Renewed
Hope for the New Year
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Jim Magay |
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Christmas is over, winter is setting in with a vengeance, already in the Northeast we’re thinking Caribbean thoughts, or at the least – hot tub thoughts.
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2012 is here – 12 years ago at this time, we were feeling relieved that the Millennium Bug didn’t wipe out all our computers and make the world stand still. I remember that particular New Years very well – we stocked up on fine dining provisions, invited 30 or 40 of our best friends over, had a midnight burial of a time capsule stuffed with all sorts of artifacts of our times (I wonder how the Hostess Twinkies will taste in about 50 years – probably just as fresh as when they were baked!).
We were; collectively, a little miffed that nothing happened. The computers continued to chug along, clocks didn’t shut down, planes didn’t fall out of the air, traffic lights still functioned, and the talking heads on the tube continued to chatter.
And of course they still chatter, is it just me or has television become more trivial than ever? Even formerly respectable news outlets now offer up to date info on the …Kardashians!!!
So Rome is burning, but everything is OK because we can keep up with Kim and Khloe, ….talk about bread and circuses. Naturally, with the TV world so firmly upside down – we get our real news from Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert.
Well, not to be negative – I’m sure things will be much better after the election. After November. No more gridlock. The two sides will start cooperating for the good of the American People. Rush will embrace (figuratively) Rachel and all will be well in the world….riiiight!
Of course the optical world is the one we are interested in. I read recently about the “hollowed out” middle class. You know; maxed out credit cards, kids in school, mortgage payments on an underwater house, and the threat of your job heading to New Delhi or Guangzhou. (Makes it tough to sell luxury items to aspiring middle classers - but not for lack of trying!)
Strategies abound for increasing sales in this trying market. Groupon (or one of its more local competitors) might help get more shoes through the door – but don’t look for loyalty from these bargain shoppers. Social media has been mentioned as a way of cementing loyalty from existing “Friends,” and we are seeing ads for online retailing that you own and operate.
Consider what lines are you putting in for 2012, high-end or more middle of the road, or basic low-ball stuff? Will you be economizing with your lens selection as the market for $700 to $800 - all the bells and whistles progressives - continues to be soft? I’ve heard from ECPs who are looking closely at their buying and considering changing labs for better buying “deals.” (In truth, the best deal seems to be working with a quality lab you trust and making sure their prices are competitive – they certainly don’t want to lose your business.)
Lots of paths to choose from – wish there was a road map! Well, at least I can wish you all a happy and prosperous 2012 – let’s hope the economy cooperates!
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