Looking Abroad for a Bigger Boost in Business

Take eDressMe.com Inc., a 12-employee online retailer of women's dresses. "About six months ago, when we realized the impact of the weakening dollar was going to have on our business, we established an outreach program to affiliates overseas," says Joanne Stoner, the company's chief executive.

As of Aug. 31, eDressMe.com has generated sales of $6.8 million this year, double that of the same period a year earlier. Among the company's strongest overseas markets are Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Ireland and the U.K.