This is also one of my busiest times of my year as a business owner, behind the scenes...
It’s when buying trips are in full swing, decisions are being made about what to buy for our upcoming collections and importantly how much to buy… it’s a fun time, but it can also present its challenges.
I’ve just returned from my annual pilgrimage to Melbourne, where I spent 4 full days immersed in all things retail. For me, it’s not just about the buying (though of course that’s important), it’s about reconnecting with current suppliers, meeting new suppliers and the best part, meeting in person other business owners who I’ve only ever communicated with via social media.
There’s a special something that happens when you connect positively with fellow boutique owners, because owning a business like ours can be quite solitary, that is until you allow yourself to share with and learn from those around you.
There’s a wealth of knowledge and support out there and I am constantly in awe of those well established retailers who simply “know their stuff”. This trip was especially nice for me personally, as so many people reached out expressing their appreciation for the efforts we are making on our social platforms, recognising the community we are creating both locally and via our online presence.
As with anything worthwhile, this extra push we are making takes a lot of effort, but by making it enjoyable it hardly seems like work at all (most of the time)!
While all this is happening for me out of town, there’s also massive changes happening in store at this time of the year too. This is when the last hints of winter are taken away, with racks being completely refreshed with bright spring fashion.
The girls in store are working double time to keep up with deliveries, and let me tell you walking back into the store after being away for a week or two is like walking back into a completely new business… the colour this spring is phenomenal!
Now as I sit here writing this month’s musings, I can’t help but reflect on my day in the shop yesterday. The sun was out, there was a buzz in town as so many fabulous ladies wandered through the doors.
This of course isn’t unusual, but there was something else in the air. These stylish ladies all had one thing in common… they were attending the Ballet at the Glasshouse.
There was excitement in the air, as “old” friends reconnected for a girls’ weekend in Port and the atmosphere around them was electric. Having just returned from Melbourne, where I took advantage of the new Bonza route direct from Port into Tullamarine, it got me thinking. I was so excited to be able to jump on a jet from our regional airport and arrive in Melbourne less than two hours later!
The easy access to new restaurants, sporting events, and stage shows… but after experiencing the buzz around town over the weekend, it really did remind me how lucky we are.
Those attending the ballet on Saturday had all booked in for pre show dinner or drinks at our selection of fabulous dining options within walking distance of the venue; they could walk back to their accommodation after the show without hustling for an Uber with 20,000 other attendees, and they could also enjoy our divine beaches, shopping and cafes all weekend too.
Sure, there’s nothing like an escape to the big city every now and then, but in reality, we’ve got everything we need right here… and seeing the excitement in my customers this weekend was just the reminder I needed.
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