Friday, 27 February 2009
Lesson. Don't upset Independents
My resolve not to listen to Radio 4 lasted less than day. Coming in to work this morning listened to an interesting piece on a deal that was done by Waterstones to restrict the release of a new title by Glen David Gold to the major bookseller, at the expense of the independent sector. Even more interesting to hear the publishers cancel the deal on te show - and done with great grace. Highlighted a thought though - if you want great food, where do you go, compared to wanting cheap food? - not the supermarket I think. If you make great products, I think you want people who love it to sell it.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
The Sun still came up this morning
We're having a big debate here, and have reached the conclusion we can be our own worst enemies. I've thinking of giving up listening to Radio 4 in the morning, as it seems purpose designed to upset me. Reality is, whilst there's a lot of black out there, it's not all black, and will lighten.
So what's the key to getting through? Most of the High St seems to think it's price, but I think that it is not that simple. Yes, it worked for Primark, but they have a very specific target market. for higher end products, I suspect it's about quality, exclusivity and a personal treat. Customers may buy less often, but i'm not convinced they will spend less.
What's your view? - take a moment to complete the poll on the right, and let's see...............
And for those of you that don't know him, take a look at Seth Godin's blog - I always find his perspective well worthwhile.
So what's the key to getting through? Most of the High St seems to think it's price, but I think that it is not that simple. Yes, it worked for Primark, but they have a very specific target market. for higher end products, I suspect it's about quality, exclusivity and a personal treat. Customers may buy less often, but i'm not convinced they will spend less.
What's your view? - take a moment to complete the poll on the right, and let's see...............
And for those of you that don't know him, take a look at Seth Godin's blog - I always find his perspective well worthwhile.
Monday, 23 February 2009
At last, we're up and running
George Stuart like to do things the unconventional way, and often against the flow. Manufacturing in England, only using the best materials, launching a trading site in the teeth of a recession.........
However – it’s clear to us that the World has not stopped. It’s certainly more “interesting”, but for the most part I think it means many of us have the opportunity to go for the gaps. For the last several years, markets have been so benign that the emphasis became “systems efficiency” and all things in the supply chain that reduced prices – almost no matter what. How times change.
Customers – yours or ours – are still buying, but on a different basis. They want to know what they buy is great value, but there is a greater need for things to resonate – they want to know that who they are buying from know them, and that what they buy is both great value, but also that in part it has to reflect their own values and priorities. That is why we are launching this service.
Quite simply, we’re experimenting; we are great believers in the independent sector, as it reflects a closeness to customer, and an individuality that large multiples cannot match. It also represents over 12% of the market, and has products and service that are as individual as the shops themselves.
The “feel good” factor is likely to be greater when you buy something special from, someone special, for someone special – whether that’s you, or someone you care for. So we’ve created a special range of belts, all made here in Walsall, from great value simple ones, to some more expensive, but special ones. We only use the best materials, and details are listed against every belt we sell. They come properly boxed, so they look like we care about them – which we do. We will supply them is small quantities, at short notice, and try hard to keep your margins up, and your working capital down.
Last, but most important, we see this as a collaboration. We need you to lead us. Tell us what works for you, what doesn’t, and what you would like to see – and we’ll do our best to do it. If what you want isn’t here, tell us and we’ll try and find it.
We’ll use this blog to post things we find interesting, news, ideas and anything else we think might help. Equally, we hope you will respond in kind.
We look forward to working with you.
However – it’s clear to us that the World has not stopped. It’s certainly more “interesting”, but for the most part I think it means many of us have the opportunity to go for the gaps. For the last several years, markets have been so benign that the emphasis became “systems efficiency” and all things in the supply chain that reduced prices – almost no matter what. How times change.
Customers – yours or ours – are still buying, but on a different basis. They want to know what they buy is great value, but there is a greater need for things to resonate – they want to know that who they are buying from know them, and that what they buy is both great value, but also that in part it has to reflect their own values and priorities. That is why we are launching this service.
Quite simply, we’re experimenting; we are great believers in the independent sector, as it reflects a closeness to customer, and an individuality that large multiples cannot match. It also represents over 12% of the market, and has products and service that are as individual as the shops themselves.
The “feel good” factor is likely to be greater when you buy something special from, someone special, for someone special – whether that’s you, or someone you care for. So we’ve created a special range of belts, all made here in Walsall, from great value simple ones, to some more expensive, but special ones. We only use the best materials, and details are listed against every belt we sell. They come properly boxed, so they look like we care about them – which we do. We will supply them is small quantities, at short notice, and try hard to keep your margins up, and your working capital down.
Last, but most important, we see this as a collaboration. We need you to lead us. Tell us what works for you, what doesn’t, and what you would like to see – and we’ll do our best to do it. If what you want isn’t here, tell us and we’ll try and find it.
We’ll use this blog to post things we find interesting, news, ideas and anything else we think might help. Equally, we hope you will respond in kind.
We look forward to working with you.
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Premiere Classe Paris, Jan 2009
A quieter show this year – not least because of the transport strike that coincided with the first day. Disappointing, as there were some great styles on show, but the reticence we are seeing in the UK was reflected equally here, and also reflected in lower numbers of overseas visitors.
However, the interest shown by the people who were there belies the overall negative mood. Whilst many were cautious, there was still active buying, and the indications are that this year will be typified by many small, short notice buying patterns rather than the normal pattern.
It will be interesting to see what patterns emerge in the next Premier Classe in the Tuileries in a months time, as well as Premiere Vision, and the Spring Fair in Birminngham. We’ll keep you posted.
However, the interest shown by the people who were there belies the overall negative mood. Whilst many were cautious, there was still active buying, and the indications are that this year will be typified by many small, short notice buying patterns rather than the normal pattern.
It will be interesting to see what patterns emerge in the next Premier Classe in the Tuileries in a months time, as well as Premiere Vision, and the Spring Fair in Birminngham. We’ll keep you posted.
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