Prices

How are you coping with price pressures? Seems to me everywhere I look in the independent press, retailers are seeing very significant price increases - 20 to 40% by some accounts. If this is for unchanged product, that makes life very difficult.

We are working on the principle that higher prices can and should be charged - but we need to offer something in return - product uniqeness, limited editions - anything to create some sort of buzz.

Or of course, buy from us - we make in the UK, and though we suffer on bought in materials, it doesn;t affect our overheads or labour - so we can offer terrric value.

Bling is Passe

I've long been of the view that the route out of recession is not through cheap product - it's through great product. Interesting article here from Australia that has an interesting take on it.
As we get going with this, your views would be much appreciated. Let me know what you want to know, and I'll try to find out..............

Stories

I'm not over keen on many brands - too "over done" and lack real authenticity - but I do love great stories. I saw this blog on Saddleback bags, and have to share it. Even I would buy one.

Being Special

For those of you who liked the Seth Godin extract, an audio link of his London session last week can be found here. It's an hour, but worth it. Burn it to disc and listen in bits...................

Making Independents special

Its a key belief of ours that Independent Retailers have a special place in the market, and are well placed to pick up on the desire for difference expressed by many shoppers. Why stock the things the High St retailers stock more cheaply?

This article, from Drapers, reinforces the point.