SEASON’S GREETINGS

As the clock of 2022 is slowly winding down, we can reflect on a year during which we had some business gains, we reconnected with friends, colleagues, and family like before the pandemic and we could settle into the new rhythm of a post COVID-19 world.

This year will be remembered for many reasons – we saw changes globally with the passing of the Queen of England, the continued war between Russia and the Ukraine, natural disasters and political unrest in many countries. It may be that people are feeling a bit hopeless being stuck in an economic crisis that will take a while to change.

In our industry, with the academic year now fully back to its prepandemic status, we are looking forward to a bumper season of sales in the back to school market. Many of our members and readers have been extremely busy since September this year to get their stock levels and product ranges ready for the 2023 academic year. It is my wish that this will be an extremely good campaign for all.

SHOP-SA will close its office for the Festive Season on 15 December and we will be back on the 9th of January 2023. But we will be available on our phones and emails from time to time – so kindly reach out if you needs information from us.

If you plan to travel during this time, be safe and make the journey part of the holiday. Be in the moment and relax so that you can take 2023 on fully recharged. For the readers who celebrate Christmas – we wish you all a very merry and blessed Christmas. May we all acknowledge that the best gifts to give are our time and the best gifts to receive is happiness, fun and family.

For the readers who will remain at the office and who will keep the wheels of the economy turning, take care and enjoy the energy during this holiday season. We have included a special article on how to sell during this time of year –hopefully that will give you some inspiration!

Thank you for reading My Office and for continuing to support the Association – we look forward to 2023 when we will bring you exciting events, regular engagements and more wonderful stories about our industry.

Stay blessed! Han lie

Christmas wishes from the Board

Greetings on behalf of ShopSA. Here we are, at the end of a year that seemed to start only yesterday. We pray the year has been kind to you, your family and loved ones and that your business is ending the year in great shape. To you and yours we wish you a restful year end break, the most wonderful Christmas and everything of the best for a fantastic 2023.