Puget Sound Business Journal
Jay Boone has seen a lot since opening Emerald City Guitars in Seattle’s Pioneer Square in the summer of 1996. His business has seen the dot-com bust, and the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks that turned Seattle’s popular, historic tourist area into a ghost town. Now he’s navigating what is likely the worst recession since the Great Depression. Like many retailers, Boone said he saw sales tank in late 2008. And this year, sales have been slow. But he has strategically tweaked his staff, and has put more emphasis on using the internet for a targeted approach to reach potential customers. “I have definitely seen business pick up,” said Boone, sitting in his showroom in a chair next to a curved lime-green sectional that looks like it could be for sale in a vintage furniture store. “I am more optimistic now.”