Famed toy store FAO Schwarz is a kid pleaser, but as a business it's had its ups and downs. The oldest toy store in the US charms the young (and young at heart) at its landmark store on New York's Fifth Avenue where it sells unique, hard-to-find toys, such as life-size stuffed bears and $50,000 kid-size Ferraris. A major tourist attraction, it hosts more than 3 million visitors each year. Being a kid itself, FAO Schwarz has a sweet tooth, with its sweets shop called FAO Schweetz. After years of unprofitable expansion in an age where mass merchants, such as Wal-Mart, rule toy retailing, it's down to a single location, a catalog, and a website. Toy titan Toys "R" Us added FAO Schwarz to its toy chest in 2009.

DirectGroup Bertelsmann GmbH runs book clubs especially popular in Europe and Asia under such brands as Der Club in Germany, France Loisirs in France, and Circulo de Lectores in Spain. Club members can access its products through mail-order catalogs, the Internet, or one of 800 retail stores worldwide. DirectGroup Bertelsmann boasts 35 million members worldwide and operates in more than 20 countries. The company is a division of German media firm Bertelsmann AG, which sold its faltering American book club operations in 2008 to focus on Europe and Asia.

Midland Paper Company (MPC) is a middleman for the paper industry. The firm distributes coated, uncoated, bond, specialty, and other types of paper produced by such manufacturers as Boise, Neenah Paper, Domtar, and International Paper. It also sells packaging supplies and equipment as well as janitorial supplies (including mops, brooms, cleaners, and floor-care products). MPC distributes primarily to large companies that print books, magazines, and catalogs. Founded in 1907 as a paper supplier to Chicago's graphic arts industry, the company now operates warehouses and sales offices in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, and Wisconsin.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) runs more than 3,100 facilities -- including PXs and BXs (Base Exchanges) -- at US Army and Air Force bases in more than 30 countries (including Iraq), all 50 US states, and five US territories. Its presence ranges from tents to shopping centers, including 180 retail stores, 1,000 fast-food outlets (brands like Burger King and Taco Bell), movie theaters, beauty shops, and gas stations. AAFES serves active-duty military personnel, reservists, retirees, and their family members. Although it's a government agency under the DOD, it receives less than 5% of its funding from the department.

AFD Contract Furniture Inc. was founded in 1980. AFD Contract Furniture helps businesses keep its workers seated and productive. The company distributes desks, seating, storage items, tables, and other office furnishings throughout the US. Its inventory includes products made by such manufacturers as American Seating, KI, Kimball, La-Z-Boy, and Steelcase. The firm also provides and manages space planning, furniture maintenance, project and asset management, and delivery and installation services. In addition to its New York headquarters, AFD Contract Furniture conducts its operations in California, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico.

International Fleet Sales (IFS) is the authorized export distributor of General Motors vehicles, parts and service. Additionally, we are the authorized export parts distributor for Blue Bird Bus and Volvo Trucks of North America.IFS’ expertise is founded upon decades of experience with GM vehicles and parts. Our in depth knowledge of GM vehicles and parts for GM and other North American vehicles, allows us to help our customers around the world.IFS is the total solutions provider to our customers because of our expertise in vehicle specifications, upfit or customization of special use vehicles, and worldwide transportation logistics.

Hannoush Jewelers is a company whose philosophy has always been one of family ownership and personal attention to detail. Under the careful guidance of the Hannoush Family, the first Hannoush Jewelers retail store opened its doors in Massachusetts in 1980. Today the Hannoush Jewelers network includes: More than 70 company owned and franchised locations throughout the United States. Over 600 professionally trained employees with skills ranging from fine jewelry design, casting and settings to expert purchase advise and retail management. A commitment to conduct business with integrity and respect for the customer. The Hannoush Philosophy Trust. The fine reputation that Hannoush Jewelers has built over the years for low cost and high quality begins at the source. Our own master craftspeople design and cast our settings, and create almost all of the diamond and gemstone jewelry that is offered in our stores, The design and manufacturing of our jewelry takes place at Hannoush Jewelers facilities in New England and Canada.

Underwood Jewelers Corporation company was founded as a diamond and watch store in 1928 by namesake Herbert F. Underwood. Bromberg and Co. purchased Underwood in 1974, and although Bromberg family members remain involved in Underwood, the two companies operate seperately. Because there can't be enough bling in Florida, there's regional player Underwood Jewelers. The high-end jewelry chain operates three stores in the Jacksonville area of Florida which offer the usual mix of jewelry, watches, and collectables, as well as silver serving platters and china dinnerware. Additionally, Underwood offers a bridal registry, and sells collections of diamond, gold, and silver earrings, and baby gifts online.

Academy is near the head of the class among sporting goods retailers. It is one of the leading full-line sporting goods chains in the US with about 120 Academy Sports + Outdoors stores in Texas and some 10 other states in the Southeast. Academy's low-frills stores carry clothing, shoes, and equipment for almost any sport and outdoor activity, including camping, golf, hunting, fishing, and boating. The company, which also operates a catalog and e-commerce site, dates back to a San Antonio tire shop opened by Max Gochman in 1938. The business moved into military surplus items and during the 1980s began focusing on sports and outdoor goods. The Gochman family still owns Academy and is run by CEO David Gochman.

The Ferman family owns the company, which is one of the nation's oldest continuously running dealerships; it was founded in 1895.When Buccaneers go cruising, they could be on wheels from Ferman Automotive. Through about 15 dealerships in the Tampa, Florida, area, Ferman Automotive annually sells more than 12,000 new cars, more than 6,500 used cars, and about 600 fleet units. Ferman Automotive dealerships peddle cars under a dozen foreign and domestic brand names, including Acura, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Mazda, MINI, Nissan, and Volvo. Ferman also sells new Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles at three dealerships in the Tampa area.

Inviting Real Estate Agents, Job Placements Agents, Educational Institutes, Software Service Providers, Real Estate Builders, Marriage Bureaus, Travel Agents, Restaurant Owners, Health & Fitness Centers and other Local Businesses to Post a FREE Classified Advertisement on Cootera.com Classifieds Website.