There is something about even slightly cooler weather which lifts the spirits of a retailer.
This summer not only has the weather been sort of unusual, the normal shopper has not been visiting local stores. One can never analyze this kind of situation and come up with a very specific and accurate answer to why this summer has been a slow shopping season.
Of course, we retailers speculate all the time about such things. What are we doing wrong? Where are all the normal shoppers? Is it the economy? Is it the severe drop in oil prices? Is it just too hot to get out? Are people tired of the rain?
You can see how such questions generate a panic and a continual commentary. When a sales rep visits, we give that person "the 3rd degree". What has he or she been seeing in other cities? Other states? What is the word on the street?
Of course, if retailers aren't ordering, then sales reps aren't getting their commissions. In many respects, everything is tied together and each element affects the others. Sometimes it feels like we are in a bumper car, crashing into others whom we can't even see until they are right there in front of us.
So, back to how weather affects the attitude of retailers.
Cooler weather means 4th Quarter and 4th Quarter means (1) more shoppers (2) lots of new and fresh merchandise (3) store promotions (4) holiday parties (5) gift baskets and candy buffets (6) frequent visits from favorite sales reps (7) gift with purchase promotions (8) new ribbon, new gift bags, new merchandising (9) more hours for staff members (10) lots of things to be grateful for!!
That's what I am thinking at the moment. And a new cookbook from Ree Drummond!!
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