Competition in the Christmas Industry

At this time of the year I always checked out the larger department stores to see what they have on offer in their new Trim the Tree departments.  I think their philosophy has changed in recent years and is driving purely by the largest profit, rather than imaginative designs that customers want to see.  I write this as a consumer of these products, not as a (minor) competitor to them.  In the past I would always go in to these larger stores and find something that I bought.  These days I see the same thing - their own branded products, brought out year after year.  It is very disappointing.

I'm sure if you went to the larger department stores in the States or UK you wouldn't be treated so poorly -those companies wouldn't get away with it.

Anyway, as a company in the market I'm thrilled.  I know I have a space in the market, and am able to offer my customers something that is different to the mainstream.

Melbourne Christmas Shop almost ready to open

Finally we are in the home stretch of decorating the christmas shop ready to open on the 27th September.

A number of our themed trees are complete, and others are on their way.  Not only do we have decorated trees to inspire, but we have created complete decorating kits for our clients and they are perfect for anyone starting with a new christmas tree.

I'm really looking forward to opening the doors.  The lead up seems so long, but we are now so close.  Stay tuned for more photos.

Where did July Go?

Boy, I can't believe it is now the end of the month.  Christmas in July celebrations have been going off around the country.  I particularly enjoy the great number of British customers who enjoy Christmas in July so they can have a cold Christmas celebration with a succulent warm roast.

So, what's next?  We move straight out of Christmas in July into the Melbourne Gift Fair.  For those who haven't been to a gift fair it is held over 5 days at Melbourne Exhibition Centre as well as the showgrounds.  It takes one full day to make your way through all the displays, and at the end of it your legs are crying out to sit down.  As well as looking for new stock at the show we also help our Sydney based supplier on our stand throughout the 5 days.

What I love about the show is the chance to see the exciting new products and place my final orders for the season.  What I don't like is being on my feet on the concrete surface for 5 days straight. 

I look forward to sharing photos of the products we find with you in the coming weeks.  The gift fair is on Saturday 7th August - Wednesday 11th August.

Christmas in July Season Started

I felt like the first day of school this morning when I opened the doors for the first day of trade for 2010.  It's amazing how every year, in fact every week, I get nervous hoping the stock ordered is what people want, the people will come from the advertising we've done, etc, etc.
While Christmas in July isn't huge, I was pleasantly surprised by the clients who came by for their bonbons, serviettes, etc.  We also had a few clients pre-ordering their trees so that was fantastic.
Anyway, by mid October the opening of the shop doors in the morning won't come with a flutter of butterflies, but I guess for now it keeps me on my toes - which isn't a bad thing.

Christmas in July

One of the things I love about Christmas is that it brings family and friends together, and it is great to see it has the same effect for the growing number of people who are now having Christmas in July celebrations.

We are inundated with people looking for bonbons.  They are planning feasts for their friends, and many are having more than 10 people for a sit down meal (for a non-chef like me, that is incredibly daunting thought).   As well as hot roast meals there will be a lot of eggnog,  mince tarts and  warm pudding consumed during July. 

So to the many people planning celebrations,  "Merry Christmas in July" and enjoy your special times.

Facebook update

Over the past week we have had Artsy Tec Design re-working our Facebook pages - and what a great job Bec has done.  It allows us to provide so much more information about our products and services.  Check it out. http://www.facebook.com/mychristmas.com.au

Decorating our Store

The worse part about signing a new lease is the prep work in setting up the shop.  Finally the painting is finished (well, will be tomorrow).  Now we can consider exactly where our shop fittings, christmas trees and decorations will go. 

I can't wait to open the boxes of stock and be reminded of all the wonderful new products.  Won't be long now.