Some Observations About The Holiday Season

Here are some observations about the month of December and holiday shopping.
First, we need to give a salute to our staff who throughout the month were in good spirits, were exceedingly helpful to our customers, who worked as a team and provided just the right enthusiasm and spirit to our store.
We are grateful for our 2 temporary staff, Matt and Olivia who jumped right in and "got 'er done".
Second, I have got to emphasize how much we enjoy our customers.  Many were complimentary to the store and to the people who work there.  Our customers really do make Sweet Tooth "Our Happy Place".
One observation is the number of new customers who come to Sweet Tooth at this time of the year.  Some are reommended by friends, some tell us that they have driven past our store for years and finally decided to stop in. 
Some let us know that they only shop at Sweet Tooth once a year.  :(    That observation is one we would like to change and believe me, it occasionally slips out of my mouth, as I put my hand to my heart, when I have to reply:  "Don't tell me that!  Let's try for more than once a year." 
Every year for the past 23 years we have worked steadily to let our customers know that seasonal candy is ordered at least 6 months ahead of the season and there are no opportunities for re-orders.  What we receive at the beginning of the season is all that we will have.
Why is that?  Manufacturers of candy and gift items have to begin early to produce their items so that retailers will have them on time.
And let's face it....no one wants to over-produce and have tons of seasonal candy or gifts left after the holiday.
So those folks who think that waiting until a few days before the holiday will guarantee them "freshness" and an abundance of holiday candy and gifts are just not "with it".  Buying early is the only way to assure that what customers want for the holiday, they will have.
And let's not tell us folks at Sweet Tooth that after shopping Target and Walmart, some decided to check and see if Sweet Tooth has the candy they are seeking.  Sweet Tooth keeps the store year around at 70 degrees to insure freshness and longevity of the candy.  Please ask Target and Walmart whether their stores are kept at a temperature to insure freshness and whether their staff knows a thing or two about what is in the candy or where the German chocolates are.
As for special orders ...don't even count on the big box stores for that.
Sweet Tooth owes it reputation to our staff over the years and our ability to respond to customers.  And we owe our success to all those loyal customers and friends we have met along the way.  Many thanks to each of you and a healthy, happy, and successful New Year.