Today marks the start of Christmas holidays for most people. I will be taking a break from blogging for the next couple of weeks, while we build up the photo files again with more exciting stores and things we see out and about.
2013 has been a difficult year for many retailers and they have had to use their wits and initiative to survive and entice their share of the market. Just this week a national kitchen ware chain announced its voluntary receivership.
You may wonder what shoes are doing featured in a Christmas wrap up? Yesterday I witnessed one of the most poignant markers of what a challenging year it has been for retailers. I stood at the accessories counter in Myer in one of Queensland's most successful major shopping centres. It was 10am and 5 trading days till Christmas. From the moment I walked in the main entry via cosmetics, hand bags and accessories I was struck by the eerie quietness in the store. There were hardly any customers on what should have been one of the busiest days of the year.
As I stood at the counter I watched the shoe department. Shoes will tell you a lot about life. They say a lot about the person who wears them, but also the state of the economy. The shoe department was dead quiet, 3 staff standing around as there was no-one there. If women are not even browsing at shoes, things are not good. Lets face it, women don't need an excuse to buy shoes, but at this time of year that department should have been humming as women look for shoes for upcoming parties etc.
Obviously there were a lot more factors in this story, such as the full to over flowing carparks, the busy cafes, the amounts of people at the cinema complex and the busy cheaper chain stores. It's a scenario that retail analysts can have a field day with, but without heading further into the path of doom and gloom, I will say to all the retailers; well done for surviving another year. May 2014 be a better year for you.
On the subject of wit, this sign made me smile!
Enjoy your break. I've been having some fun with the kids! Sometimes it's the most simple things that bring the best fun.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
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