The season begins

Haven’t written for a while.  We’ve been through 2 weeks of exactly the same each day - stock arrives, mark it off, price it, try and decide where to display it (and most times move it multiple times), and then head to the recycling plant with a car full of cardboard.

Finally “officially” opened yesterday.  We advertised a clearance of our 2008 stock to our clients and were very happy with the response.  Always nervous at this time of year.  Wages, rent, new shop fittings, etc. etc. continue to cost and there is very little money coming it.  It’s a normal retail cycle - but it always makes my stomach churn a bit.

Our full trading days start 1st October but we have decided to open 2 weeks early since we are full of stock and pretty much ready.  We still need to dress the trees but that will be fun.  Otherwise, I’m feeling pretty calm about the state of the shop (in fact, this year I’m pretty proud of the way it is looking).

Speak soon.

Chrissie