Get Ready For 2012
Caroline Kennedy -- Gifts and Dec, 12/1/2011 2:00:00 AM
WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF THE MOST FRENZIED RETAIL TIME OF THE YEAR.
The Thanksgiving holiday kicked it off with the Black Friday deals that actually began on Thanksgiving night. Big Box retailers competed to be the first to open and consumers lined up to get the "door-buster" deals and limited time slashed prices.
I, for one, don't understand the need to line up in the middle of the night and fight crazed crowds just to shop for a deal. Perhaps that is because I don't have a large family to shop for and don't need to make the most of every gift budget dollar. I do like a bargain as much as the next person, but not at the cost of a good night's sleep or at the risk of raising my already high stress levels higher fighting the bargain-hungry hordes. Some people thrive on the thrill of the hunt and the entertainment that these "events" provide; if they derive enjoyment and it doesn't end up costing them too much, more power to them ... why not?
Hopefully, shoppers are making their way more calmly into your stores, spreading the good cheer of their holiday budgets with you and the other small independents in your town. Although the early reports of Small Business Saturday are mixed, American Express' heavy promotion of that day, as well as the efforts of all of the other "shop local" and "shop small" campaigns have raised a greater awareness of the importance of supporting our small independent businesses that mean so much to our communities.
Even at this most frenzied time of year, please remember to take time out for yourselves. Although you may be crazy busy focusing on the immediate, it is important to find some quiet time to clear you head, lower your stress levels and start thinking ahead. The winter markets are fast approaching, and while you are busy selling what you have now, you need to plan your open-to-buy to replenish your inventory with fresh new merchandise to keep those customers coming year round. What better way to start than with this issue?
So ... pour yourself a glass of wine or make a cup of tea, sit yourself down and take a little time out ... with this issue. It is chockfull of products and trends that you will be seeing in 2012.
And from all of us at Gift s and Decorative Accessories, Happy Holidays! We wish you a healthy, happy and, most of all, properous New Year.
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