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Letter from the President

I think most of us are entering into 2011 with a much higher level of optimism than we have had for the past few years.  Some of that may simply be everyone’s desire to abandon frugality and transition to a new normal.  But the signs of an economic recovery are in sight, and are in turn giving us “permission” to feel comfortable spending money again.  We all deserve a pat on the back for surviving these hard times and should enjoy a collective sigh of relief for making it through when so many businesses didn’t - “whew!” 

One silver lining to the dark clouds of this recession has been the heightened awareness it’s brought to consumers, who now have gained a first hand experience of the impact their shopping habits have on their neighborhood.  A critical mass of people are starting to make the conscious choice to shop in their local specialty stores because they now truly recognize the consequences if they don’t. 

Some of that renewed sense of community is being driven by Facebook.

Did you know there are 309 million people in the US and 116 million ~ more than 1/3^rd of the population of the country are on Facebook! It’s the 4th most-trafficked Web site in the world and California has the most Facebook users!

In our July Showroom Directory I spoke about three of our accounts ~ Urban Girl Accessories, Webster’s Fine Stationers and Kingfisher Road, who have all been “poster girls” if you will, representing the perfect examples of how Facebook can help a retailer’s business.  In fact, since July all three have doubled the number (to around 700) of people who ‘like’ them.  Facebook has enhanced the relationships they have with their customers.  There is no question that this online connection is cementing a sense of loyalty that no amount of money can buy, and it’s FREE.  If you have questions or would like a hand to get your Facebook page started, I invite you to set up an appointment in our showroom and we’ll be happy to help!  You can also visit our Web site’s “Retailer Info” section to read a great article on Social Media originally printed in Gift and Decorative Accessories magazine.

In addition to the monetary value of shopping locally there is an even more important element ~ the personal quotient.  I recently visited one of my favorite stores in my neighborhood, Emerald Forest.  I don’t get in often but when I do I know I can count on a warm hello and a hug.  This time I walked in and sensed an overwhelming sadness and was quickly told some terrible news.  Joyce Wilkoff, one of the women that worked in the store that I had known for decades from a previous store she owned had passed away.  She was incredibly warm, kind, beautiful, had the most sensational smile and I along with so many others will miss her.  While we’re fortunate our jobs bring us the great joy to share the happy stories and landmark events, we are equally as blessed to be able to commiserate with each other through the tragedies.  The relationships we forge through our business are remarkably close and I think especially so as we trudged through these past few most difficult years.

As we celebrate the independent specialty stores let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate the many personal relationships we enjoy because of them.

I thank you for your business and the courtesy you extend simply by visiting our showroom or seeing our Sales Associates. 

Bonnie Glushon
President
Sales Producers, Inc.

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