Whether popping out for milk or trekking to a suburban superstore, everyone interacts with this industry. And, while for some, shopping is a chore, for others it's pure heaven (and a few of us have even been known to indulge in what's affectionately known as "retail therapy").

While it's natural to think of retailers as purveyors of clothing and accessories, the category also includes supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and hardware stores. The retail industry includes large chains, malls, department stores and specialty boutiques. Looking at the sector another way--in terms of the kinds of goods stores sell--it's easy to see why retail sales is such a closely followed barometer of economic health.

Annual retail sales figures show at a glance how the consumer is feeling. Is she keeping to bare necessities or splurging on big-ticket items? The answer probably correlates to the TSX average. Is she buying durable goods like home appliances? That probably bodes well for the housing industry.

The Globe has enormous respect and admiration for the retail industry. After all, stores have been an essential part of newspaper advertising since the medium's inception. Newspapers have always relied on retail advertising for their success, and retailers have always relied on newspapers to tell their stories--whether those stories are about the launch of a brand or the excitement of a year-end sale.

We truly value our relationships with Canadian stores of all sizes, from large big-box operations to small independent boutiques and, of course, with the agencies of retailers. As the industry evolves--we're as likely to run an ad for a Canadian institution like Holt's as we are for on-line pioneer like Indigo--we're continually looking for new ways to offer it even more opportunities for success.

These opportunities can be as traditional as a full-page ad or as innovative as a multi-part promotion that incorporates on-line components and special events. All you have to do is ask --or just have a look around here at GlobeLink. We've got plenty of great ideas that can get you started on your own next big retail promotion.