In my column at the time, I remarked that Circuit City's leaders might end up being right. But the employee I talked to predicted that the company would become just another player in an already crowded market.

"Only time will tell," I wrote then.

And so it did. Earlier this year, Circuit City shut down its stores.

You may say the economy was to blame. Consumer spending isn't what it used to be. Blah, blah, blah.

I still think the company's decision to lay off its best, most helpful salespeople was a major contributor to its downfall. And I hope other companies learn the right lessons from Circuit City's mistake.

Maybe we can help them. I'd like to share stories of businesses that are doing a great job of customer service during this recession, as well as those that have consistently been helpful in the past. Or, if you have a customer service horror story, I'd like to hear that, too.

I'll share a few of your tales, and maybe we'll be able to encourage some positive developments in this regard. After all, I think we could all use a glimpse of silver lining right about now.

Send your comments, and any financial questions you may have, to gkratz@desnews.com or to the Deseret News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110.

E-MAIL: gkratz@desnews.com