Main Street Archives - GeneMarks.com

Guardian

Retailers are making returns harder. A carpet seller taught me why that’s a mistake

(This column originally appeared in The Guardian) In my 30-plus years of being an accountant I have learned many business lessons from people who were…

Gene MarksOctober 4, 2026

Philly.com

Main Street is doing better than the headlines suggest

(This column originally appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer) Wars. Inflation. Tariffs. Labor shortages. High interest rates. Political uncertainty. If you only read the headlines, you’d think…

Gene MarksJuly 7, 2026

Daily Herald

The biggest challenges Chicago area small businesses are facing this year

(This column originally appeared in The Daily Herald) Chicago area small businesses are used to uncertainty and dealing with many challenges. This year is no exception.…

Gene MarksMay 3, 2026

Guardian

Independent bookstores make quiet comeback as big chains dominate retail

(This column originally appeared in The Guardian) For years now, we have heard that Amazon and the big chains are crushing small businesses, but independent bookstores are suddenly making a…

Gene MarksApril 20, 2026

Philly.com

Philly business owners could save thousands with this little-known resource

(This column originally appeared in the Inquirer) If you own a business in Philadelphia and you’re looking for financing, one little known resource is the Philadelphia Industrial…

Gene MarksFebruary 17, 2026

Guardian

Are a record number of mom and pops going bankrupt? Kinda but not really

(This column originally appeared in The Guardian) Are mom-and-pop stores going bankrupt at historically high levels? That would seem to be the impression you’d get…

Gene MarksJanuary 11, 2026

Philly.com

Despite challenges in 2025, Philly-area small businesses remain resilient and optimistic

(This column originally appeared in the Inquirer) From inflation to tariffs to labor shortages, small businesses in Philadelphia have faced many challenges in 2025. But…

Gene MarksNovember 18, 2025

Guardian

Mnuchin is wrong: Amazon has done more good than bad for small business

(This post originally appeared on The Guardian) Take a walk today down New York City’s Seventh Avenue – or any Main Street in small-town America

Gene MarksJuly 29, 2019