Letters to the Editor
[Re: Loose Cannon: Wistful Resolutions for 2005, Direct Newsline, January 10, 2005]:
I enjoyed the recent column in which you listed your resolutions for the coming year.
I really, really would enjoy the DNC piece. It’s always a wonder to me when I stop in to see a client or prospect and there, on their door, is a “No Solicitors” sticker. I will enjoy your thoughtful interview because for the life of me it remains a mystery. Or, maybe not if you prefer never to view an infomercial. Really, Richard.
Your Martha resolution will last only until she loses yet another cell decoration contest or if she weighs in yet heavier or she is seen in the Camp Cupcake kitchen plying her miracles without her many minions.
Richard, for me I resolve to listen better and speak slower. While I’m unclear as to the immediate benefit given the current sound-bite proclivity, I am certain that I will end the year a better person. I hope. Then again I may swap it all out for a yummy infomercial on Princess Horizon Court food!
John Galavan
sales manager
SOS Data Services
Woodinville, WA
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[Re: Loose Cannon: Foreboding Comes in a Little White Envelope, Direct Newsline, January 18, 2005]:
Wow! right on the money (no pun intended)!
I’m writing this not as a retailer but as a consumer and you are absolutely correct – consumers are not dumb! There are several reasons why I did the gift card thing and it really wasn’t for the mark downs after Christmas. Ordering gift cards online reduced my need to be stuck in traffic or trying to find a parking place in the mall (and I have a legitimate handicapped parking card!) While this year in my area (Northern Illinois) seemed better than prior years, historically the Christmas shoppers are rude, inconsiderate and down right ugly. Therefore, I tend to stay away from them.
I listen and laugh when the money news starts predicting the sales figures. I wait for the panic when retailers feel like the merchandise isn’t moving or people aren’t spending enough – soon enough.
Times are changing. I think retailers need to get wise if they want to continue making money, as you suggested. Stop panicking early! Wait it out. Hold the line on prices or mark down moderately. Don’t slash the prices immediately after Christmas. The Internet has changed the way the world shops. Adjust and adapt or die. The retailer’s are thinking with an old mentality. Change.
I couldn’t agree with you more! That was a very well written, insightful article. Thank you. It restores my faith that there are still intelligent people who recognize change and trends.
Which reminds me of something I thought of this Christmas while in Barnes and Nobles. Do you remember when the big hype was started about how brick and mortar bookstores would be out of business because of technology and the Internet? People were supposed to go to online or paperless books and would order hard covers (minimally) over the Internet. We can’t ALWAYS believe the predictions.
Until next time, Happy Computing!
And remember, “The Early Bird catches the worm, but the second mouse always gets the cheese!”
Debbie Mahler
owner/founder
MICE Training & Technology
Mundelein, IL
