Continued Musings on Retail Today and the Near Future
In order to provide continuity in my life, I have set up a weekday schedule. Besides my daily note to my reps, I also record interviews with my father and several of our publishers, and make sure that I connect with as many retailers as I can. I always learn something new. Here are a few things:
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Retail Resources
It is a shame that there aren't business executives who aren't able to volunteer their time to assist small businesses like ourselves in the process of applying for grants/loans. Just from our own experience, the process is cumbersome, confusing and emotionally taxing. You are not alone. I often wish for an advocate! :)
With that said, there are resources. While we don't work with Faire, I have found this site to be to be super helpful.
https://www.faire.com/covid-19
In addition, some retailers have also been using Netcito.
Click Here to Read More.
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Selling Cards on Line Part II
I mentioned last week that we are aware that many of you are upgrading
your website to reflect any sales opportunities. Consider reviewing your boxed cards/packaged card designs. Since consumers are sending out more greeting cards, highlighting your packaged blank and thank you notes would be really important. Just like we suspect that Christmas boxed card sales will be strong this year, we believe everyday boxed/packaged cards will also be strong!
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Discussions with "Big Al"
I have been interviewing my father, "Big Al", about what he is thinking about as the owner of Notes &
Queries. Enjoy and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Interview 1: Click Here
Interview 2: Click Here
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Interview 3: Click Here
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What will your store look like when this is over?
There is no question at some point, small independent retailers will be allowed to open their doors. For some, it will be sooner than later. It is, however, important to consider what your store will look like *now*. There are likely to be rules in place including social distancing. You should consider how you will need to re-merchandise your store to accommodate those social distancing needs and space requirements. This was an interesting article on the topic.
Click here to read about how to plan for an eventful re-opening!
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Lastly, a moment of inspiration by Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
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