Robo on Main Street features fresh sandwiches and pizza. Also, soda, beer, lottery, a variety of snacks and coffee can be found inside the store's doors. The business has a loyalty program that could lead to customers earning a free car wash.
''It is our way to thank the community,'' Ms. Carlson said.
The wholesale gas company was started in 1965 and has expanded to include a self-storage business, a car wash, a dog wash and Tastee Corners in the south side plaza along Foote Avenue.
Ms. Carlson said she is looking forward to the upcoming year and believes the business will continue to grow.
''We've had a great year. We just want to continue supporting the community, and wish good health and happiness to all,'' she said.
