It is amazing how the comments build up over time. I never understood why most blogs have moderation enabled until I signed on tonight to find hundreds of garbage comments posted. I do not mean to ever offend people putting up a comment and getting a link to their site. I mean specifically the gibberish comments that aren't even in complete sentences that are part of a huge scheme. What a shame that they corrupt so many good sites.
Over the course of the last two years I've written about a lot of products. Checking back today most are no longer offered or have been modified. That amazes me! A month ago we wrote about providing your employees with appreciation gifts in time for the holidays. It generated the most comments that this site has ever gotten. Ironically the two products mentioned are not selling well and their are rumors they are about to be dropped by the manufacturer. Much of the focus has been on the economy over the last few years. I wrote about the roller coaster nature of the economyand how the news is great one day, terrible the next. That continues with news ranging from a surprising increase in jobless claims to the fiscal easing that the Federal Reserve is exploring. What is remarkable in looking back is in how little has changed. Customers still look for the same products, we still manufacturer essentially the same products and nobody things sales are very good right now.
But that doesn't explain how some retailers are having great years. The news today included stories of some stores doubling income over this time last year on strong sales. The story seems to be that it greatly depends on what you are offering. A sale on custom wine openers at this time of the year will generate a lot of interest. That same program in July won't get much traction. The reason is pretty clear and easy to understand, timing in life is everything. But timing in marketing is even more critical. The right message at the wrong time is as troublesome as no message at all when it comes to generating interest. This time of the year there is almost no interest in items like padfolios and messenger bags but nobody can keep stock in Port Authority Jackets with logo on them. That will last for another month or two before there is a major switch to golf shirts.
I came across a wonderful organization several days ago while attending a corporate meeting. The American Apparel and Footwear Association provides critical services to domestic manufacturers of these goods and services. This group is not to be confused with American Apparel that almost went out of business a few months ago that operates a chain of stores and provides hard goods to the promotional products industry. Their site is full of good information on the apparel industry, provides a listing of upcoming events, key industry facts and other data. There is also an opportunity to partner with them and a listing of benefits.
I had got a desire to begin my own commerce, however I did not have enough understanding to do it until I read your blog. Thanks for the help.
Posted by: Mary Powers | August 08, 2011 at 07:05 AM