Customer service in a recession

In difficult economic times, looking after customers is more important than ever before.
This is illustrated very well (alongside some other great advice) in this article:
econsultancy.com/blog/2982-top-10-tips-for-retailers-to-combat-the-economic-downturn

Mike Weston comments along similar lines here:
www.sandlines.net/2008/12/01/customer-lifetime-value/