Letter from America Well poised for the next stage, that’s the view of Peter Grimes of VOWS magazine, who is seeing a real change for the better
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ll the advice we’ve been hearing (and have repeatedly told ourselves) has served us well through those dark days of the past 18 months, regardless of whether our boutique’s location is in the US or the UK… advice and actions that will now sustain us, as we confront the brighter days of increased store traffic and sales against the dark reality of shortages, shipping delays and multiple price increases. In the US as in the UK, actions
were taken and advice followed that resulted in expanding the resilience in ourselves and in all those we lead and love. Steps such as: • Trusting in ourselves and monitoring our processes • Concentrating on the ‘trees’ instead of the ‘forest’ • Giving our best every moment and through every interaction with staff and client • Ignoring those debilitating ‘what if’
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• voices that do nothing but paralyze • Expressing gratitude when we might have been able to see what we were thankful for • Rejuvenating our enthusiasm for what we do and how we do it In addition to attitude and perspective, the steps many boutiques have taken this season will carry them through to the next: • Continually re-evaluating off-therack merchandising programmes • Concentrating on sellable styles by buying in multiples of sizes and pieces • Pursuing vendors with in-stock inventory • Passing through increases in shipping fees and manufacturer prices
