What are others doing?

Home Depot isn't the only retailer preparing for better days. Companies big and small are laying plans and groundwork for when the economy improves. Here are just a few examples.

J & J's Deli, Chapel Hill.

Steve Kohl was all ready to roll out his corporate catering plan in 2008. Then the economy changed his plans.

"Anything we did have on the docket was pretty much put aside or at least set aside for the time being," he said.

But after surviving two years with declining revenues, he's dusting off his plans for the catering business and is moving ahead, targeting pharmaceutical sales reps who often have a need for lunchtime catering.

Owning only one store, Kohl said now is the best time to strike, before his larger competitors start expanding their catering operations.

"If you wait until after you hear what he did, you're too late," he said.

Blue Water Spa, Raleigh

In the spa business, you're selling something that's not a necessity. So the folks at Blue Water Spa are introducing a monthly special aimed at getting folks to think about spending at the spa again.

Each month, the spa will offer a product at the wholesale price it pays. This month, for instance, customers can try Latisse, the FDA-approved treatment for thicker, longer eyelashes, for $52.

That price is the $72 wholesale price the spa pays, plus a $20 rebate from the product's manufacturer, Allergan.

While people are beginning to splurge a bit on luxuries they are familiar with, it's getting them to try something new that's a challenge, owner Kile Law said.

But, she said, she's confident that people will respond to the offer. The spa recently purchased some additional space next to its current office and is planning an expansion.

"We've made a significant investment, and our retail center will probably at least triple in size," Law said. "We're counting on people spending more."

The Pet Pantry, Apex

Thor Wendland says now is the time to expand.

His Pet Pantry business has been operating from Apex since 2005, delivering natural dog and cat food to homes. As of June 1, he's delivering in the Triad.

"I think a lot of small businesses right now have made the mistake in that the owner may cut back on staff, so that they're having to do those daily tasks instead of keeping their eye on the big picture of growing the business," he said. "I always believe you have to be moving forward and growing your business. Otherwise there's only one way to go."

Wendland started as a one-man operation but now has four delivery trucks, an office staff and a soon-to-be-expanded warehouse. He's also looking at opening a Triad warehouse later this year.

"I'm looking at shelling out about $12,000 in the next two weeks on a new computer system," he said. "But if I'm going to be able to handle the customer at a service level they've grown accustomed to, I have to invest in it."

BodyLase Skin Spa, North Raleigh and Cary

The 8-year-old BodyLase Skin Spa offers nonsurgical anti-aging treatments such as Botox and laser skin rejuvenation.

About six months ago, owner Karen Albright revamped her marketing efforts to fit the times.

BodyLase focused on two messages for the recession: Look good for your job interview, and pamper yourself even when other things are not going well.

But now that the economy is showing signs of life, she is making new plans.

The salon is expanding its hours, hiring new people and will soon be investing in new equipment, Albright said.

"We will adjust as things get better," she said. "We kind of stick to our main plan and our main core values and try to adapt to the times. ... You have to keep moving when you're in business."