Success only runs one direction....
This one breaks my heart.
Mrs. John L. Strong is considered royalty in the fine stationery business…and has serviced royalty as one of the country’s oldest and most highly respected Professional Stationers.
When the Madison Avenue fixture closes, it will bring an 80+ year tradition to its conclusion. Sweet dreams, my lovely bespoke brethren. You shall be missed, deeply.
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The past two weeks flew by, between Hong Kong and Beijing, both of which were amazing. Today, I’m back on home turf, fighting the cold of the century and 13 hours of jet lag, which means half my body wants to sleep off the bug, half my body wants to sleep thinking it’s the middle of the night, and none of my body can sleep until 10:00 p.m. each night or I’ll be a train wreck in New York a week from now.
Wish me luck.
In spite of the extraordinary differences between the very western, very modern Hong Kong and the ancient traditions of Beijing, two constants existed between the cities-—a very sincere interest in what’s happening with the U.S. economy and how we’re handling the H1N1 virus–making for some fairly interesting conversations. [click here to continue…]
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It’s day three at the Hong Kong Gifts and Premiums Fair, where I’m swimming in thousands of exhibitor booths from all around the world. This is truly an amazing experience…can’t fathom how anyone could physically walk this entire thing in a week.
Yesterday’s seminar “Outlook for the US Market After the Financial Tsunami” (their choice of title) was met with very open ears and a lot of curiosity-—not surprising, given the international nature of this show. From the podium, I could see people frantically taking notes as I detailed the American consumer psyche, what it craves now, and where it’s headed next. When I turned to discussion about the various retail channels and how they’re viewed from a consumer perspective, pens really flew. Was good to see an interest in independent retail as opposed to the typical big box mentality. [click here to continue…]
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Once again, it’s time for the Perspective Posse to saddle up.
According to at least one major network, “New numbers out this morning confirm this recession is getting worse,” based on a report by RealtyTrack that is “showing a 24% jump in the first quarter of the year in the number of households receiving at least one foreclosure notice.”
Now…before you feel the floor drop out, let’s look at the rest of the story, because the headline most certainly does not tell it all: [click here to continue…]
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Well, can’t say you aren’t doing your part to spread the news.
Thanks to a whole lot of folks who believe in independent businesses and local communities, The 3/50 Project went into high gear yesterday, starting with the Gifts and Dec e-newsletter that so graciously included a piece about us (without me asking, bless their hearts). Next, I learned that Home Accents Today blogger, Mike Landfair, ran a piece too.
Suddenly, things lit up. Thanks to a plethora of bloggers, Twitter users, and a very steady stream of new supporters landing in my inbox, The 3/50 Project has grown legs and is running like a marathon pro. [click here to continue…]
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Yesterday, I had a heart to heart with retailers about late invoices, asking them to take a deep breath and call you. Today, it’s our turn to visit. Want to make sure there isn’t a disconnect on your end of the line.
Before you jump to the conclusion my heart rests solely with retailers, please hear me out. Like you, I have had late paying customers. I understand the impact that can have on one’s life. The bills still need to be paid, after all.
But I also understand the level of humility that comes with picking up the phone to make that call. Most retailers are, by nature, Type A-—over-achievers, head strong, determined…and proud. Admitting a shortcoming of any kind is like peeling their skin off. Admitting financial difficulty feels like the ultimate failure…even though it’s not. [click here to continue…]
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Retailers, there’s something we need to talk about. Doesn’t matter if you’re big or small…independent or franchise…storefront, internet, or home studio (yes, you).… If you’re late on even one invoice right now, we need to have a chat.
Now, before every nerve in your body tenses and every muscle jumps into “fight or flight” mode, please hear me out. I’m not going to yell at you. I’m not going to lecture you. And I’m not going to pretend that in my previous life as a retailer I was never late on an invoice. It happens to everyone. [click here to continue…]
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You’ve read my post about our British counterparts supporting shop local campaigns in a proactive manner. Rather than wait for consumers to return with their wallets, city leaders decided to take the bull by the horns and inspire a little economic healing on their own.
Well folks, it looks like that’s not the only thing in the pipeline across the pond, as demonstrated by the Rotherdam city council (Yorkshire) who obviously grasps the critical role independent retailers play in their local communities: [click here to continue…]
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