What was Black Friday like in your area? I NEVER go shopping, but I did meet with an old grade school friend for coffee and noticed - not too many people were out and about. Years ago, parking lots were full! Many theories as to why this isn't as popular as it once was. Here are a few of mine.
Last week a friend of mine and I went shopping in Oshkosh and Appleton - our type of shopping: quilt, thrift and antique shops. We happened upon a cool shop in Appleton that will be featured on the PBS show Wisconsin Life in January - I won't say what it is, because I bought Christmas gifts there. I never knew that this little "cottage industry" (now moved to a brick an mortar) was there. We both like to support Wisconsin businesses, so I know we will be going back.
This had us talking about what and how we think people are shopping. I feel the cookie cutter, mass produced items are out and one of a kind, unique and handmade are in. I'm not just saying this because it is what I do, but I see this trend here in my area. I also feel people want to make their own or at least take a class and try. These are very popular with women as it gives them an excuse to meet with friends and do something fun. You might find out you're not Picasso, but I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy saying..."I made that."
Another thing could be materialism. I googled the definition: "a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values." I've been feeling a bit convicted lately of all my junk...now this really seals it for me..."more than spiritual values." I do know talking with my children, who are millennials, my friends who are gen X and baby boomers; this tendency for "less" has been a common thread. I don't know what that means in the resale business as the feeling of saving a piece of history is also important to my customers and the key to most of my sales. I see customers streaming their collections too - if they collect Pyrex it's one pattern - not all Pyrex. Not too many years ago...(wink, wink)...collectors wanted it ALL. I don't know anyone like that...hahaha
I've been reflecting on direction over the past few weeks. I have some tough decisions to make that I will "embrace" (smile) however, it will be hard. Finding a balance in business and personal life can be very challenging when you are self-employed. It seems in January of each year, I have plans, goals and direction - I am at a cross roads at the end of this year between...."possessions and physical comfort vs. spiritual values." Not that what I do conflicts with my spiritual values - but it does conflict with the time I spend on my spiritual values. I have been thinking fondly on one of my mentors, George Woodrich. I use to say "he is an honest auctioneer" - which could be viewed as an oxymoron - but, he had a way of positively representing himself, reflecting spiritual values (he did many wonderful things privately). He has passed on and people are still saying nice things of him. What a legacy. I recently ran into a "wippersnapper" who stated "I'm the only one in our community to EVER do household auctions" Really?!? I still remember the old timers!
So, I guess I started this post about Black Friday - somehow it ended up with spiritual values, this is how my mind works. In 2018 I plan to do more things privately (using George's example). If you happen to see me somewhere you see me...not that I don't want to say what I'm doing and where...it's ALL just too much! I'm actually "sick" of much of it and need a break! Spiritual Values vs. (fill in the blank)...more words for my "hat" to draw for my 2018 word of the year.
Oh I know one can not operate a successful business without social media and you will see a flurry of posts before an event, it's how it's done now; that's our world. I'm prayerfully considering my options. Thanks for following along.
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
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Last week a friend of mine and I went shopping in Oshkosh and Appleton - our type of shopping: quilt, thrift and antique shops. We happened upon a cool shop in Appleton that will be featured on the PBS show Wisconsin Life in January - I won't say what it is, because I bought Christmas gifts there. I never knew that this little "cottage industry" (now moved to a brick an mortar) was there. We both like to support Wisconsin businesses, so I know we will be going back.
This had us talking about what and how we think people are shopping. I feel the cookie cutter, mass produced items are out and one of a kind, unique and handmade are in. I'm not just saying this because it is what I do, but I see this trend here in my area. I also feel people want to make their own or at least take a class and try. These are very popular with women as it gives them an excuse to meet with friends and do something fun. You might find out you're not Picasso, but I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy saying..."I made that."
Another thing could be materialism. I googled the definition: "a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values." I've been feeling a bit convicted lately of all my junk...now this really seals it for me..."more than spiritual values." I do know talking with my children, who are millennials, my friends who are gen X and baby boomers; this tendency for "less" has been a common thread. I don't know what that means in the resale business as the feeling of saving a piece of history is also important to my customers and the key to most of my sales. I see customers streaming their collections too - if they collect Pyrex it's one pattern - not all Pyrex. Not too many years ago...(wink, wink)...collectors wanted it ALL. I don't know anyone like that...hahaha
I've been reflecting on direction over the past few weeks. I have some tough decisions to make that I will "embrace" (smile) however, it will be hard. Finding a balance in business and personal life can be very challenging when you are self-employed. It seems in January of each year, I have plans, goals and direction - I am at a cross roads at the end of this year between...."possessions and physical comfort vs. spiritual values." Not that what I do conflicts with my spiritual values - but it does conflict with the time I spend on my spiritual values. I have been thinking fondly on one of my mentors, George Woodrich. I use to say "he is an honest auctioneer" - which could be viewed as an oxymoron - but, he had a way of positively representing himself, reflecting spiritual values (he did many wonderful things privately). He has passed on and people are still saying nice things of him. What a legacy. I recently ran into a "wippersnapper" who stated "I'm the only one in our community to EVER do household auctions" Really?!? I still remember the old timers!
So, I guess I started this post about Black Friday - somehow it ended up with spiritual values, this is how my mind works. In 2018 I plan to do more things privately (using George's example). If you happen to see me somewhere you see me...not that I don't want to say what I'm doing and where...it's ALL just too much! I'm actually "sick" of much of it and need a break! Spiritual Values vs. (fill in the blank)...more words for my "hat" to draw for my 2018 word of the year.
Oh I know one can not operate a successful business without social media and you will see a flurry of posts before an event, it's how it's done now; that's our world. I'm prayerfully considering my options. Thanks for following along.
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
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Good post! ��
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