Weathering The Storm

    With the year that was behind us, I’m hearing a lot of  people- both retailers and manufacturers- talk about how 2009 changed them and their businesses. And believe it or not, the changes were for the better. The common thread seems to be renewed focus. For anyone who was coasting, buoyed by great sales with comparably little effort, 09 served as a wake-up call. No more relying on employees to steer the ship or allowing under-performing workers to float along unscathed. No more cutting excess goods or relying on brand name alone to make the sale. No more lax customer service or closed ears to complaints or critiques.

Last year reminded them of the principles that launched their successful businesses in the first place. With a keener eye and a better work ethic, those that survived the worst that we’ve seen in a long time, are now eager to tout the changes they’ve made to right their flailing ships. It’s both inspiring to hear and a little amusing. Where, I wonder, was all of this newfound drive and determination two or three years ago?

But it’s like they say, tough times make us appreciate the good. And though it’s too soon to proclaim that happy times are here again, those shop owners and brand managers that pushed themselves and found that they could in fact improve and excel have plenty reason to be proud.

Tell us, how did the trials of last year help you improve your business?